You've found the perfect candle. The scent is everything. But are you burning it the right way? Proper candle care isn't just about safety — it's about getting the longest, cleanest, most even burn possible from every single candle you own.
Here's everything you need to know.
1. Trim Your Wick Before Every Burn
This is the single most important candle care habit. A wick that's too long creates a large, flickering flame that produces excess soot, burns through wax too quickly, and can even cause the jar to overheat. Before every burn, trim your wick to 1/4 inch.
You can use a wick trimmer (ideal), small scissors, or even your fingernails for a quick pinch. Just make sure to remove any trimmings from the wax pool before lighting.
2. Nail the First Burn
The first time you light a new candle is the most important burn of its life. Candles have a "memory" — the wax will only melt as wide as it did on the first burn. If you extinguish it too soon, you'll create a tunnel that follows your candle for its entire lifespan.
Rule: Burn your candle long enough for the melt pool to reach the edges of the container. For most standard jar candles, this takes 2–4 hours.
3. Keep Burns to 4 Hours Maximum
More isn't more when it comes to candle burning. Burning for longer than 4 hours causes the wick to "mushroom" (the tip curls and widens), the jar to overheat, and the fragrance to dissipate faster than intended. Stick to 2–4 hour burn sessions for optimal performance.
4. Let the Wax Cool Completely Before Relighting
After extinguishing your candle, wait until the wax has fully solidified before lighting it again. This allows the fragrance oils to reset and ensures a more even next burn.
5. How to Fix a Tunneled Candle
If you already have a candle with a tunnel, don't give up on it. Here are two fixes:
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Foil method: Wrap aluminum foil around the top of the jar, leaving a small opening over the wick. Light the candle and let it burn for 1–2 hours. The trapped heat will melt the outer wax walls and level the surface.
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Hair dryer method: Use a hair dryer on low heat to gently melt and smooth the surface of the wax before lighting. Then do a full burn to the edges.
6. Keep Your Candle Away From Drafts
Drafts cause uneven burning, excessive flickering, and soot on the jar. Keep candles away from open windows, fans, air vents, and high-traffic areas. A steady, calm flame is a sign your candle is burning correctly.
7. Store Candles Properly
Heat, humidity, and direct sunlight are a candle's enemies. Store your candles in a cool, dry place away from windows. If your candle came with a lid, use it — it protects the wax and preserves the fragrance between burns.
8. Know When to Retire a Candle
Stop burning your candle when 1/2 inch of wax remains at the bottom of the jar. Burning beyond this point can cause the jar to overheat, crack, or damage the surface beneath it. The good news: empty candle jars make beautiful small vases, storage vessels, or bathroom organizers.
A Quick Candle Care Checklist
- ✅ Trim the wick to 1/4" before every burn
- ✅ Allow full melt pool on the first burn
- ✅ Burn for no more than 4 hours at a time
- ✅ Keep away from drafts and direct sunlight
- ✅ Let wax cool before relighting
- ✅ Stop at 1/2" of remaining wax
Taking care of your candles means more hours of fragrance, cleaner burns, and a safer home. Shop our full collection and enjoy every burn to its fullest.
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