The Rulebook on How to Burn a Candle Correctly (Yes, There’s a Right Way!)

You know that moment, you finally light that beautiful new candle you’ve been saving. The scent begins to fill the room, the flame dances gently, and for a moment, everything feels calm. But a few days later, it’s tunneling down the middle, leaving wasted wax along the edges. Or worse, your once clean, elegant jar now looks smoky, messy, and anything but relaxing.

Sound familiar?

You’re not alone. Most people don’t realise that candles come with their own little rulebook. And if you’ve ever wondered why your candle isn’t lasting as long as it should, or why it’s not burning as cleanly as it did on day one, this post is for you.

1. The First Burn Sets the Tone (Literally)

The first time you light your candle, you’re setting the “memory” for how it will burn in the future. Burn it long enough (usually 2–3 hours) so the melted wax reaches all the way to the edges of the jar. In winter months you might want to extend your burn time by 30 min to 1 hour. This prevents tunneling; a common issue where wax builds up on the sides and wastes product. If you’ve ever had a candle that only burns down the middle, it’s because that first burn didn’t go quite right.

Pro Tip: Make time for the first burn. Think of it like curing your candle for future success.

2. Trim the Wick Every Time

Before you relight your candle, always trim the wick to about 5mm (¼ inch). A long or mushroomed wick causes black soot, an uneven flame, and can even overheat the jar. A trimmed wick, on the other hand, creates a steady, clean burn and helps your candle last longer.

What to use: Wick trimmers are ideal, but scissors or nail clippers work in a pinch.

3. Burn Time Matters

Candles aren’t designed to burn endlessly. Stick to burning your candle for 2–4 hours at a time. Burning it too long can cause the wick to shift, the jar to overheat, or the wax to break down improperly.

Why it matters: Over-burning can damage your candle’s fragrance throw and reduce its lifespan.

4. Keep It Away from Drafts and Vents

That flickering flame might look pretty, but it’s a sign your candle is burning unevenly, usually due to airflow. Always place candles away from fans, open windows, or air conditioning vents.

The result: A stable, steady flame burns cleaner and melts wax evenly.

5. Use a Candle Snuffer, Not Your Breath

Blowing out your candle can cause smoke, splatter hot wax, or create a lingering burnt smell. Instead, use a candle snuffer or gently dip the wick into the melted wax with a tool, then straighten it.

Bonus: This also helps prep the wick for a clean next burn.

6. Mind the Wax Pool

Never light your candle when there’s less than 1cm of wax left at the bottom. Lighting it too low can overheat the container and may even cause it to crack or break.

Safety first: Always discard candles when there’s less than 1cm of wax remaining.

Your Candle Rulebook

• First burn: 2–3 hours to create an even melt pool
• Trim wick before every burn
• Burn no more than 4 hours at a time
• Keep away from drafts
• Snuff, don’t blow
• Don’t burn to the bottom

Candle Lovers, Rejoice
Candles are more than just beautiful decor, they’re little rituals of self-care. Taking the time to burn them properly ensures you get the most out of your candle (and your moments of peace).

At DUX Collection, our candles are hand-poured with natural soy wax to bring not only beauty and fragrance to your space, but wellness too. Treat them well, and they’ll love you back.