Check out these tips on how to properly burn a candle.
Candle Burning Tips
1. Always burn your candle till the container has a wax pool of ¼ to ½ inches in height.
Let your candle burn so that melted wax reaches all sides of the container. This will allow the wick to be properly fueled by the wax and prevent you from wasting any wax. If you do not burn your candle for long enough the first time you light it, you will create a “life ring.” See candles have a memory of sorts. The first time you light a candle affects the entire life of that candle. If you burn it for only an hour the first time well then you are preventing yourself from experiencing the true value of your candle. That “ring” created will determine how much wax can be burned every other time you light your candle. Thus, the term tunneling. You prevent tunneling by letting a Backyard Candle burn a full 4 hours the first time you light it! (Note, smaller candles may require less burn time to achieve an even burn.) The standard recommendation is 1 hour of burn time per inch of container diameter.
That brings me to my next tip which isn’t actually a tip but a rule.
2. Only burn a candle for 4 hours at a time.
Avid candle burners admit to not following this rule, but it is very important. If a candle is burned for longer than 4 hours, you are letting carbon build up in the form of a “mushroom.” A mushrooming candle is a candle that is consuming more wax than it can burn. A great way to prevent this while continuing to enjoy your candle is to trim your wick and then re-light it.
NEXT TIP IS A BIG ONE.
3. TRIM YOUR WICK.
I mean it. Like every time. Buy a wick trimmer, or just flick off the curled part of the wick.
You want your wick to never be more than ¼ inch. Because if your wick is too long it will be more likely to crackle and pop the next time you light it, which can produce soot. (The first time you light a candle should not require trimming as the candle maker should have trimmed the wick to its proper height.)
4. Don’t blow out your candles!
I know that seems like an odd tip, but to fully prevent soot use a wick dipper instead. A screw works too. Gently dip the wick into the wax and then straighten it up again with the dipper. This will prevent smoke from being released into the air when put out and eliminate the risk of your wick burying into the wax. A wick snuffer is another great option.
5. Lastly, please don’t leave a burning candle unattended.
It’s easy to light a candle and then walk into another room and forget all about it. Please don’t make this mistake. Also remember to only burn candles in a safe environment, on stable heat resistant surfaces, out of drafts and away from flammable objects, pets and children.