How to Burn a 3-Wick Candle

A 3-wick candle can infuses a room with warmth, color and fragrance. Follow these steps to discover how to burn 3-wick candles in order to prolong their life and maintain the beauty of the wax.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 3-wick candle
• Candle holder
• Candle snuffer
• Lighter

1. Place the 3-wick candle on an appropriate surface for burning. 3-wick candles burn extremely hot and may damage surfaces or cause a fire. Place them on a durable, non-flammable, clutter-free surface.

2. Light the candle. Let your 3-wick candle burn 1 hour for each inch of its diameter. This allows the wax to melt to the edges rather than pooling in the center. It is best to do this every time you light the candle, but vital the first time.

3. “Hug" the candle by running your hands up and down its exterior and gently turning in the wax as it softens at the top. Be careful not to force unsoftened wax or you risk cracking the candle. Hugging helps ensure that dams aren't created in the top from which the wax can spill over. You should hug the candle at least once an hour while the candle is burning.

4. Eliminate wind sources that may fan the flames. Never burn a 3-wick candle near an air conditioning vent, in a room with a running fan or near open windows. Wind not only poses a fire hazard, but also creates unattractive pooling and melting of the candle's wax.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a snuffer to extinguish the candle. Blowing candles out cans splatter the liquefied wax, creating a nasty mess.
• Avoid leaving your 3-wick candle burning unattended, as it poses a serious fire risk.
• Do not burn 3-wick or other candles within reach of children or pets, as both the candle's flame and the hot wax can burn them.