How to Care for Decorative Candles – Playingflames

09/04/2025

Decorative candles add a magical touch to any space – whether it’s a romantic dinner, festive celebration, or cozy living room setup. But to keep these artistic wax pieces looking beautiful and burning safely, a little love and care go a long way.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through essential decorative candle care tips that will help extend their life, preserve their fragrance, and keep your space glowing safely and beautifully.

🌟 Why Candle Care Matters

Decorative candles are not just wax with a wick — they’re mood creators, aromatic companions, and stylish decor elements. Taking care of them ensures:

Longer burn time
Consistent fragrance throw
Maintained design and shape
Safe usage without soot or mess

🕯️ 1. Trim the Wick Before Each Use

Before lighting your decorative candle, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch (6 mm). A longer wick can create:

A larger flame
Uneven burning
Soot around the candle container

Using a wick trimmer ensures a cleaner burn and reduces smoke.

📏 2. Burn the Candle Long Enough (But Not Too Long!)

The first burn matters the most. Always burn your decorative candle long enough so the wax melts all the way to the edge — this prevents tunneling, where the center burns down and leaves wax on the sides.

For larger candles: 2–3 hours per burn is ideal
Avoid burning any candle for more than 4 hours at a time

☁️ 3. Keep Away from Drafts and Fans

Place your candle away from air conditioners, open windows, and fans. Air flow can:

Make the flame flicker or flare up
Cause uneven melting
Shorten burn time

Choose a stable, flat surface where your candle is safe and away from movement.

📦 4. Store in a Cool, Dry Place

Decorative candles – especially soy or natural wax ones – are sensitive to heat, humidity, and sunlight.
To maintain their color, shape, and fragrance, store them:

In a cool, dry place
Covered or in original packaging
Away from direct sunlight or heaters

Tip: For heavily scented candles, store in airtight containers to retain fragrance longer.

💎 5. Clean Dust and Debris Gently

If your candle has been sitting for a while, it may collect dust, pet hair, or fingerprints. To clean:

Use a soft cloth or microfiber wipe
Avoid washing with water
For crevices in artistic candles, use a dry paintbrush

Keeping the candle surface clean ensures a clean, even flame.

🔥 6. Stop Burning Before the Wax is Completely Gone

For jar or container candles, stop burning when about ½ inch of wax remains at the bottom. This:

Prevents overheating the container
Avoids possible breakage or damage

For pillar or free-standing candles, stop at about 1 inch to avoid wax spillage.

🧼 7. Handle Decorative Elements with Care

Some decorative candles have dried flowers, glitter, or carved designs. Avoid letting these elements come into direct contact with the flame.

If your candle includes external decoration:

Burn with caution
Place on a heat-resistant tray or plate
Trim any nearby decorations away from the wick before lighting

💬 8. Safety First – Always!

Candle care also means safety care:

Never leave a burning candle unattended
Keep candles away from kids and pets
Don’t move candles while they are lit or the wax is hot
Use candle holders for free-standing designs

🧡 9. Reuse and Repurpose After Burn

Once your decorative candle has finished its journey:

Clean the jar or container with warm soapy water
Use it as a plant pot, jewelry holder, or décor item
Some candle brands (like Playingflames) offer refill options – check with your seller!

🔥 Final Thoughts: Treat Candles Like Art

Decorative candles are both functional and artistic. By following these easy candle care tips, you can enjoy a cleaner burn, longer fragrance, and preserve their aesthetic appeal.

Taking just a little time to care can help your candle burn better, look better, and stay with you longer. And that’s a glowing win!