How to Keep Your Candles Burning Evenly and Safely

Written By Cosanostra Design
 
 

Candles are a cosy and stylish addition to any home, offering a comforting glow, relaxing fragrance, and a touch of elegance. Whether you're using jar candles for ambience, dinner candles for a sophisticated table setting, or citronella candles outdoors, proper burning techniques are key to making the most of your candle.

Here, we’ll share simple tips to help you avoid common issues—like tunnelling and uneven burns—so you can enjoy your candles to their fullest. Whether you shop at a local boutique or an online candle shop, these tips apply to all candle types, including some of the best candles UK homes enjoy.

1. Keep Candles Away from Drafts

Breezes from open windows, vents, or even fans can cause the flame to flicker or lean to one side. This uneven airflow leads to one side of the wax melting faster than the other, resulting in tunnelling and wasted wax.

To prevent this:

  • Avoid placing candles near open windows, radiators, or air vents.

  • Be especially cautious with lightweight dinner candles, as they can be more prone to instability when exposed to wind.

  • For citronella candles used outdoors, consider using a glass hurricane or lantern to shield the flame from gusts.

2. Always Place Candles on a Flat, Level Surface

A candle’s base must be perfectly level to ensure an even melt pool—the liquid wax that forms when the candle is lit. If the candle sits at an angle, the wax will pool unevenly, leading to faster burning on one side and wasted wax on the other.

Here’s what you can do:

  • Use a solid, flat surface like a ceramic tray or metal stand.

  • Avoid placing candles on soft or uneven fabric.

  • For jar candles, ensure the jar sits evenly and isn’t tilted inside its holder.

3. How to Fix an Unevenly Burning Candle

Already experiencing an uneven burn? Don’t worry—it’s reversible! The key is to "reset" the candle’s memory. Candles have a burn pattern, and once a tunnel forms, it tends to repeat. Here's how to fix it:

  • Allow the candle to burn long enough for the entire top layer of wax to melt into a full pool from edge to edge.

  • This process can take several hours, depending on the size of the candle—larger jar candles may take longer than slender dinner candles.

  • Once the wax has melted evenly and then cooled, the candle should burn smoothly during future use.

4. Additional Candle Care & Safety Tips

Whether you're using the best candles UK brands offer or picking up a new favourite from an online candle shop, always follow basic safety practices:

  • Keep candles out of reach of pets and children.

  • Never leave a burning candle unattended, and make sure guests are aware of any lit candles nearby.

  • Keep candles away from flammable materials, such as curtains, books, and plants.

  • Protect surfaces from wax drips by using coasters, trays, or heat-resistant mats.

Conclusion

A well-cared-for candle will give you hours of beautiful light and fragrance. By keeping candles away from draughts, ensuring they’re placed on level surfaces, and resetting the wax pool when needed, you can avoid uneven burning and enjoy a longer-lasting candle.

Whether you prefer elegant dinner candles, soothing jar candles, or practical citronella candles for your garden, these simple tips apply across the board.

Looking to grow your collection? Explore the finest selection of the best candles UK has to offer at Price’s Candles—your trusted online candle shop for quality, longevity, and fragrance that lasts.

Happy candle burning!

 
Cosanostra Design https://www.cosanostradesign.com
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