Candle Care
A little care goes a long way. Follow these simple tips to help your candle burn cleanly, evenly, and beautifully from the first light to the last.
Four Simple Care Steps
Trim Your Wick
Before each burn, trim your wick to approximately ¼ inch. A properly trimmed wick helps control the flame, reduce soot, and encourage a clean, even burn.
Let It Reach the Edge
Allow the melted wax to reach toward the edges of the vessel, especially during the first burn. This helps prevent tunneling and encourages the candle to burn evenly.
Keep Burns Under 4 Hours
Avoid excessive burn times. We recommend burning your candle for no more than four hours at a time, then allowing it to cool before relighting.
Never Leave It Unattended
Never leave a burning candle unattended. Keep it away from children, pets, drafts, curtains, paper, and anything else that could catch fire.
The First Burn Matters
The first time you light your candle helps establish how it will burn in the future. Give your candle enough time for the melted wax to reach toward the edges of the vessel before extinguishing it.
Extinguishing a candle too soon can leave a ring of unmelted wax around the outside. Repeating short burns can create a narrow tunnel down the center and leave usable wax behind.
For the best results, plan your first burn for a time when you can relax and enjoy your candle without needing to extinguish it too quickly.
Keep It Burning Beautifully
These small habits can make a big difference in the way your candle burns.
Keep the Wax Clean
Keep the wax pool free of wick trimmings, matches, and other debris.
Avoid Drafts
Keep your candle away from fans, vents, open windows, and other drafts that can cause an uneven flame.
Use a Stable Surface
Always place your candle on a stable, level, heat-resistant surface before lighting it.
Let It Cool
Allow the wax to cool and harden before trimming the wick, moving the candle, or lighting it again.
Don’t Move a Burning Candle
The vessel and melted wax can become hot. Avoid moving your candle while it is lit or while the wax is still liquid.
Store It Properly
Store candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.
Keep the Wick Centered
If you notice the wick shifting to one side, extinguish the candle and allow it to cool before gently correcting it.
Know When to Stop
Discontinue burning your candle when about ½ inch of wax remains at the bottom of the vessel.
What Is Tunneling?
Tunneling happens when a candle burns straight down the middle while leaving unmelted wax around the outside of the vessel. One of the best ways to help prevent it is to give your candle enough time during each burn, especially the first one, for the melt pool to spread toward the edges.
Enjoy Every Burn
Your Small Town candle was made to fill ordinary moments with a little warmth. Give it a little care, burn it safely, and enjoy every bit of your favorite scent.