Candle burning tips!
- Jean
- Jan 26
- 3 min read
Looking after your candle helps it burn evenly, safely and beautifully.
Wood wicks: Use a utility lighter and allow the wax to melt right to the edges on each burn (around 1–2 hours). Keep the wick clean by gently removing ash between burns and avoid burning for longer than 2–3 hours at a time.
Cotton wicks: Trim to around 5mm before lighting and always allow a full melt pool on the first burn. Keep candles away from drafts and limit burn time to 3–4 hours.
If your candle tunnels, level the wax by gently removing excess wax or melting it back with a hair dryer.
Always follow the safety instructions on the base of your candle.
Candle Care FAQs
Find answers to our most common candle care questions below. Following these tips will help your Surf Coast Candles burn cleanly, evenly and beautifully.
Wood Wick Candle FAQs
How do I light a wood wick candle?
We recommend using a utility lighter rather than matches, as wood wicks can take a few seconds to catch. Hold the flame to the wick, gently tilt the candle if needed, and continue lighting until the wick ignites fully.
Why does my wood wick need extra care?
Like traditional cotton wicks, wood wicks need attention before each burn. Keeping the wick clean and allowing a full melt pool helps prevent tunnelling and ensures an even, long-lasting burn.
How long should I burn my wood wick candle?
Allow the wax to melt all the way to the edges of the container each time you burn your candle. This typically takes 1–2 hours and is especially important on the first burn.
Do not burn your candle for longer than 2–3 hours at a time, as this can overheat the glass and reduce fragrance performance.
How do I care for the wick between burns?
After burning and once the wax has fully solidified, gently clear away any ash or charred wood along the top edge of the wick. Always remove any debris from the wax before relighting.
Why does my wood wick keep going out?
The most common reason is tunnelling. This occurs when a candle is burned for a short time and extinguished before the wax has melted across the entire surface. Repeated short burns can cause wax build-up around the edges, making it difficult for the flame to stay lit.
How do I fix a tunnelling wood wick candle?
The aim is to create an even wax surface so the flame can melt the wax across the full diameter of the candle.
Option 1: Once the candle has fully solidified, carefully scoop away the higher wax around the edges using a spoon or butter knife until the surface is level and the wick sits just above the wax.
Option 2: Use a hair dryer to gently melt the raised wax around the sides so it settles back into an even surface.
Cotton Wick Candle FAQs
How do I prepare a cotton wick candle before lighting?
Before each burn, trim the cotton wick to approximately 5mm. This helps create a steady flame and prevents excessive smoke or soot.
How long should I burn a cotton wick candle?
On the first burn, allow the wax to melt all the way to the edges of the container. This helps prevent tunnelling and ensures an even burn.
For ongoing burns, do not burn your candle for longer than 3–4 hours at a time.
Why is my cotton wick flickering or smoking?
Flickering or smoking can occur if the wick is too long or if the candle is placed in a draft. Trim the wick before lighting and keep your candle away from air conditioning, fans or open windows.
How do I look after my cotton wick between burns?
Once the candle has cooled and the wax has solidified, ensure the wick remains centred. If needed, gently re-centre the wick while the wax is still soft after extinguishing.
General Candle Safety
Always place candles on a heat-resistant surface
Never leave a burning candle unattended
Keep candles away from children, pets and flammable materials
Stop burning when approximately 10mm of wax remains at the base of the container
Always follow the safety instructions on the warning label located on the bottom of your candle
Hand poured on the Surf Coast. Inspired by nature. Made to be enjoyed safely.
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