Candle Care 101: How to Get a Perfect, Safe Burn

The simple steps (and crucial "never do's") to maximize your favorite scents.

A great candle is an investment in your space, and a few simple habits make a massive difference in how safely—and how long—it burns. To get the absolute best experience and ensure you enjoy every ounce of wax, here is what you need to know:

• The First Burn is Everything: The first time you light your candle, let it burn until the melted wax pool reaches all the way to the edges of the vessel. This establishes the "wax memory" and prevents tunneling, ensuring you don't waste any wax on future burns.
• Trim the Wick: Always trim the wick to 1/4 inch before every single light. This prevents smoking, keeps the flame controlled, and stops the wick from mushrooming.
• Know When to Say Goodbye: Stop burning your candle when about 1/2 inch of wax remains at the bottom. Burning it past this point can cause the vessel to overheat and crack.

What NOT to Do:

• Never leave a burning candle unattended or within reach of children, pets, or drafty areas.
• Never burn a candle for more than 4 hours at a time. Overheating degrades the fragrance oil and can cause the wick to shift out of place.
• Never use water or the lid to extinguish the flame. Use a snuffer, or gently dip the wick into the wax pool and straighten it back up to prevent smoke.

Taking care of your candles ensures a cleaner, safer, and much more fragrant experience every time you light them.