How to burn your candle right?

30.11.2025

Candles do more than light up a room

They set a mood, add warmth, and make your home feel inviting. Whether you're enjoying a natural probiotic candle for cleaner air or indulging in an organic scent, the way you burn your candle makes all the difference. If you've ever dealt with tunneling, weak fragrance, or a candle that burns out too quickly, you're not alone.

Here's your guide to burning your candle the right way so you can enjoy your favorite candles to the fullest.

1. Trim the Wick Before Every Burn

Before lighting your candle, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch (6 mm). This small step leads to:

  • Cleaner, more even burning

  • Less soot

  • Better scent performance

This is especially important for natural or toxin-free candles, which are crafted to burn cleanly and support healthier clean air.

2. Let the Wax Melt All the Way to the Edges

For the first burn, let your candle melt into a full, even pool that reaches the edges. This may take 2–4 hours, depending on the size. (When burning an olive wax candle, this is not a problem. Even if it takes 2 to 3 times to burn the candle, it will eventually reach the edges.)

Why it matters:

  • Prevents tunneling

  • Ensures future burns stay even

  • Maximizes fragrance throw

This is vital for probiotic candles, which are designed to release beneficial microbes gently and evenly as the wax melts.

3. Don't Burn It for Too Long

Even luxury handmade candles need limits. Burning a candle for more than 4 hours can:

  • Overheat the container

  • Cause the wick to mushroom

Blow it out after a few hours and let it cool before relighting.

4. Keep It Away from Drafts

Drafts from open windows, fans, or vents can cause uneven burning or excess soot. For sustainable and natural candles, proper placement ensures they burn as cleanly as they were designed to.

5. Use a Snuffer Instead of Blowing It Out

Using a candle snuffer (or a wick dipper) keeps smoke to a minimum, preserving the purity of your clean-air candle and keeping soot out of your space.

6. Store Your Candles Properly

To protect the quality of your candle, store it right:

  • Away from direct sunlight

  • In a cool, dry place

This preserves the wax structure.

7. Stop Burning When You Reach the Bottom

When about 1/2 inch (1 cm) of wax remains, it's time to retire the candle. Burning beyond this level can overheat the container and pose safety risks.

Burning Your Candle Right Makes All the Difference

Whether you're using a sustainable, natural, toxin-free candle or a luxury handmade probiotic candle designed to support clean air, proper candle care helps you ensure every burn is safe, even, and that you can fully enjoy the pure fragrance.

A little attention goes a long way—trim the wick, avoid drafts, monitor burn times, and store thoughtfully. Your candle (and your home) will thank you.