Before Each Burn: Trim the wick to about 1/4 inch (6mm) to avoid a large flame, soot, or uneven burning. This also prevents the wick from becoming too long and causing a “mushrooming” effect on the top of the wick.
How to Trim: You can use a wick trimmer, scissors, or even nail clippers to snip the wick.
2. Burn for Long Enough to Melt the Wax Evenly
Initial Burn: On the first burn, allow the candle to melt all the way across the surface to the edges (this can take 2-3 hours depending on the size). This helps prevent tunneling and ensures an even burn in the future.
Avoid Short Burns: If you only burn the candle for a short time, it can create a “tunnel,” where the wax melts down the center, leaving a lot of unused wax on the sides.
3. Keep the Candle Free of Debris
Avoid Dust & Wick Fragments: Make sure there’s no debris (dust, wick trimmings, etc.) in the melted wax. Debris can cause uneven burning or even create a fire hazard.
Clean the Candle Holder: Before the next use, wipe down the inside of the jar to remove any dust or soot buildup.
4. Burn Candles in a Safe Place
Away from Drafts: Burning candles in a drafty area (like near open windows or vents) can cause the flame to flicker or the candle to burn unevenly.
Heatproof Surface: Place the candle on a heatproof surface, such as a ceramic or metal tray, to avoid damage to surfaces and reduce the risk of fire.
5. Never Leave a Candle Unattended
Safety First: Always extinguish candles when leaving the room or going to bed.
Keep Away from Children & Pets: Ensure that candles are placed in a safe, out-of-reach location.
6. Extinguish Safely
Use a Wick Dipper: To avoid blowing wax around and creating a mess, use a wick dipper to push the wick into the melted wax and then pull it back out. This helps to put out the flame cleanly.
Avoid Blowing on the Candle: If you blow it out, make sure to blow gently to avoid hot wax splattering.
7. Store Candles Properly
Cool, Dry Place: Store candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat, which can cause the wax to discolor or soften.
Keep Lids On: If the candle has a lid, keep it on when it’s not in use to preserve the fragrance and protect the candle from dust.
