A candle and some scissors on top of a wooden board.

Here Are Some Tips for Burning a Wooden Wick Candle:

  • Light it correctly: Tilt the candle on an angle and light the wick across the candle, rather than just one end. It may take a few tries to get it lit.
  • Trim the wick: Before each use, trim the wick to its original height, which is usually 1/4 in or 3/16 in. You can also trim the wick after the candle has burned for 3–4 hours.
  • Burn it for enough time: Let the candle burn for at least 2 hours and no more than 5 hours at a time. The first time you use a jar candle, let it burn long enough to create a melted wax pool that reaches the edges of the container. This can take more than 2 hours.
  • Avoid drafts: Keep the candle away from drafts, ceiling fans, and breezes.
  • Don't move it: Avoid moving or handling the candle while it's burning.
  • Extinguish it properly: Extinguish the candle when there's about 1/2 in of wax left.
  • Let it cool: Wait until the candle and wax have completely cooled before touching it.
  • Remove ashy tops: As the wick burns, it will create an ashy top. Remove this top every 1–2 burns.
  • Prevent tunneling: Tunneling occurs when the wax around the edges of the jar doesn't melt. This can make it hard for the candle to stay lit. To prevent tunneling, let the candle burn long enough to create a melted wax pool that reaches the edges of the container.