The Art of Candle Burning: Best Practices for a Perfect Burn

A candle does more than scent a space—it creates atmosphere, evokes emotion, and turns a simple moment into something truly indulgent. But to experience the full beauty of a luxury candle, proper care is essential.

Whether you're lighting a candle from The Original Candle Company or another premium brand, following expert techniques ensures a clean, even burn, maximum fragrance throw, and the longest possible lifespan. Let’s explore the science and artistry behind burning candles at their best.

 

1. The Power of Wick Trimming

A well-maintained wick is the foundation of a perfect, controlled burn. Before lighting your candle, trim the wick to approximately 5mm (¼ inch). This prevents excessive smoke, tunnelling, and the formation of mushroom wicks, which can cause soot and uneven flames.

Why Wick Trimming Matters:

✅ Prevents soot & smoke: A long wick burns too hot, leading to excess carbon build-up.
✅ Creates an even flame: A properly trimmed wick promotes a steady, controlled burn.
✅ Prolongs candle life: Reduces wax wastage and ensures a consistent melt pool.

💡 Expert Tip: Use sharp wick trimmers instead of scissors for a precise cut without frayed edges.

 

2. Mastering the First Burn: The Full Melt Pool

The first time you light a candle is crucial—this burn sets the memory of the wax. To prevent tunnelling (where the wick sinks and leaves a ring of unused wax), ensure the melt pool reaches the edges of the container before extinguishing.

How to Achieve a Perfect Melt Pool:

🔥 Burn the candle for at least 4 hours on the first use to fully liquefy the top layer of wax.
🔥 Keep away from drafts—airflow can cause uneven melting and flickering flames.
🔥 Opt for premium wax blends—like The Original Candle Company’s bespoke soy-paraffin blend, formulated for superior burn performance.

💡 Expert Tip: If a candle starts tunnelling, wrap aluminium foil around the top edges and let it burn for an extended period. This traps heat and encourages an even melt.

 

3. Finding the Perfect Burn Time

While long burns help establish an even wax pool, over-burning a candle can cause overheating, weakening fragrance quality and causing wick instability.

⏳ Recommended Burn Duration:
✔️ 1–4 hours per session—optimal for fragrance diffusion.
✔️ Avoid burning for longer than 4 hours—excess heat can degrade the scent oils.
✔️ Let wax cool completely before relighting to reset the wick.

💡 Expert Tip: If the flame grows too large, extinguish the candle, let it cool, trim the wick, and relight for a balanced burn.

 

4. Optimal Candle Placement for Performance & Safety

Placement matters! To ensure an even burn and prevent risks:

📍 Keep candles away from drafts—open windows, air conditioners, and vents can cause uneven burning.
📍 Use heat-resistant surfaces to protect furniture.
📍 Avoid placing candles directly on glass tables—heat can cause stress fractures.

💡 Expert Tip: Want a stronger fragrance throw? Place candles in smaller enclosed spaces where the scent can build up naturally.

 

5. The Right Way to Extinguish a Candle

Blowing out a candle seems simple, but it can cause wax splattering and smoky residue. Instead, use a candle snuffer or wick dipper to extinguish the flame cleanly.

🔥 Snuffing vs. Dipping:
✔️ A candle snuffer prevents smoke by cutting off oxygen to the flame.
✔️ A wick dipper pushes the wick into melted wax, extinguishing it while coating the wick for a smoother next burn.

💡 Expert Tip: Never use water to extinguish a candle—it can cause splattering and damage the wax.

 

6. Storing Your Candles Correctly

To maintain fragrance integrity and wax longevity, store candles properly:

🏠 Keep candles in a cool, dry place—heat can soften wax and affect scent throw.
🏠 Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause fading and scent degradation.
🏠 Store in closed containers if not in use for a long period to preserve aroma.

💡 Expert Tip: If a candle collects dust, gently wipe the surface with a microfiber cloth instead of water or cleaning sprays.

 

The Original Candle Company’s Approach to Candle Perfection

At The Original Candle Company, we craft candles designed for exceptional burn quality, luxurious fragrance throw, and longevity. Our bespoke soy-paraffin wax blend ensures a steady melt pool and optimal scent diffusion—allowing you to experience indulgence with every burn.

By following these expert techniques, you can elevate your candle-burning ritual, ensuring every flame is as flawless as the fragrance it carries.