How to Burn a Candle Properly (and Make It Last)
By Antoine · LUVO Parfums · Updated May 2026
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Most people have never been taught how to burn a candle. They light it, forget about it for an hour, and wonder why it tunnels, smells weaker over time, or burns unevenly. Getting the most out of a quality candle — especially a wooden wick candle — takes a few simple habits. This guide covers everything.
Contents
The critical first burn
The first time you light a new candle is the most important burn of its life. Candle wax has memory: it will melt to the same diameter it reached on the first burn, every time after that.
For a 270g LUVO glass jar candle, this typically takes 2.5 to 3.5 hours. For a 90g mini tin, about 1.5 to 2 hours. Never extinguish too early on the first burn.
Preparing the wooden wick
Unlike cotton wicks, wooden wicks don't need trimming before the first use — the factory-set length is correct. But for subsequent burns, preparation matters.
Gently snap off the charred top of the wooden wick before each burn. This is the equivalent of trimming a cotton wick. Burnt wood left on the wick can obstruct the flame and cause uneven burning.
This is the ideal height for a wooden wick candle. Too long = oversized flame and soot. Too short = difficulty lighting or flame that self-extinguishes.
Wooden wicks ignite more slowly than cotton wicks. Hold the flame horizontally along the length of the wick for 5–10 seconds. Don't give up after one second.
Optimal burn time
Every burn session has a minimum and a maximum. Stay within this range to get the best scent, the cleanest burn, and the longest total life from your candle.
| Candle size | Minimum burn time | Maximum burn time | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90g mini tin | 1.5 hours | 3 hours | Full melt pool / avoid overheating |
| 200g wine bottle | 2 hours | 4 hours | Full melt pool / vessel stability |
| 270g glass jar | 2.5 hours | 4 hours | Full melt pool / fragrance release |
How to prevent tunneling
Tunneling is when a candle burns down the centre in a narrow channel, leaving unused wax on the sides. It wastes fragrance, shortens burn time, and looks bad. It's almost always caused by burning the candle for too short a time — especially on the first burn.
If your candle has already tunneled, there are a few rescue options: wrapping it in foil to reflect heat inward, or using a candle warmer to liquify the surface wax. But prevention is much easier.
How to extinguish properly
How you put out a candle matters more than most people think.
A candle snuffer cuts off oxygen without blowing melted wax around. Alternatively, dipping the wick briefly into the melt pool and repositioning it stops the flame cleanly and prevents smoke.
Blowing produces a trail of smoke and can send hot wax droplets onto the wax surface or container walls. It also leaves the wick in poor position for the next light.
If your candle has a lid (like the LUVO wine bottle with cork), don't replace the lid while the wax is still liquid. Let it cool and solidify fully — about 30–45 minutes.
Storage and care
Proper storage between uses keeps your candle performing at its best:
- Away from direct sunlight: UV light degrades fragrance oils and can cause wax discolouration.
- Away from heat sources: Store at room temperature. Heat causes wax to sweat (fragrance oil seeps to the surface).
- Use the lid: If your candle comes with a lid, use it. It prevents dust settling onto the wax and protects the fragrance.
- Keep it level: Storing a candle at an angle can cause the wick to shift off-centre as the wax slowly softens.
Safety rules
- Never leave a burning candle unattended
- Keep away from children and pets
- Never burn on or near flammable surfaces
- Keep away from drafts, vents, and air currents
- Discontinue use when 1cm of wax remains (risk of cracking or overheating the container)
- Never move a candle while the wax is liquid — the container is hot and the wax can spill
Wooden wick specifics
Wooden wicks behave differently from cotton wicks, and understanding this prevents frustration:
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Shop all candles Try a mini firstFrequently Asked Questions
Why does my wooden wick candle keep going out?
The most common cause is a wick that's too long or has excess charred wood on top. Snap off the charred portion before relighting. Also check for drafts — wooden wicks are more sensitive to air movement than cotton wicks.
How long should I burn my candle each time?
Aim for 2–4 hours per session. Enough time for a complete melt pool (prevents tunneling), but not so long that the container overheats. Never exceed 4 hours in one sitting.
What happens if I blow out my wooden wick candle?
It produces more smoke than using a snuffer, and can send hot wax droplets across the surface. It won't ruin the candle, but it's not ideal. A candle snuffer or the dip method (briefly dipping the wick into the melt pool) gives a cleaner result.
My candle is tunneling — can I fix it?
If tunneling is minor, try burning the candle for a longer session (3–4 hours) to melt the sides. For more severe tunneling, wrap the top of the candle in aluminium foil to trap heat and force a full melt pool. Prevention is always better: always let the melt pool reach the container edges on the very first burn.
When should I stop using a candle?
Stop when about 1cm (half an inch) of wax remains. Burning below this point can cause the container to crack or overheat, especially in glass jars. At this stage, the fragrance throw also diminishes significantly.