How to Make a FRIENDS Monica's Apartment Candle Last Longer
By Homesick | Published: 2026-10-25
Category: How-to Guides
Learn practical candle care tips to extend the burn time of your FRIENDS Monica's Apartment Candle, from first burn to proper trimming and storage.
Quick answer
To make your FRIENDS Monica's Apartment Candle last longer, trim the wick to 1/4 inch before every burn, allow the wax to melt to the edges on the first burn, and keep it away from drafts.
Why the first burn matters
The first time you light a candle sets the stage for how it will burn afterward. If you only let it burn for a short while, the wax may not melt evenly, creating a tunnel that wastes wax and shortens the overall burn time. For the Monica's Apartment Candle, with its blend of amber and suede notes, you want a full melt pool to release the scent properly and prevent wasted wax.
A full melt pool also ensures the fragrance throws evenly. The coriander and bergamot top notes need enough heat to disperse, so don't rush the first burn.
Trade-off: longer burns vs. safety
While longer burn sessions help even melting, you should never leave a candle burning for more than four hours at a time. After that, the wick can mushroom, and the glass may get too hot. A good compromise is to plan for at least one to two hours per burn, but no more than four.
If you're using the candle in a smaller room, you may not need to burn it as long to fill the space with the suede and cedarwood base notes. Adjust burn time based on room size to avoid wasting wax.
Steps to extend the life of your Monica's Apartment Candle
- Trim the wick before every burn: Use a wick trimmer or scissors to cut the wick to about 1/4 inch. A shorter wick burns more slowly and reduces soot, giving you a cleaner, longer-lasting candle. Check the wick length before each lighting; if it's longer than 1/4 inch, trim it.
- Burn for a full melt pool on the first lighting: Light the candle and let it burn until the entire top layer of wax is liquid, which may take 1-2 hours. This prevents tunneling and ensures even burning for the rest of the candle's life. If you extinguish before the melt pool reaches the edges, the wax will tunnel and reduce burn time.
- Keep the candle away from drafts: Place the candle in a draft-free area, away from windows, fans, or air vents. Drafts cause uneven burning and increase the burn rate, wasting wax. If you notice the flame flickering, move the candle to a more sheltered spot.
- Limit each burn session to 4 hours maximum: After 4 hours, extinguish the candle and let it cool for at least 2 hours before relighting. This prevents overheating, wick mushrooming, and excessive smoke, which can shorten the candle's life. Set a timer if needed; a longer burn doesn't mean a longer-lasting candle.
- Store the candle properly between uses: Keep the candle covered with its lid or in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This preserves the fragrance and prevents dust from dulling the wax, so you get the full scent experience each time. If you don't have a lid, use a small plate or wrap to protect the surface.
Candle facts that affect burn time
- FRIENDS™ Monica's Apartment Candle: This candle features notes of coriander, amber, suede, and cedarwood, with a warm and cozy profile. Because the fragrance blend is rich, you don't need to burn it for long to enjoy the scent, which helps you conserve the wax and extend the candle's life.
FRIENDS™ Monica's Apartment Candle
