How to Burn a Candle the Right Way: Tips for a Clean, Long-Lasting Burn🔥
Share
Candles are more than just home decor—they're a mood-setter, a wellness ritual, and a piece of everyday luxury. But if you've ever noticed your candle burning unevenly, tunneling, or creating soot, you're not alone. The good news? These common issues are easy to prevent with the right burning habits.
At NaturesScentLab, we hand-pour each candle with care using clean, coconut-soy wax and premium fragrance oils. But even the best candles need a little love to perform at their best. Here are our top tips to help you burn your candle the right way—so you get every last hour of burn time and a beautiful, even glow every time.
🕯️ 1. Trim the Wick Before Every Burn
This is the most important tip—always trim your candle wick to 1/4 inch before lighting. A long or mushroomed wick causes:
- Flickering flames
- Excessive soot
- Faster, uneven burning
Use a wick trimmer or scissors before each use to keep your flame low, steady, and clean.
🔥 2. Let the Wax Pool Reach the Edges
On the first burn, let your candle burn until the melted wax pool reaches the edges of the jar. This usually takes about 2–3 hours, depending on the candle size.
Why it matters:
- Prevents "tunneling"
- Ensures an even burn every time
- Maximizes the full fragrance throw
Candle tunneling can shorten your candle’s life, wasting that clean, natural wax you paid for—so don’t rush your first burn!
⏳ 3. Don’t Burn for Too Long
While long burns are cozy, burning your candle for more than 4 hours at a time can:
- Overheat the wax
- Cause the wick to shift or drown
- Lead to sooting
Give your candle a rest between burns. Let it fully cool and re-solidify before relighting for best performance.
💨 4. Burn in a Draft-Free Area
Keep your candle away from fans, open windows, or AC vents. Air movement can:
- Make the flame flicker or dance
- Lead to uneven wax melting
- Increase smoke or soot
A calm environment = a clean, beautiful burn.
🧼 5. Keep the Wax Clean
Avoid letting wick trimmings, matches, or dust sit in the wax. Debris can:
- Create extra smoke
- Affect the scent quality
- Shorten burn time
Use a tissue or small spoon to gently remove any buildup after each burn.
🌿 Bonus Tip: Use a Candle Snuffer
Blowing out your candle may look charming, but it can stir up smoke and debris. Use a candle snuffer to safely extinguish your flame—it's a small detail that makes a big difference in the long run.
A candle is an experience—one rooted in calm, nature, and intention. By following these tips, you'll get the most out of your NaturesScentLab candle while keeping your space soot-free and serene.
Your clean, even, long-lasting burn starts with a simple habit: care.
check out our wick trimmers to increase your candles lifespan
