Before You Light
Trim the wick: Trim the wick to \(1/4\) to \(1/8\) inch before lighting to prevent a large flame, soot, and "mushrooming". Clear debris: Keep the wax pool free of any debris like wick trimmings or matches. Check the environment: Ensure the candle is on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from drafts, ceiling fans, and anything flammable.
During The Burn
Let it pool the first time: Allow the first burn to last long enough for the wax to melt completely to the edge of the container to prevent a "memory ring" that causes tunneling. A general guideline is one hour per inch of diameter (e.g., a 3-inch candle needs to burn for about 3 hours).
Don't burn for too long: Avoid burning a candle for more than four hours at a time to prevent overheating, which can cause the flame to become unstable and produce more soot.
Watch out for issues: Extinguish the candle immediately if the flame becomes too high, flickers excessively, or produces excessive smoke.
Be mindful of location: Keep the candle out of reach of children and pets.
Extinguishing The Flame
Use a snuffer: Use a candle snuffer to extinguish the flame instead of blowing on it. This prevents smoke from wafting into the room and hot wax from splattering.
Wait for it to cool: Allow the candle to cool completely before moving or relighting it.
Use a tool to recenter: If the wick is off-center, use a tool to gently move it back to the center of the wax pool before it hardens.
Additional Tips
Store candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain their quality and scent. Stop burning the candle when there is about \(1/2\) inch of wax left to prevent the container from overheating and potentially cracking.