👉 How to Burn Your Candle the Right Way for Maximum Performance

Candles create a warm, inviting atmosphere, but did you know that how you burn your candle directly affects its lifespan, scent throw, and overall safety?

At Willis Candle Shop, we take candle care seriously—so here’s your expert-backed guide to ensuring a safe, even burn every time.

1️⃣ The First Burn is the Most Important

Your candle’s first burn sets the foundation for its entire lifespan.

Here’s what to do:
✔ Burn for at least 2–3 hours on the first use.
✔ Ensure the wax melts all the way across the surface (this prevents tunneling).
✔ Don’t worry if you see minor tunneling at first—most candles self-correct after a few burns.

Why this matters: Wax has a “memory.” If you only burn the center, it will tunnel down instead of melting evenly.

2️⃣ Keep Your Burn Time Under 4 Hours

Burning a candle too long can cause:
❌ Overheating, which weakens the scent throw.
❌ Excess carbon buildup, leading to soot.
❌ Potentially damaging the vessel due to excessive heat.

✔ Best practice: Burn for 2–4 hours at a time, then let it fully cool before relighting.

3️⃣ Trim the Wick Before Every Burn

A long, untrimmed wick creates:
❌ Excessive flickering
❌ Black soot
❌ A flame that’s too big, which can waste wax too quickly

Fix it:
✔ Trim the wick to 1/4 inch before each burn.
✔ For wooden wicks, trim to 1/8 inch and remove charred wood.
✔ Use wick trimmers or small scissors for precision.

4️⃣ Choose the Right Surface & Environment

Even the placement of your candle impacts its burn quality.

✔ Keep it away from drafts (windows, fans, vents).
✔ Use a heat-resistant surface (avoid wood or fabric).
✔ Keep away from flammable materials (curtains, books, paper).

💡 Pro tip: A stable, draft-free area ensures the flame stays even and prevents tunneling.

5️⃣ Extinguish Your Candle the Right Way

How you blow out your candle affects the wax surface and future burns.

❌ Don’t: Blow it out aggressively (can cause wax splatter).
✅ Do:
✔ Use a candle snuffer to prevent smoke.
✔ If blowing out, do it gently and from a distance.
✔ Avoid putting the lid back on immediately—let it cool first.