If you’ve joined one of our candle making classes, you know it’s more than just wax and fragrance, it’s an experience. Each candle is hand-poured by you, into one of our extra large jars, and it deserves a little TLC to make the most of its life (and smell).

We’ve put this candle aftercare tips guide together to help you get the most out of every burn. From trimming your wick to reusing jars, these simple steps will keep your candles burning safely, smelling stronger, and lasting longer.

1. Don't Skip the Curing

If you’ve made your own candle (or joined one of our classes), you’ll know we always stress the importance of curing. After pouring, candles need to cure for at least two weeks before burning. This gives the wax and fragrance time to bind properly, so the scent throw is stronger and even when you light it.

It can be tempting to light your candle straight away, but waiting those two weeks will give you a much better burn and a candle that actually fills the room with fragrance.

2. The First Burn Sets the Tone

This is one of the best candle aftercare tips we can give you!

The first burn is so important and sets the tone for future burns. For our XL Jar, the initial burn should be 4 full hours. This helps the wax melt all the the way to the edge of the jar, setting the “memory” for an even burn in the future.

A slight overhang (just a few millimetres) is totally normal - it will usually catch up on the second or third burn. Just make sure it’s not more than a few millimetres.

Below is a perfect example of how tunnelling starts. The wax didn’t melt all the way to the edges, which creates a narrow ring that gets deeper each time you light it. To avoid this, always burn your Sydney Creative candle for a full 4 hours the first time- or until the melt pool reaches right to the sides. A clean, even top now means better burns (and scent) later!

3. Trim Your Wicks

Before lighting your candle, trim the wick down to about 5mm. This is one of the simplest but most effective candle aftercare tips - it helps the flame burn steadily, reduces smoke, and stops soot from building up on the jar.

A long wick will burn too hot and can cause the wax to melt unevenly, so keeping it short and neat makes your candle last longer.

4. Watch Your Burn Time

Candles aren’t meant to be burned endlessly. In our classes, we make XL candles that should be burned for a maximum of 4 hours at a time. This gives you the best melt pool, helps the fragrance carry evenly, and keeps the jar from overheating.

If you’re burning a smaller candle, check the maker’s instructions as the safe burn time may be shorter. As a general rule, 2-4 hours is ideal for most sizes.

5. Extinguish Safely

Blowing out a candle seems like the obvious way to put it out, but it can actually cause hot wax to splatter and fill the air with smoke. A safer option is to use a candle snuffer.

This method stops the wick from smoking, keeps the air clear, and helps your candle stay in better condition for the next burn.

6. Use the Lid

If your candle comes with a lid, don’t toss it aside - it’s there for a reason. Putting the lid back on after your candle cools helps keep the fragrance oil locked in and stops dust from settling on the wax.

It also keeps your candle looking fresh if it’s sitting out on a shelf between burns. Just make sure the candle is completely cool before replacing the lid to avoid trapping any heat.

7. Knowing When to Stop

As much as you want to enjoy every last drop of wax, it’s important to stop burning your candle when there’s about 1cm left at the bottom. Burning it lower than that can cause the jar to overheat which could lead to the glass cracking, since there isn’t enough wax to absorb the heat from the flame.

It might feel like you’re wasting wax, but you can scoop out the leftover and use it in a wax melter, or save it up to repurpose later. (We share some fun reuse ideas further down in this guide.)

Stopping at that last centimetre means your jar stays safe, intact, and ready to be cleaned out and reused.

8. Getting That Last Bit of Wax Out

Once your candle has burned down, leave about 1cm of wax at the bottom and let the jar return to room temperature. Once the jar is at room temp, pop it in the freezer overnight. The wax will harden and shrink away from the sides, making it easier to get out.

The next day, simply turn the jar upside down, hold it in one hand, and give the base a firm tap with the palm of your hand. The wax should pop out. Use a spoon to gently lift out the metal wick tabs if needed.

One of our favourite candle aftercare tips is reusing your jars once the wax is gone. Simply wash them with warm soapy water, and they’re ready for their next life.

9. What To Do With Your Empty Jar

We love seeing how our customers reuse their candle jars. Some of our favourite ideas include:

• Paintbrush holder (especially handy for our art class regulars!)
• Makeup brush or eyeliner organiser
• Pen holder for your desk
• Dangly earring stand – the rim is perfect for shepherd hook earrings to hang neatly

10. About Refills...

We get asked about candle refills all the time. While we love the idea, we’re currently holding off as there’s some concern about how heat exposure over time may affect the integrity of the glass. And your safety is our top priority.

Disclaimer:

These care instructions are designed specifically for the XL candles made in our workshops only. Every candle is different - smaller jars, different waxes, or commercial candles may have different burn guidelines. Always follow the manufacturer’s advice for other candles, and never leave any candle unattended while burning.

Made something beautiful in class? We’d love to see how you're using it or styling your jars, tag us on Instagram!

Now you’ve got 10 of the best candle aftercare tips to keep your candles burning beautifully.

Want to go beyond aftercare and make your own candles from scratch? Check out our Candle Making Classes in Sydney