How to burn a candle

Let the first burn last until the melted wax reaches the edge of the jar, about one hour per 2.5 cm of width, so the candle does not tunnel. Trim the wick to about 5 mm before each lighting, burn for no more than four hours, and put it out with a snuffer or by dipping the wick.

First burn: until the wax melts to the edge
Wick: about 5 mm
Longest burn: four hours
Stop: with 1 cm of wax left

Why the first burn matters

Wax remembers. If the first melt pool stops short of the edge, every later burn stays inside that ring and the candle sinks into a tunnel, leaving wax and scent unused on the sides. On the first lighting, give it time: roughly one hour for each 2.5 cm of the candle's width.

The wick

A long wick makes a tall, flickering flame, soot on the glass and a faster burn. Trim it to about 5 mm with scissors or a wick trimmer each time the candle is cold, and pick off any charred tip. A wick that drowns in wax can be helped by pouring a little melted wax off.

Putting it out

A snuffer or dipping the wick into the melted wax and lifting it straight back puts the flame out without smoke and keeps the wick primed for next time. Blowing works too, but scatters smoke and a little wax.

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Questions people ask

How do I fix a tunnelled candle?

Wrap a sheet of foil around the top of the jar, leaving an opening over the flame, and burn it for an hour: the heat melts the walls back level.

Why does my candle smoke?

Usually a long wick or a draught. Trim the wick to about 5 mm and move the candle out of moving air.

How long should a candle burn the first time?

Until the melted wax reaches the edge: about one hour for each 2.5 cm of width.