How to Choose, Use&Care for Scented Candles: The M&SENSE Guide

In recent years, the search interest in “scented candles” surges dramatically every holiday season, with peaks in December. Meanwhile, “soy candles” and “aromatherapy candles” show steady growth in popularity as consumers favor cleaner, wellness-oriented products.  At M&SENSE, we believe a beautifully made candle is part ritual, part décor, and entirely about enhancing your space.

In this post, we’ll walk you through:

• What makes a high-quality candle

• Best practices for burning

• Maintenance tips to extend life

• Safety guidelines

• How to pick the right scent for your home

Why Scented & Aromatherapy Candles Are Trending

The Rise of Soy, Organic & Wellness Candles

Keyword trends reveal that searches for “soy candles” continue to grow, especially among eco-conscious shoppers.  Consumers increasingly demand non-toxic, clean burn products. Meanwhile, “aromatherapy candles” also spike around holiday periods.  At M&SENSE, we align with this shift by using responsibly sourced waxes and prioritizing essential oil–based formulations.

Seasonal Demand & Search Peaks

Historically, interest in candles climbs starting October and peaks through December and January. This pattern suggests strategic timing for marketing campaigns, gift sets, and limited editions. Also trending in 2025 are keywords like “floral” and “container” (i.e. candles that double as decorative objects). 

Popular Fragrance Themes

According to scent analyses drawing from Google Trends data, top candle scents include sandalwood, vanilla, cinnamon, and pumpkin spice.  Seasonal scents like pumpkin spice see strong autumnal interest. 

What to Look for in a Quality Scented Candle

Wax Type & Purity

• Opt for soy wax, natural vegetable wax, or blends labeled “non-toxic candle wax”.

• Avoid products with chemical solvents or synthetic agents.

• Check that the wax melts evenly and cleanly without heavy residue.

Wick & Flame

• Choose candles with cotton wicks or wood wicks that burn steadily.

• A proper wick should not produce excessive smoke or carbon buildup on the jar (sooting).

Fragrance Load & Longevity

• A good candle balances scent — not so weak that you can’t smell it, not so strong that it’s overwhelming.
  

• Pay attention to burning time ratings: longer burn time gives more value.

Container & Design

• The container should be heat resistant (e.g. thick glass, ceramic).

• Trendy keywords like “container candle” hint at demand for visually pleasing jars you might reuse. 

• Minimalist or sculptural forms (e.g. white, green, purple tones) are trending in décor. 

Best Practices for Burning Your Candle

First Burn: Set the Right Memory

On your first burn, allow the wax surface to melt evenly from edge to edge (create a full wax melt pool). This helps avoid tunneling (when wax burns down the middle, leaving outer wax untouched).

Wick Trimming & Maintenance

• Before every burn, trim the wick to ~ 5 mm (or about ⅛ inch).

• This prevents high flames, flickering, and soot formation.

• If the flame is uneven, gently straighten the wick when cool.

Avoid Drafts & Air Flow

• Place candles away from direct airflow (fans, open windows, vents).

• Air movement can cause uneven melting, smoke, or flicker that disturbs the candle’s burn.

Proper Extinguishing

• Use a candle snuffer rather than blowing to avoid wax spatter or bending the wick.

• After extinguishing, allow the wax to solidify, and re-center the wick if necessary.

Dust & Cover Protection

• When not in use, cover the candle with its lid (if provided) to prevent dust accumulation.

• Keep your candle in a cool, dry place to preserve scent integrity.

How to Extend Candle Life

Avoid Short, Frequent Burns

Burning candles for only a few minutes repeatedly can lead to uneven surface memory. It’s better to aim for burns of 1 to 2 hours or more, depending on candle size.

Keep Away from Heat & Sunlight

High ambient temperatures accelerate fragrance evaporation.
Direct sunlight or strong indoor heat may soften or warp the candle.

Clean Jar & Remove Residue

After wax cools, if soot or residue accumulates on the inside walls, gently clean with a soft, dry cloth. For deeper cleaning, wait until fully cooled and use mild detergent, then completely dry before reusing.

Store Smart

Store unused candles in a dark, stable-temperature environment so that light, humidity, or heat do not degrade essential oils or wax structure.

Safety Tips & Warnings

• Never leave a lit candle unattended.

• Place candles on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from flammable materials (curtains, paper, fabrics).

• Keep out of reach of children and pets.

• If the glass container cracks, discontinue use immediately. (Notably, large-jar candles have been recalled in the past for jar breakage hazards.) 

• Ensure the candle is fully cooled before moving or trimming.

Choosing the Right Scent for Each Room

Living Room / Social Spaces

Floral, woody, or citrus-oriental blends produce ambiance without overpowering guests. Words like “floral candle” tend to perform well in searches. 

Bedroom & Relaxation Zone

Lavender, chamomile, or soft vanilla are ideal for winding down. Aromatherapy blends with calming essential oils fit well here.

Kitchen & Dining Area

Fresh or citrus scents (e.g. lemon, orange, herbs) help neutralize food odors. Use lighter blends to avoid clashing with food aromas.

Seasonal & Holiday Scents

Fall and winter favor pumpkin spice, cinnamon, clove, or gingerbread. These seasonal favorites reliably surge in search interest in autumn. 

Final Thoughts

When thoughtfully made and properly cared for, a scented candle becomes more than just light — it becomes a sensory experience, a mood enhancer, and a piece of decor. By following best practices for burning, maintenance, and safety, you can maximize performance, longevity, and enjoyment.

At M&SENSE, we stand behind our commitment to clean ingredients, sustainable materials, and elegant designs. We hope this guide helps you make the most of your candles and build trust with your audience.

If you’d like help picking the perfect candle for a room, season, or mood — or tailoring content keywords for your site — I’d be happy to assist further.