How to Make Your Candle Last Longer

Yay! Your candle just arrived in the mail and it smells amazing. After stepping out the shower and slipping into something soft, you're ready to set the vibes and wind down. A match is struck and the candle is lit... only for you to suffer through an uneven burn or watch it disappear too quickly.

Dorothy believes candles should do more than smell good. They should last, glow, and fill your space like they're meant to. Here's how to get the most out of your burn:

 

Let the first burn set the tone.

The very first time you light your candle, let it burn until the entire top layer of wax melts evenly. This can take 2–4 hours depending on the size. Why? Wax has memory. If you snuff it out too early, your candle may tunnel, leaving wasted wax around the edges. Think of the first burn as setting the foundation.

 

Keep your wick trimmed.

Before every burn, trim your wick down to about ¼ inch. A long wick burns hotter, faster, and can leave soot on the glass. A short, neat wick gives you a steady flame and a cleaner burn. (Tip: if you don’t have wick trimmers, nail clippers work just fine.)

 

Don't burn the candle forever.

It’s tempting to leave your candle going for hours, but once you hit the 4-hour mark, give it a rest. Over-burning can cause the jar to get too hot and shorten your candle’s lifespan. Snuff it out, let it cool, and relight later to keep it fresh.

 

Protect your scent throw.

Keep your candle away from drafts, fans, or open windows. Too much breeze will make the flame dance and burn unevenly. Still air = stronger fragrance.

and lastly,

 

Store with care.

When not in use, keep your candle lid on (or store it in a cool, dry place). This protects the wax from dust and helps preserve the scent.

 

from the founder

for me, a candle was never just wax and fragrance. it's a mood setter, memory keeper, and now, a little touch of culture you can bring into your space. dorothy was made for people who notice the details, want their homes to feel intentional, and need to carry a piece of the islands wherever they go.

treat your candle with care, and it will reciprocate tenfold.