A little candle care goes a long way. How you burn your candle—especially the first time—can affect how evenly it burns, how the fragrance fills the room, and how much of the candle you're ultimately able to enjoy.

From getting the first burn right to trimming the wick, a few simple habits can help you get the most out of every candle.

Get the First Burn Right

The first burn is one of the most important.

The first time you light your candle, allow it to burn for about three hours, or until the melted wax reaches the edges of the vessel. This creates an even melt pool and helps prevent tunneling, where the candle burns down through the center while leaving unmelted wax around the sides.

Think of the first burn as setting the stage for the burns that follow.

How Long Should You Burn a Candle?

After the first burn, we recommend burning your candle for approximately two to three hours at a time.

This gives the wax enough time to melt evenly and allows the fragrance to develop throughout the room.

Avoid burning a candle for more than four hours at a time. Longer burns can cause the vessel to become very hot and can also contribute to an oversized flame or carbon buildup on the wick.

Trim the Wick Before Every Burn

Before relighting your candle, trim the wick to approximately ¼ inch.

A properly trimmed wick helps keep the flame at an appropriate height and encourages a cleaner, more even burn. If the wick has shifted, gently straighten it before lighting.

Always allow the candle and wax to cool completely before trimming the wick.

What Is Candle Tunneling?

Candle tunneling happens when the wax melts only around the wick instead of reaching the edges of the vessel. Over time, this can create a narrow tunnel through the center of the candle and leave unused wax around the sides.

One of the best ways to prevent tunneling is simply to give your candle enough time to develop a full melt pool during its first burn.

Consistent two-to-three-hour burns afterward can help maintain an even burn as the candle works its way down.

What Is a Mushroom Wick?

If you notice a small mushroom-shaped piece of carbon forming at the top of your wick, don't worry. Carbon buildup can occur with highly fragranced candles or when a candle has been burning for an extended period.

Extinguish the candle and let it cool completely. Then trim the wick back to approximately ¼ inch before lighting it again.

Remove any wick trimmings, matches or other debris from the wax before your next burn.

Keep the Wax Pool Clean

Before lighting your candle, check that the surface of the wax is free of wick trimmings, matches and other debris.

Keeping the wax pool clean isn't just about appearance. Loose material can ignite, so it should always be removed before the candle is burned.

Where Should You Burn a Candle?

Always place your candle on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from drafts, vents and air currents.

Keep burning candles away from anything that can catch fire, including curtains and other fabrics, and keep them out of reach of children and pets.

Never leave a burning candle unattended, and don't touch or move the vessel while the candle is lit or the wax is still hot.

When You're Finished Burning

Before leaving the room, make sure the flame is completely extinguished and the wick is no longer glowing.

Allow the vessel and wax to cool completely before touching or moving the candle.

A Better Burn, From Beginning to End

Good candle care doesn't need to be complicated.

Give your candle a proper first burn. Trim the wick before each use. Keep the wax clean. Avoid excessively long burns. And always let the candle cool completely before handling it.

A few simple habits can help your candle burn more evenly and allow you to enjoy it from the first light to the last.

For additional burning and safety information, visit our Candle Care & Safety Guide.

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