The top tips for caring for luxury candles

You finally made it through the day.

The emails are done (or at least close enough), the dishes can wait, and it’s time to reclaim a little peace. You light a candle, breathe deeply, and let the soft glow warm the room. In that moment, everything slows down. This tiny ritual—lighting a candle—becomes your pause button. But did you know that the way you care for your candles can make a big difference in both how they burn and your overall experience?

At Prana Candles, we're big believers in mindful living and small sustainable choices. Our mission goes beyond just providing beautiful, clean-burning candles—we want to help you build a home and lifestyle that feels good and does good for the Earth.

So whether you’re already well on your way to creating an eco-friendly home or you're just beginning to explore more sustainable living, here are our top tips for caring for luxury candles to make the most of your moments of calm.

Why Choosing Sustainable Candles Matters

Before we dive into the tips, it's worth noting why choosing non-toxic, sustainable candles is an essential part of intentional living. Many mainstream candles are made with paraffin wax, which is a byproduct of petroleum and can release potentially harmful toxins when burned. In contrast, sustainable candles—like the ones we craft at Prana—use clean-burning ingredients such as soy wax, lead-free cotton wicks, and essential oil blends. They’re kinder to your health and the environment, making them the perfect companion for any self-care routine.

Now let’s talk about how to treat your candles right so they treat you back.

1. Trim the Wick Every Time

We get it—it’s tempting to light your candle and forget the prep. But trimming the wick to about 1/4 inch before each burn helps prevent sooting and ensures an even, steady flame. A trimmed wick leads to a longer-lasting candle and a cleaner burn. Bonus: it's one of those tiny rituals that signals you're entering a calmer, more mindful headspace.

2. Let the Wax Pool on the First Burn

The first time you light your luxury candle, allow it to burn long enough for the wax to melt all the way to the edges of the container (usually about 2–3 hours). This simple step prevents “tunneling,” where the wax burns down the middle, leaving wasted wax around the edges. Letting it fully melt the first time ensures a more efficient, longer-lasting candle—and makes your self-care ritual a bit more satisfying.

3. Don’t Burn It for Too Long

While it’s tempting to keep your candle going for hours, burning it for more than 3–4 hours at a stretch can cause the wick to mushroom and lead to excessive soot. Think of a candle burn as a mini ritual: enough time to unwind, meditate, journal, or simply sit in stillness.

4. Protect Your Candle Between Uses

When you're not using your candle, store it in a cool, dark place—or cover it with a lid to protect it from dust. Dust and debris can disrupt the clean-burning flame and affect its scent profile. This helps maintain the purity of your luxury candle and supports your eco-friendly home aesthetic—nothing smells better than peace of mind.

5. Repurpose the Jar for Sustainable Living

Part of living mindfully is getting creative with reuse. Once your candle has done its job, clean out the jar and repurpose it as a planter, pen holder, or even a jar for your bathroom essentials. It’s one more small way to embrace sustainable living and reduce waste—plus, the jars from our collection are just too beautiful to toss.

Creating a Mindful Self-Care Ritual

Candles create atmosphere, yes, but they can also anchor your self-care practices. Build a routine around lighting your candle—prepare a cup of tea, turn off notifications, write down your thoughts, or meditate for a few moments. Let the scent be your signal: it's time to turn inward, even just for a little while. With eco-friendly candles, you can breathe deeply and relax knowing your ritual is safe for both you and the planet.

At Prana Candles, we’re honoured to be part of your path toward a more centered, intentional life. Our non-toxic candles are handcrafted in Canada with your well-being and the Earth in mind—because we believe that mindful living should feel good in every way.

FAQs

1. How do I know if a candle is truly eco-friendly or non-toxic?

Check the ingredients. Eco-friendly candles should use natural waxes like soy, coconut, or beeswax, avoid paraffin, and use cotton or wooden wicks. Essential oils or phthalate-free fragrances are also better for your lungs and the planet. At Prana, we commit to full transparency and use only clean-burning, non-toxic ingredients in our Canadian-made candles.

2. Why does my candle tunnel even if I follow the first burn rule?

Occasionally, uneven surfaces or drafts in your room can still cause tunneling. Try rotating the candle during burning or using a candle warmer to help even out the wax pool. If tunneling has already occurred, you can carefully trim the edges of the wax to help it rebalance.

3. Can scented candles affect indoor air quality?

Yes, especially if they’re made with paraffin wax and synthetic fragrances. These can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that may affect your indoor air. Choosing sustainable candles made from clean-burning waxes and non-toxic scents—like those from Prana—ensures your air stays as calming as your candlelight.

4. How long should a luxury candle last?

It depends on the size and how well you care for it. A well-maintained, sustainably-made candle can burn for 40–60 hours or more. Proper wick trimming and avoiding long burn sessions can significantly extend your candle’s life.

5. Are Prana Candles suitable for people with scent sensitivities?

Yes, absolutely. We use essential oil blends and gentle, phthalate-free fragrances that are suitable for sensitive noses. Many of our customers with scent sensitivities find our candles calming rather than overwhelming—and because they’re free from toxins, they support cleaner, healthier indoor air.

For more on our thoughtfully crafted collection, explore our most-loved scents here. Here's to creating a more intentional, eco-friendly home—one soft flicker at a time.