1. Trim the Wick

• Regular Trimming: Before each burn, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch. This helps prevent soot and prolongs the life of the candle. Use a wick trimmer for best results.

• Avoid Long Wicks: Long wicks can cause the candle to burn too hot, leading to a faster melt and potential hazards.

 

2. The First Burn is Key

• Initial Burn: When you light a new candle, allow it to burn long enough so the wax melts across the entire surface. This prevents tunneling (when the candle burns down the middle, leaving hard wax on the sides).

• Burn Duration: For the first burn, let the candle burn for approximately one hour per inch of its diameter. For instance, a three-inch candle should burn for about three hours.​

 

3. Keep It Clean

• Remove Debris: Before lighting the candle, remove any wick trimmings or match debris from the wax pool. Debris can catch fire or lead to an uneven burn.

• Avoid Dust: When not in use, cover your candle with a lid or cloche to prevent dust from settling on the wax.

 

4. Avoid Drafts

• Stable Environment: Burn your candle in a draft-free area to prevent uneven burning, dripping, and smoke. Drafts can cause the flame to flicker excessively, leading to a faster burn.

 

5. Store Properly

• Cool, Dark Place: Store candles in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Exposure to light and heat can cause the candle to discolor and lose fragrance.

• Upright Storage: Always store candles upright to prevent warping and distortion of the wax.

 

6. Optimize Burn Time

• Appropriate Duration: Don’t burn a candle for more than four hours at a time. Excessive burning can lead to overheating of the container and wax.

• Cool Down: Allow the candle to cool for at least two hours before relighting.

 

7. Maximize the End of the Candle

• Remaining Wax: When a candle reaches the end of its life (about 1/2 inch of wax remaining), discontinue use to avoid overheating the container. You can repurpose the leftover wax using a wax warmer.