Candle care: how to get a clean, even burn

A good candle deserves a good burn. These habits keep the flame clean and the scent strong to the last.

The first burn sets the memory

Burn your candle for two to three hours the first time, until the melted wax reaches the edge of the jar. Wax has a memory; a short first burn causes tunnelling.

Trim the wick

Trim to about 5mm before every burn. A long wick makes a large, smoky flame and black soot on the jar.

Don’t over-burn

Stop after four hours, let the candle cool, trim, then relight.

Placement and safety

Keep candles away from draughts, curtains, children and pets. Never leave a burning candle unattended.

When to stop

Stop burning when about 1cm of wax remains, to protect the jar and the surface beneath it.