🕯️ The Art of Candle Etiquette: Burn Times, Trimming Wicks & More
By Pam, the Redhead Behind the Magic
If you’ve ever lit a candle, watched it tunnel, flicker, or fizzle, and thought “What did I do wrong?” — this one’s for you.
At Wicked Redhead, we hand-pour every candle with care, using our proprietary Wicked Blend and Wicked Soy Blendwaxes to give you luxury without the fuss. But even the most magical candle needs a little love. So today, we’re diving into candle etiquette — the simple rituals that make your candles last longer, burn cleaner, and throw scent like a dream.
🔥 1. Your First Burn Sets the Stage
The first time you light your candle, let it melt all the way to the edges of the jar — usually 2–4 hours depending on the size.
This is called a full melt pool, and it prevents that dreaded tunneling effect (when wax builds up along the sides and wastes your candle).
💡 Pam Tip: Set a cozy vibe, light your favorite scent (Wicked Calm or Wicked Garden, perhaps?), and don’t blow it out early.
✂️ 2. Trim Your Wick (Yes, Every Time)
Before every burn, trim your wick to about ¼ inch. This keeps the flame steady and prevents that black sooty mushroom that can form at the top.
❌ Untrimmed wick = smoky jars and uneven burn
✅ Trimmed wick = cleaner flame, longer burn, and no soot monsters
💡 Pam Tip: Invest in a wick trimmer or just use scissors. Do it before lighting, not after (trust me — I’ve learned the hard way).
🕯️ 3. Don’t Overburn
It’s tempting to leave your candle going all day, but anything over 4 hours at a time can cause wick issues and excess heat that wears out your wax and vessel.
💡 Pam Tip: Snuff it out after a few hours, let it reset, and light it again later. Think of it like a mini ritual — pause, reset, relight.
🌬️ 4. Keep It Away from Drafts
Air currents from fans, windows, or vents can cause your flame to dance too much — which means uneven burning and wasted wax.
Place your candle on a flat, stable surface where it won’t get jostled or breezed.
💡 Pam Tip: Want perfect ambiance? Place your candle near a mirror or light-colored surface. It’ll reflect that warm glow beautifully.
🧼 5. Reuse the Jar (Because We’re Wicked Smart)
When your candle’s down to the final ½ inch of wax, it’s time to say goodbye — but not to the jar.
Clean it out with hot water and dish soap (or pop it in the freezer for easier wax removal), and boom — you’ve got a cute container for Q-tips, matches, mini plants, or cotton rounds.
💡 Pam Tip: Use our Accessories to repurpose your jars or turn them into freshie holders. Because why waste beauty?
💋 Treat Your Candle Like the Luxury It Is
Every Wicked Blend Luxury Candle is hand-poured in Cape Coral, FL — made with premium wax, clean fragrance oils, and a whole lotta love. Follow these simple etiquette tips, and your candle will burn brighter, last longer, and smell stronger.
✨ So trim that wick. Let it pool. Don’t ghost your flame. Pam would never.
🔗 Ready to Light One Up?
Shop our bestselling Wicked Blend Candles or explore our cozy Soy Candles.
Let your space smell as wickedly fabulous as you are.