The first time you light a new candle sets it up for the rest of its life. Get it right and it’ll burn evenly all the way down. Rush it and you’ll end up with a tunnel.
Let the first burn reach the edge
Keep it lit until the melted wax reaches the sides of the jar. That usually takes 2 to 3 hours, so light it when you’re settling in for the evening. Wax has a memory: blow it out too early and it’ll only ever melt as far as that first ring, leaving a tunnel down the middle and wasted wax round the edge.
Trim the wick every time
Before each light, trim the wick to about 5mm. A long wick gives a big, flickery flame and can leave black soot on the glass. Nail clippers or a wick trimmer both work.
Don’t overdo it
Burn it for no more than 4 hours at a time, then let it cool completely before you light it again.
Know when to stop
When there’s about 1cm of wax left in the bottom, your candle is finished. Burning it lower can make the glass too hot.
Put it in the right spot
- On a flat, heat-resistant surface.
- Away from draughts, curtains and anything that can catch fire.
- Out of reach of children and pets.
- Never leave a burning candle unattended, and don’t move it while it’s lit.
There’s more on our candle care page.