Things You'll Need:
- Candle
- Wick trimmer
- Matches or butane lighter
- Wick dipper
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Step 1
Remove any decorative packaging materials that could accidentally ignite.
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Step 2
Trim the wick to approximately 1/4 inch in length with a wick trimmer. Wick trimmers are tools that act as scissors to cut the wick. If the wick is too long, it can burn at a dangerous height and flare.
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Step 3
Place the candle on a heat resistant surface. If grouping more than one candle, place them at least 3 inches apart, so they do not create a draft and flare.
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Step 4
Strike a match or turn on a butane lighter, and place the flame near the wick, without actually touching it, until the wick ignites. Touching the wick can break it.
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Step 5
Burn the candle for two to four hours, depending on the width of the candle, to prepare the wax for even burns in the future. The wider the candle, the longer it should burn.
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Step 6
Eliminate fallen wick pieces, matches and other debris from the wax as the candle burns down to prevent other flares.
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Step 7
Extinguish the flame when the wick burns between 2 inches and a ½ inch of the bottom with a wick dipper. A wick dipper hooks onto the wick and dips it into the melted wax to extinguish the wick. It prevents excessive smoke and black soot stains if using a jar candle.
