Candles aren’t just beautiful additions to your home — they’re an experience. To make the most of your candle, a little care goes a long way. Whether you’re lighting a new favourite scent or enjoying a familiar one, following a few simple practices will help your candle burn cleaner, safer, and longer.
In this guide, we’ll cover the three essentials of candle care: trimming the wick, the first burn, and general burn times.
1. Trim Your Wick
Before each burn, make sure your wick is trimmed to about ¼ inch (6mm).
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A properly trimmed wick helps prevent excess smoke, soot, and “mushrooming” (the carbon ball that can form at the tip of the wick).
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It also keeps the flame at a safe height and ensures an even, steady burn.
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Use a wick trimmer, nail clippers, or scissors — just be sure the wick is upright and free of debris before lighting.
2. The First Burn Matters
When you light your candle for the first time, plan to let it burn until the entire surface of the wax melts into a full pool (all the way to the edges of the jar).
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This usually takes 2–4 hours, depending on the size of the candle.
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Skipping this step may cause “tunneling,” where wax builds up on the sides and reduces the overall burn life of your candle.
Think of the first burn as setting the memory for the candle — do it right, and your candle will perform beautifully every time.
3. General Burn Times
A few best practices will keep your candle safe and long-lasting:
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Burn 2–4 hours at a time. This allows for an even melt pool without overheating the container.
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Don’t burn for more than 4 hours. Extended burns can cause the jar to get too hot and may affect the fragrance quality.
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Stop burning when ½ inch of wax remains. This prevents overheating and protects the container.