I'll be the first to admit that I've made my fair share of mistakes when burning candles. It's one of my favorite rituals for creating a cozy atmosphere, whether I'm curling up with a good book or hosting friends for a special evening. Over time, I've learned how to avoid some common pitfalls that can ruin the experience and even shorten the life of my favorite candles. In this blog, I'll share the five most common candle-burning mistakes I've encountered—and more importantly, how you can avoid them.

So, grab your favorite scented candle, light it up, and let's dive into this guide!

Mistake 1: Not Trimming the Wick

When I first started burning candles, I had no idea how important trimming the wick was. It seemed like such a small detail—why bother? But then I noticed my candles burning unevenly, creating a mess of black soot on the jar.

Why This Is a Problem

  • A long wick causes excessive flickering and smoking.
  • It can lead to uneven burning, wasting the wax.
  • The candle might burn hotter than it should, which can crack glass containers.

How to Fix It

  • Use a wick trimmer or a small pair of scissors to keep the wick about ¼ inch long before lighting it.
  • For single wick candles, trimming ensures even burning.
  • With three wick candles, trimming each wick creates a consistent burn across all three flames.

Pro Tip:

Trim the wick every time you burn the candle—not just the first time! It's a small habit that makes a big difference.

Mistake 2: Not Letting the Candle Burn Long Enough

I used to light a candle for 20 minutes, blow it out, and wonder why the wax around the wick started forming a weird “tunnel.” Little did I know, I was sabotaging my candles!

Why This Is a Problem

  • Short burns create "tunneling," where the wick burns straight down, leaving wax on the sides.
  • It wastes a significant portion of the candle.
  • Tunneling can also make it harder to relight the wick.

How to Fix It

  • Allow the candle to burn until the entire surface of the wax melts into a liquid pool—this usually takes about 1–3 hours, depending on the size.
  • This is especially important for outdoor candles, as they often have larger surfaces and need more time to burn evenly.

Pro Tip:

Plan your candle time wisely! If you know you only have a few minutes, opt for a smaller candle or hold off until you can commit to a longer burn.

Mistake 3: Burning Candles in Drafty Areas

I used to place my candles near open windows, thinking it would help the scent spread faster. Unfortunately, I learned the hard way that drafts and candles don't mix.

Why This Is a Problem

  • Drafts cause uneven burning, flickering flames, and excessive smoke.
  • A constant breeze can make the wax pool uneven, leading to tunneling.
  • It increases the risk of accidents if the candle tips over.

How to Fix It

  • Keep candles away from windows, vents, or fans.
  • For outdoor candles, use hurricane lanterns or glass enclosures to protect the flame from wind.
  • Place candles on a stable, heat-resistant surface to minimize movement.

Pro Tip:

Test the spot before lighting your candle. Hold your hand above the unlit wick—if you feel a breeze, find another location.

Mistake 4: Burning the Candle for Too Long

I'm all for enjoying the cozy ambiance of a lit candle, but there's such a thing as overdoing it. I used to let candles burn for hours on end, thinking it was fine as long as the wax didn't run out. Big mistake!

Why This Is a Problem

  • Burning candles for more than 4 hours at a time can overheat the wax, causing it to evaporate too quickly.
  • Overheating can damage the wick, making it harder to relight.
  • The glass container might overheat and crack, creating a safety hazard.

How to Fix It

  • Follow the “four-hour rule”: Never burn a candle for more than four hours straight.
  • After four hours, extinguish the flame, let the wax cool, and trim the wick before relighting.

Pro Tip:

Set a timer if you tend to forget! I've found that taking short breaks from burning candles makes them last longer.

Mistake 5: Forgetting to Monitor the Candle

There have been times when I lit a candle and got so wrapped up in what I was doing that I forgot about it entirely. Thankfully, nothing bad happened—but it was a wake-up call to be more careful.

Why This Is a Problem

  • Leaving a candle unattended is a fire hazard.
  • Pets or kids might accidentally knock it over.
  • The flame can burn too close to the container, causing it to overheat.

How to Fix It

  • Always stay in the same room as the lit candle.
  • Keep candles out of reach of pets and children.
  • Use candle snuffers to safely extinguish the flame when you leave the room.

Pro Tip:

If you're prone to forgetting, try battery-operated candles for the same ambiance without the risk.

Bonus Tips for Candle Safety

To wrap things up, here are a few extra tips I've picked up along the way to make the most of my candle experience:

  • Use Accessories: A candle snuffer and wick trimmer are game-changers for proper candle care.
  • Recycle Your Jars: Once your candle burns out, reuse the jar as a storage container or planter.
  • Store Candles Properly: Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent discoloration and melting.

Wrapping Up

If you're as passionate about candles as I am, you know the joy they bring to any space. Whether you prefer the simplicity of single wick candles, the bold ambiance of three wick candles, or the practicality of outdoor candles, proper care ensures you'll get the most out of them.

Looking for premium candles that combine exceptional quality and captivating scents? Check out our collection of scented candles at Habersham Candle designed to create unforgettable moments. Browse now and find your perfect match!

By avoiding these common mistakes, you'll enjoy your candles to the fullest—just as they're meant to be. So, light one up, relax, and let the magic of candles transform your space.