Candle care checklist

By Anjali Joshi · Updated 2026-10-20 · 2 min read

Tick these off and your candle will burn more evenly and safely. It applies to our jar, tray and flower candles and to most candles at home.

Before you light Remove the wrapping, tags and any ribbon from the candle Stand it on a flat, heat-safe surface or tray Keep it away from curtains, paper, decorations, fans and open windows Make sure children and pets cannot reach it Trim the wick to about 5 mm

First burn Light it when you have 2 to 3 hours to stay nearby Let the melted wax reach the edge of the jar before you put it out, so it does not tunnel Flower and shaped candles are decorative first: light them for short periods so the shape lasts

Every burn Never leave a burning candle unattended or burn it while you sleep Put it out after about 3 to 4 hours, let it cool fully, then trim and relight If the flame is tall, flickers a lot or smokes, put it out, let it cool and trim the wick Do not move a candle while it is lit or the wax is liquid Remember a concrete jar gets warm: lift it only when it has cooled

Putting it out Use a snuffer or gently dip the wick into the melted wax and straighten it Do not use water to put out a candle Check the flame is fully out and the wick is not glowing before you leave the room

When to stop Stop when about 1 cm of wax is left at the bottom Let it cool, lift out the last wax and reuse the jar (see the reuse guide)

This is general care advice. Always follow any instructions that come with a candle, and if a flame ever looks unsafe, put it out.