There's nothing quite like lighting a beautiful handmade candle after a long day. But are you getting the most out of yours? Whether you've just picked up one of our Fred & Lily candles or you're a seasoned candle lover, these simple tips will help your candle burn better, last longer, and smell absolutely gorgeous every time.
1. The First Burn Is Everything
The most important burn of your candle's life is the very first one. Always allow your candle to burn long enough for the entire top layer of wax to melt all the way to the edges of the jar. This is called achieving a full melt pool, and it prevents "tunnelling" — where the candle burns straight down the middle, wasting all that lovely wax around the edges.
For most of our 250ml candles, this takes around 2–3 hours. Never extinguish it before the melt pool reaches the edges on that first burn!
2. Trim Your Wick Every Time
Before each burn, trim your wick to around 5mm. A wick that's too long will cause your candle to burn too hot, produce black soot, and use up the wax much faster. A quick trim with scissors or a wick trimmer makes a huge difference to the quality of your burn and the life of your candle.
3. Don't Burn for Too Long at Once
We recommend burning your candle for a maximum of 4 hours at a time. After that, let it cool completely before relighting. This keeps the wax pool at the right temperature and helps your candle last as long as possible.
4. Keep It Away From Draughts
Draughts from open windows, fans, or air conditioning cause your candle to burn unevenly and can create black smoke marks on the jar. Find a still spot for your candle to sit and it'll reward you with a much cleaner, more even burn.
5. Store Your Candles Properly
Keep unused candles away from direct sunlight and heat, which can cause the wax to soften or the fragrance to fade. A cool, dark cupboard is ideal — though we know it's hard to hide something that smells this good!
6. Know When to Stop
Stop burning your candle when there's around 1cm of wax left at the bottom. Burning below this level can cause the jar to overheat. But don't throw the jar away — our candle refills are perfect for giving your favourite Fred & Lily jar a whole new life!
Ready to Find Your Perfect Scent?
All of our candles are handmade right here in Pontefract, West Yorkshire, using premium fragrance oils and a beautiful soy wax blend. Whether you're after something calming, uplifting, or downright indulgent, we've got a scent for every mood.