Trim Your Wick Before Every Burn
Trim the wick to about 1/4 inch before each burn. A too-long wick burns hotter and can create soot or an uneven flame. A quick trim keeps the burn clean every time.
Get the First Burn Right
The first burn matters most. Let the candle burn for 2-3 hours, or until the melted wax reaches the edges of the container. This step prevents tunneling, where wax burns straight down the middle, leaving hardened wax stuck to the sides for the rest of the candle's life.
Don't Burn Too Long at Once
Avoid burning for more than 4 hours in a single sitting. Beyond that point you're not gaining extra fragrance, and it puts unnecessary strain on the wick and container.
Burn Safely
Keep candles on a heat-resistant surface, away from drafts, flammable items, kids, and pets, and never leave one burning unattended. When you're ready to put it out, use a snuffer or gently blow it out to avoid wax splatter.
Why We Use Wood Wicks
Our candles use a crackling wood wick, which adds a soft, fireplace-like sound alongside the glow. Wood wicks are generally said to burn evenly when properly trimmed and maintained, similar to a cotton wick. We go deeper on the wax and wick blend in a separate post if you want the full picture.
Shop Candles
Try Seaside Escape for a coastal, calming scent, or browse the full lineup in our candles collection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Candle Care
What are the best candle care tips?
Trim the wick to about 1/4 inch before every burn, let the first burn go 2-3 hours so wax melts evenly to the edges, avoid burning more than 4 hours at a time, and always burn on a heat-resistant surface away from drafts and flammable items.
Why is my candle tunneling?
Tunneling usually happens when the first burn is cut short, so the wax never melts evenly out to the edges. Once a tunnel forms, later burns tend to make it deeper. Letting the first burn go for 2-3 hours is the best way to prevent it from starting.
Why does my candle produce soot?
Soot is usually a sign the wick is too long, drafty air is disturbing the flame, or the candle is burning in an area with poor airflow. Trimming the wick before each burn and keeping candles away from drafts both help.
Why does my wood wick candle keep going out?
This is usually caused by a wick that's too long, wax that's pooled too deep around a short wick, or a nearby draft. Trim the wick to about 1/4 inch, clear away any wax debris, and move the candle away from vents, fans, or open windows before relighting.
How long should I let a candle burn each time?
Somewhere between 2 and 4 hours per session works well for most candles. Shorter burns risk tunneling over time, while much longer burns don't add fragrance and put extra strain on the wick.
Is it normal for a wood wick to crackle loudly?
A gentle, fireplace-like crackle is normal and part of the appeal. If it sounds unusually loud or the flame is very tall, trim the wick, since an untrimmed wick is the most common cause.
How do I safely put out a wood wick candle?
A snuffer works best, since it smothers the flame without stirring up wax splatter the way blowing can. If you don't have one, blow gently and from a bit of a distance.
