Here’s How to Burn a Candle, The Right Way

How do you burn a candle evenly? It may seem obvious to just light it, but I’ve actually wasted a bunch of candles due to “tunneling” (aka when the wax forms a hole in the middle). 

After reading up on candle care then trial and error of my own candle burning attempts, here’s everything you need to know about the process.

How to Burn a Candle, The Right Way

In short, it comes down to three simple steps:

1. Trim the wick between ⅛ to ¼ inches long before every burn.
   
2. Burn until the wax is melted evenly all the way across.
   
3. Keep the candle away from moving air.

I haven’t used candles regularly until last fall when I started to redecorate my apartment. For someone who lives in New York City and works from home, I’m always looking for ways to create a zen atmosphere. Candles do just that — and even better if you throw in a cozy blanket and cup of tea.

Key takeaway: the first burn is the most important — let the entire surface melt evenly before putting it out (this prevents tunneling)!

Read on for a deeper dive into each step:

Always Trim the Wick

Before every burn, be sure to trim the wick between ⅛ to ¼ inches long.

Why?

Trimming candle wicks properly allow:

• A brighter glow and cleaner burn
• Prevention of soot (which could leave a smoky residue on your candle jar or ceiling)
• Getting the most out of your candle

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Many candle wicks are made of braided cotton, and as it burns, it opens up and can form carbon puffs which tend to look like mini mushrooms. Even if your candle wick is made of another material like wood, leaving it untrimmed can obscure the flame. 

Just be sure that your candle is not lit and is cool at room temperature before trimming it. You can use scissors, nail clippers, or better yet, a candle wick trimmer to get the job done by cutting it on a 45-degree angle. 

Also, check the surface of your candle and remove any debris as it can add more fuel to the flame than needed and potentially cause a fire.

Burn Evenly

One of the most important factors on how to properly burn a candle is do so until the wax is melted evenly all the way across.

In other words, don’t put it out until the entire top layer has become liquid. I didn’t realize just how important this is, hence, why I wasted so many candles!

Before lighting a candle, make sure you’ll be around for about four hours while it’s burning. 

The first burn is the most important since blowing it out before it melts all the way across can form “candle memory rings”. And every time you burn it after, the ring will form deeper and deeper, creating a tunnel that dims the flame.

You’ll know that you burned your candle correctly if the surface is flat evenly across.

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What’s Special About 3-Wick Candles?

3-wick candles, or multi-wick candles, burn faster. So, if you don’t typically have hours to be around for a complete burn, these types of candles may be worth it. More wicks lead to more flames and heat, which means it’ll melt faster. 

Other benefits of 3-wick candles? They…

• Are easier to keep the surface wax level even 
• Tend to have a more potent fragrance
• Can be more calming
• Give off more light

All in all, it’s a matter of preference. Single-wick candles have their perks, too, like the fact that they’re usually smaller and take up less room.

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Keep the Flame Away From Moving Air

Another key point on how to properly burn a candle is to keep it away from moving air. Open windows, air conditioners, fans, or areas where you walk around a lot, can mess up the flame and cause soot to form. Moving air next to a candle can potentially also cause a larger problem, like fire accidents. 

To be safe, burn your candle per the instructions labeled on your candle (which is usually no more than four hours) and don’t leave it unattended. 

After lighting your candle, let it cool for at least two hours before relighting it.

How Do You Put Out a Candle?

Okay, so you burned your candle and the wax has melted all the way across. It may seem like second nature to just blow it out the way you would with birthday cake candles, but doing that can lead to ash particles getting stuck in the wax. 

3 ways to put out a candle without smoke:

• Use a candle lid. Many candles come with a candle lid, which makes it so convenient to put it out. Just place the lid on while the candle is burning — this takes the oxygen away, which puts out the candle.

• Use a snuffer. This looks like a long, thin metal stick with a bell on the end. Just cover the flame with the snuffer and let it be for 15 minutes. This will extinguish the flame and ensure no smoke (or smoky scent) releases into the air.
  
  
• Use a wick dipper. There are different styles of wick dippers but typically, it’s a long metal stick with a curved hook-like end. To put out a flame with this, simply place the curved end of the wick dipper on the wick, moving the flame directly onto the melted candle wax. Just be sure to position the wick straight up after so it’s in place for the next use.

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Candle Storage Tips

To keep your candles in good condition, store them in a cool, dark, and dry place. If it has a lid, place it on, and if it doesn’t come with one, you can purchase lids separately or use a glass candle dome. This will help prevent it from fading or discoloration.

Scented candles usually have a shelf life of six to 12 months (depending on the fragrance). Keeping them in storage too long can dilute its scent, so don’t forget to enjoy them before then! Also, keep your candles away from direct sunlight to help maintain the fragrance oils and wax.

Ways to Reuse a Candle Jar

Another thing: once you’ve finished using a candle, you can still get use out of the jar. First, get the remaining bit of wax out by sticking it in the freezer. Once it’s frozen, use a butter knife to pop out the wax. Use soap and warm water (and a bottle brush, if needed) to remove any leftover residue.

Reusing your candle jar is a sustainable way to get the most out of it. Here are some ideas on what a repurposed candle jar can hold:

• Makeup brushes
• Q-tips and cotton pads
• Hair clips
• Pens
• Paper clips
• Matches
• Plants
• A new candle

Recap: How to Burn a Candle & Care Tips

• Always trim the wick between ⅛ to ¼ inches long before burning.
  
• Burn your candle until the wax is melted evenly all the way across.
  
• Keep your burning candle away from moving air.
  
• Don’t leave unattended while burning.
  
• Put out your candle with a lid, snuffer, or wick dipper.
  
• Stop using your candle when there’s half an inch of wax left from the bottom.
  
• Store your candles in a cool, dark, and dry place.

Lifestyle Photos: courtesy of Carrière Frères.

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