How to care for your favourite candle

July 13, 2026

Like most beautiful things, a scented candle rewards a little care. Burned well, it will fill your home with fragrance for longer, melt evenly, and leave behind a beautiful vessel ready for its next chapter.

Here's how to get the very best from your Paper Rings candle.

Step One: Let It Burn

The first burn is the one that matters most.

When lighting your candle for the very first time, allow it to burn for 2–3 hours, or until the entire surface has melted into a full pool of liquid wax from edge to edge.

This first full melt creates the candle's "memory", helping prevent tunnelling and ensuring every future burn is even, clean and long-lasting.

After the first burn, we recommend enjoying your candle for no more than three hours at a time.

Step Two: Trim the Wick

Before each burn, trim the wick to approximately 6mm (¼ inch).

A well-trimmed wick creates a cleaner, steadier flame, reduces smoke and soot, and prevents the wick from developing the small mushroom-shaped carbon build-up that can affect performance.

Once your candle has cooled completely, check that the wick remains centred before lighting it again. This helps the vessel heat evenly and prevents the flame from leaning against the glass.

Step Three: Burn Beautifully

A candle creates atmosphere, but it is still an open flame. A few simple habits will keep it burning safely and beautifully.

Never leave a burning candle unattended.
Burn for a maximum of 3 hours at a time.
Always place your candle on a flat, heat-resistant surface.
Keep away from children, pets and anything flammable.
Avoid placing your candle in draughts, near open windows or air-conditioning vents.
Stop burning when approximately 6mm (¼ inch) of wax remains to protect the vessel from overheating.

Why Candle Care Matters

Good candle care isn't just about making a candle last longer.

It allows the fragrance to unfold exactly as intended, encourages an even melt, reduces soot, and protects the glass vessel so it can continue to be enjoyed long after the final burn.

Because beautiful objects should never be single-use.

How to Burn a Candle Evenly

Candles appreciate calm surroundings.

Choose a still spot away from breezes that can cause the flame to flicker unevenly. Before each burn, check that the wick is centred and trimmed, then allow the wax to melt all the way to the edge before extinguishing.

That first complete melt teaches your candle how to burn, and it remembers.

Understanding Burn Time

Every candle has its own rhythm.

Burn time depends on the size of the vessel, the wax blend and the fragrance inside. You'll find the recommended burn time on each product page and on the candle label.

Following these guidelines helps your candle perform beautifully from the very first light to the very last.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make my candle last longer?

Trim the wick before every burn, avoid draughts, and always allow the first burn to create a full melt pool. Limiting each burn to around three hours will also help preserve both the fragrance and the vessel.

Why is my candle tunnelling?

Tunnelling usually happens when the first burn wasn't long enough for the wax to melt all the way across the surface. Once a candle forms this pattern, it will often continue to burn that way.

My wick is too short. Can I fix it?

Yes. Once the wax has softened, gently remove a small amount from around the wick so it can stand proud again. Take care not to damage the wick itself.

Do soy candles burn differently?

They do. Soy wax burns more slowly and cleanly than many traditional waxes, but it benefits from a little patience—especially during that important first burn.

Back to blog