Here are a few essential candle care tips I’ve picked up along the way – some obvious, some slightly less so – which I thought might be useful to you too..

My candle care tips:

1. When lighting a candle for the first time, allow it to burn for at least two hours to allow the wax to pool evenly and prevent tunnelling. If a candle isn’t fully melted across on the first use this will create a ‘memory ring’ and your candle will continue to tunnel in the same way each time it is lit thereafter.
2. Candles shouldn’t burn for more than four hours at a time, to prevent a mushrooming of the wick or blackening of the candle jar.
3. As intuitive as it seems blowing out a candle is a no-no, as this can cause the wick to smoke, creating excess soot and a potential migration of the wick. instead use a candle snuffer to extinguish the flame.
4. Always give the wick a trim before relighting (to around 5mm) to promote an even burn, steady flame and reduce any sooting or mushrooming of wick.
5. Your candle wick should be centred, but can often migrate or burn at an angle. If this happens, use a small sturdy object such as a spoon or butter knife to reposition or straighten the wick once the flame has been extinguished but before the wax hardens into position.
6. If your candle doesn’t come with a lid, you should invest in one. Dust accumulating on the waxy surface of your candle can cause smoking or nasty odours next time you light the candle.
7. Placing a lit candle directly on a tabletop can result in heat-damage to the surface, particularly if the candle is nearing its end. It’s advisable to use a coaster to provide a heat buffer and prevent any unwanted scorching.