Proper Candle Wicking: Simple Tips to Stop Smoking, Tunneling, and Make Candles Last Longer
Have you ever asked yourself why your candle smokes and leaves black marks on the jar? Or why your candle tunnels and wastes so much wax?
It’s frustrating when you buy a candle you love, expecting a relaxing experience, but after burning it for a while, it starts to emit black soot.
This is actually very common and can happen with most candles — whether you buy a cheap one or an expensive one. Without proper candle wicking, every candle is at risk of burning incorrectly and ending up in the trash.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to care for your wicks the right way so your candles burn cleaner, safer, and last longer.
Why Does the Wick Matter?
The wick is the most important part of a perfect candle-burning experience.
Proper wicking can prevent tunneling, black soot, and wick mushrooming — all of which can cause an uneven burn. It also helps prevent the flame from becoming too long and overheating the jar.
Experts at the National Candle Association recommend trimming your candle’s wick to ¼ inch before each burn to promote a cleaner, longer-lasting experience. Some studies even suggest this can extend burn time by up to 25%.
At Inara Flame, we recommend trimming the wick every three hours during use so the flame stays steady, the scent stays pure without smoke, and your space stays safe.
How to Trim a Wick?
The National Candle Association suggests trimming the wick down to about ¼ inch before each burn and clearing away any leftover debris from the wax pool. Leftover debris can add extra fuel to the flame and cause the candle to flare up (National Candle Association, 2024).
Trimming the wick helps prevent uneven burns, soot, and flare-ups.
At Inara Flame, we recommend using a wick trimmer or scissors to cut the wick each time for a safe, steady, and clean burn.
How to Make a Candle Last Longer?
Let’s talk about the “memory ring” — and what it has to do with tunneling.
The first burn of a candle is crucial for its longevity. Most people don’t pay much attention to it, but if you want to get the most out of your candle, this step matters.
The National Candle Association and the experts at Inara Flame recommend letting the candle melt fully from edge to edge for about two hours during the first burn.
If the wax isn’t given enough time to melt completely, it forms a memory ring, and the candle will tunnel for the rest of its life.
Common Candle Problems and What They Mean
Let’s look at some common problems you might face when burning a candle — and what they actually mean.
Candle is smoking → The wick was not trimmed after each burn.
Candle is tunneling → The wax was not allowed to melt all the way to the edges during the first burn (about two hours).
Flame is too tall or flickering → The wick was not trimmed properly or there’s leftover debris around the wick.
Uneven burn → The candle was placed near open windows or vents, causing it to burn too quickly on one side and not reach the edges.
Quick Candle Care Tips for Beginners
Trim your candle wick before lighting.
Burn for 2–3 hours on the first use, or until the wax melts evenly across the top.
According to the National Candle Association, avoid placing candles near open windows, vents, or fans to ensure an even burn.
At INARA Flame, we recommend not burning your candle for more than 4 hours at a time.
Never leave a burning candle unattended.
Keep candles away from children and pets.
Always trim the wick before relighting to prevent soot and blackening of jars.
FAQs
Q: Why does my candle smoke? A: Smoke happens when the wick isn’t trimmed before lighting.
Q: How to fix a tunneled candle? A: Let the candle burn long enough for the wax to melt edge to edge, resetting the surface.
Q: How often should I trim my candle wick? A: Trim the wick to ¼ inch before every burn for a clean, steady flame.
Q: What kind of tools are required to trim the candle wick? A: At Inara Flame, we recommend using a wick trimmer for the best results, but scissors work just as well.
Conclusion
Here at Inara Flame, we believe in the art of fire — that a well-cared-for candle burns cleaner, lasts longer, and smells stronger.
As discussed in this guide, trimming your candle wick is the key to preventing common problems such as smoke, soot, blackened jars, uneven burns, and tunneling.
To extend the life of your candle and achieve a longer-lasting burn, it’s important to practice proper wick trimming techniques. This ensures that no candle you purchase — whether from your favorite local store or from our Inara Flame collection — ever goes to waste.
