8 Common Candle Mistakes You’re Probably Making (And How to Fix Them)

Whether you're a candle connoisseur or a casual burner, chances are you've unknowingly made a few missteps that could be affecting your candle’s performance, longevity, or safety. At JARE Candles, we want to help you get the most from every burn. Below are eight of the most common candle mistakes and how to fix them.

1. Not Trimming the Wick

Leaving your wick too long can lead to soot, uneven burning, and a dangerously large flame.

Fix: Trim the wick to ¼ inch before every burn to ensure a clean and controlled flame.

2. Burning for Too Short a Time

Blowing out your candle too soon creates 'tunneling'—a ring of wax that never melts.

Fix: Burn your candle until the melt pool reaches the edge (typically 2–3 hours).

3. Burning for Too Long

Letting a candle burn endlessly can overheat the container or degrade scent quality.

Fix: Limit your burn time to 3–4 hours per session to preserve fragrance and safety.

4. Ignoring the First Burn

The first burn sets the 'memory' of your candle. Blow it out too soon and it may never burn evenly.

Fix: Always let the first burn reach the edges of the jar.

5. Not Using a Candle Snuffer

Blowing out a candle can cause smoke and send wax splatter.

Fix: Use a snuffer or gently dip the wick into melted wax and re-center it.

6. Burning in Drafty Areas

Wind or air vents cause flickering flames and uneven burns.

Fix: Place candles away from windows, fans, or high-traffic areas.

7. Skipping the Lid or Dust Cover

Dust and debris can affect both scent and burn quality.

Fix: Always cover your candle when not in use to protect the wax surface.

8. Choosing the Wrong Candle for Your Space

Using a tiny candle in a large space can leave you scentless and disappointed.

Fix: Match candle size to room size—for large spaces, try our 11.5 ounce tin candles like 'After Hours'.

A little candle care goes a long way. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll extend the life of your candle, enhance its fragrance throw, and keep your space feeling cozy, clean, and safe. At JARE Candles, we blend premium soy wax and essential oils to offer luxury candles that love you back—burn better, live brighter.

We include care instructions with every candle and in your order confirmation email. Here’s the most important one to remember:

“Always allow your candle to burn long enough for the wax to melt completely across the surface—especially during the first burn. This helps avoid ‘tunneling’ and ensures you get a clean, even burn every time.”