A good candle asks very little of you. Here's how to keep it burning beautifully, right to the last.
no. 1
The first burn
Let it melt all the way to the edge of the jar, about an hour for every inch across. A candle remembers its first evening, and this is how you keep it from tunneling.
no. 2
Trim the wick
A quarter inch, every time, before you light it. A tidy wick gives a calm flame, a cleaner jar and a longer life.
no. 3
Four hours, then rest
Blow it out after four hours or so and let it cool before you light it again.
no. 4
Know when to say goodbye
Stop when there's half an inch of wax left. The jar is too pretty to waste; wash it out and keep your pens in it.
a little troubleshooting
If something isn't quite right
It's tunneling.
That's usually a short first burn. Next time, let it burn until the melted wax reaches the edge. If it's stubborn, wrap a little foil around the top of the jar, leaving the center open, and let it burn an hour or two.
There's soot on the jar.
The wick is too long or there's a draft. Trim it to a quarter inch and move it out of the breeze. Wipe the jar with a soft, dry cloth once it's cool.
The flame is dancing.
A draft again: an open window, a fan or a busy doorway. Find it a quieter spot.
A little mushroom on the wick.
Perfectly normal after a long burn. Let it cool, trim it, and carry on.
Still not right? Write to me; I'd like to know.
the small tools
For a tidy wick
A brass trimmer, a dipper to put out the flame without smoke, and a little adhesive to keep tapers standing tall.