We love candles in jars—they look fantastic, you can make them yourself, they smell wonderful, and they create a cozy atmosphere at home during the winter.
Plus, compared to candlesticks, they're safer since they can burn down on their own without much worry.
But it can be frustrating when half of the wax sticks to the sides of the jar.
Luckily, there's a simple one-second trick to fix this problem.
The Secret? Trim the Wick
Abigail Cook Stone, founder of Otherland Candle Co., shares her candle-saving tip: before lighting your candle, trim the wick to about three millimeters.
This small adjustment helps the wax burn slower and more evenly, preventing those thick, unburned wax edges.
Plus, it reduces the amount of soot that forms.
Cutting off the black lump at the tip of the wick removes carbon buildup, which can make the candle burn faster than it should.
Avoiding One-Sided Buildup
Placement matters!
If your candle is near a draft, the flame will flicker in one direction, causing an uneven burn and leaving one side of the candle with a messy wax edge.
To keep it burning evenly, place your candle in a spot without a breeze.
Extinguish Your Candle Correctly
When it’s time to put out your candle, be careful not to blow too hard, which could cause wax splashes. Using a snuff lid to gently extinguish the flame is ideal.
Wait until the smoke dies down to avoid the wax absorbing an ashy smell. Avoid using other methods of extinguishing, as they can be dangerous.
With these simple tips, you’ll get the most out of your scented candles, keeping them burning evenly and for much longer.
