The ritual of care begins with the first burn.
A new candle holds more than fragrance — it holds potential. The promise of a slow evening, a familiar memory, a flicker of calm in a busy day. But to unlock that experience fully, a candle deserves a little care — and a little knowledge.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know to make your wooden wick candles last longer, burn cleaner, and glow brighter — just as they were designed to.
1. Why Candle Care Matters
Think of candle care as the quiet art of preservation. A well-cared-for candle can last up to 30% longer, burn evenly, and release its scent more beautifully. Without proper maintenance, even the most luxurious wax can tunnel, soot, or lose its fragrance throw.
Beyond longevity, good care reflects sustainability — less waste, fewer discarded jars, and more joy per burn. It’s a ritual of respect — for your space, your senses, and the craft behind every ARTES creation.
2. The Crucial First Burn (Memory Burn)
Candles have memory.
During the first burn, the wax “remembers” how far it melts — so it’s essential to let it reach the edges before extinguishing. This sets the foundation for all future burns and prevents tunneling (that annoying hollow centre).
For ARTES’ wooden wick candles, allow the first burn to last 2–4 hours — long enough for the entire top layer of wax to melt evenly. Once the wax reaches the sides, you’ve created the perfect “memory” that will guide all future burns.
Tip: Always let your candle cool completely before relighting. This prevents uneven melting and maintains wick stability.
3. Caring for a Wooden Wick
Wooden wicks are special — they offer a soft crackle, an elegant horizontal flame, and a clean, even burn when cared for properly.
Before each burn:
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Trim your wooden wick to 3–5mm using a wick trimmer or by gently pinching off the charred tip between your fingers once cooled.
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Ensure the wick is clean — remove any debris from the wax surface before lighting.
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Hold your lighter to the wooden wick for a few extra seconds to help it catch evenly (they can take a little longer to ignite than cotton wicks).
If your flame appears weak or extinguishes quickly, it’s usually due to leftover char. Trim the burnt layer and relight — your candle will return to full strength.
4. Safe & Mindful Burning Practices
Candles create atmosphere — but they also demand mindfulness.
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Never burn for more than 4 hours at a time.
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Always place your candle on a heat-resistant surface, away from drafts and curtains.
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Extinguish gently — use a snuffer or blow softly to avoid splattering wax.
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Allow the wax to fully solidify before relighting.
Treat the act of lighting as a ritual — not a routine. Slow down, breathe, and be present in the glow.
5. Storage & Longevity
Store your candles like fine wine — in a cool, dry, shaded space away from direct sunlight and humidity. This preserves both fragrance and color.
If your candle develops uneven surfaces, a gentle polish with a soft cloth can restore its smooth finish. When traveling or gifting, keep lids on to protect against dust and preserve the scent’s integrity.
6. The ARTES Touch
At ARTES, every candle is a story — hand-poured in Sydney using a soy and coconut wax blend, designed for cleaner burns and stronger scent diffusion. Each fragrance is a memory brought to life: from MOONDANCER’s meditative blooms to LAUNDRY SERVICE’s crisp Sunday calm.
Our wooden wicks are sourced for their superior burn quality and soothing crackle, evoking the intimacy of a miniature fireplace. Every element — from wax to vessel — is chosen with sustainability and longevity in mind.
Because when you light an ARTES candle, you’re not just creating ambience — you’re preserving an experience.
In Closing
Candle care is more than maintenance — it’s mindfulness in motion.
The small act of trimming, timing, and tending deepens the connection between you and your space.
So next time you light your ARTES candle, take a moment. Watch the flame dance, listen to the crackle, and know that every flicker tells a story — one that begins and lasts with care.
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