Burning scented candles looks like the simplest thing in the world: strike a match and enjoy. But a few small habits decide whether you get a clean, even burn with a lovely fragrance, or a smoky, tunnelled mess that wastes half the wax. Safety matters too, because every candle is an open flame, and good candle burning tips start there.
In this guide
This is a plain guide to candle burning tips for lighting, burning and putting out your candles properly, from the first burn to the last.
Candle burning tips: set the scene first
Start with where you put the candle. Choose a flat, stable, heat-resistant surface. Keep it away from curtains, paper, books, plants and anything else that can catch fire. Keep a clear gap above it too, so heat does not scorch shelves.
Avoid drafts. A flame in a draft flickers, burns unevenly and can smoke. Fans, open windows and air vents are the usual culprits.
One of the key candle burning tips is to keep candles out of reach of children and pets, and never put one where it can be knocked over. Check the label for any specific warnings and follow them.
Finally, look at the wick. Trim it to about a quarter inch (6 mm) before every burn, and remove any bits of burnt wick or debris from the wax. A long wick makes a big, sooty flame.
The first burn is the most important of the candle burning tips
Candles have a kind of memory. If you blow out your candle before the wax has melted across the whole surface, it will tend to return to the same smaller circle next time and slowly dig a tunnel.
So let the first burn go long enough for a full pool of liquid wax to reach the edges of the jar. For many candles this is roughly one hour per inch of diameter, though it varies, so watch the wax, not the clock.
This is one of the most useful candle burning tips, and it costs nothing. A good first burn sets up every burn after it, and your fragrance will spread more evenly as well.
How long to burn them
Most makers suggest keeping a burn to a maximum of around four hours at a time. Beyond that, the wick can build up carbon, the jar can get very hot and the fragrance can turn harsh.
Among candle burning tips, a good rhythm looks like this:
- Light for at least an hour or two so the wax melts fully across the top.
- Do not go beyond about four hours without a break.
- Let the wax cool and set before you light it again.
- Trim the wick every time.
Rule one of candle burning tips: never leave a candle burning when you leave the room or the house, and never fall asleep with one lit. If you need ambient light at bedtime, use a battery candle.
Use a snuffer or a lid to put the flame out. Blowing hard can scatter hot wax and send up smoke. If you do not have a snuffer, you can dip the wick into the wax pool with a wick dipper and straighten it again, which also reduces smoke.
Wait until the candle is cool before moving it. Keep the lid on between burns to protect the fragrance and keep dust out.
Storage is part of candle burning tips too: store candles in a cool, dry place away from sun and heat. Light and warmth can fade the scent and soften the wax.
When about half an inch of wax is left at the bottom of a jar, stop burning. A nearly empty jar can overheat and crack. Do not try to burn the very last bit.
Getting the most scent from your candle
Fragrance in a candle is released as the wax melts and warms, so a full melt pool is what carries the scent into the room. A candle that only burns a narrow circle will smell weaker, even if the formula is excellent.
Room size matters too. A small candle fills a bathroom or a study. A large room may need a bigger candle or two small ones. More flames mean more care, so do not overdo it. Place them apart and keep an eye on both.
Scent fatigue is normal. After a while you stop noticing the smell, even though a visitor would. Step out for a few minutes and come back, and you will often smell it again. Resist the urge to burn longer or light extra candles just to notice it.
It is also worth rotating scents. Using the same fragrance every day makes it harder to notice. A citrus candle one day and a woody one the next keeps your nose interested and spreads the wear across several candles.
Of all candle burning tips, remember the basics: trim, melt fully, keep it short, and snuff out.
Fixing common problems
- Smoking: the wick is too long, or there is a draft. Put it out, trim and relight.
- Tunnelling: burn longer next time, and keep it out of drafts.
- Weak scent: check the wick, give it time to warm up, or consider that your nose may be tired.
- Large flame: put it out and trim the wick shorter.
With these simple candle burning tips, burning candles becomes a safe, easy pleasure. Take a minute to prepare, watch your flame, and enjoy the fragrance.
More on this site: Scent Gallery Candles: How to Browse a Collection Like a Pro and Top Fan September 2011- Ryan Patrick Kelley.
Header photo: David Zakar, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0).
