A care guide from Petersham Cottage Candles
Follow these tips to enjoy a longer-lasting, cleaner, and more fragrant burn every time.
1. Trim the Wick Before Each Burn
Before lighting, trim the wick to 5mm (¼ inch).
This helps prevent:
- Soot buildup
- Excessive flickering
- Uneven or fast burning
Use a wick trimmer or small scissors.
2. Let It Burn to the Edge on First Use
Allow the candle to burn for 2–3 hours on the first burn, until the melted wax reaches the edges of the jar.
This prevents tunneling (wax sticking to the sides) and promotes an even burn throughout its life.
3. Don’t Burn for Too Long
Limit each burn session to no more than 4 hours.
This helps maintain the candle’s shape and ensures safety.
4. Keep Away from Draughts & Heat
Place your candle on a heat-resistant, stable surface.
Avoid placing it near:
- Open windows
- Fans
- Radiators
- Direct sunlight
5. Never Leave a Candle Unattended
Always extinguish your candle before leaving the room or going to sleep.
Keep out of reach of children and pets.
6. Extinguish Gently
Use a snuffer or gently blow out the flame.
Avoid splashing the wax or creating smoke.
7. Reuse the Jar
Once your candle has burned down to 1cm of wax, stop using it.
Clean the jar with warm, soapy water and reuse it for:
- Tea lights
- Small plants
- Desk storage
Quick Summary
| Tip | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Trim the wick | Reduces soot & uneven burning |
| Burn to the edge | Prevents tunneling |
| Keep burn under 4 hrs | Preserves fragrance & shape |
| Avoid draughts | Helps burn evenly |
| Don’t leave unattended | Essential for safety |
| Stop at 1cm | Prevents jar overheating |