A well-cared-for candle burns cleaner, lasts longer, and fills your space with maximum fragrance. Follow these simple tips to get the best from every MilouGlow candle.
✂️Trim the Wick
Keep it at ¼ inch before every burn
⏱️First Burn
Burn 2–4 hrs until wax melts edge-to-edge
🚫Never Over-Burn
Max 4 hours per session
♻️Reuse the Jar
Clean and repurpose when done
Step by Step
How to Burn Your Candle
1
Trim the Wick Before Every Burn
Using a wick trimmer or small scissors, trim the wick to ¼ inch (6mm) before lighting. A properly trimmed wick creates a steady, soot-free flame and prevents the wick from mushrooming.
💡 Tip: Wipe away any wick debris before lighting
2
Allow a Full Melt Pool on the First Burn
The first burn is the most important. Let your candle burn until the entire top layer of wax melts from edge to edge — this usually takes 2–4 hours depending on the candle size. This prevents tunneling and ensures an even burn every time after.
⚠️ Never extinguish early on the first burn
3
Burn for No More Than 4 Hours at a Time
Extended burning can cause the wick to shift, the jar to overheat, or the fragrance throw to weaken. We recommend burning your candle for a maximum of 4 hours per session, then letting it cool completely before re-lighting.
4
Extinguish Safely
Use a candle snuffer or gently dip the wick into the melted wax and straighten it back up — this prevents smoke and keeps the wick centered. Avoid blowing out your candle, as this can cause the wick to move and create soot.
🚫 Never use water to extinguish a candle
5
Store Properly When Not in Use
Keep your candle covered with its lid when not in use to protect the wax from dust and preserve the fragrance. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which can fade the color and weaken the scent.
Best Practices
Do's & Don'ts
✓ Do
Trim the wick to ¼ inch before every burn
Allow a full melt pool on the first burn
Burn on a stable, heat-resistant surface
Keep the wax pool free of debris and wick trimmings
Use a snuffer to extinguish the flame
Let the candle cool completely before relighting
Keep candles out of drafts for an even burn
Stop burning when ½ inch of wax remains
✕ Don't
Burn for more than 4 hours at a time
Leave a burning candle unattended
Place near flammable materials or in a draft
Move a candle while the wax is still liquid
Blow out the candle (causes smoke & wick drift)
Burn near children or pets
Burn in direct sunlight or near a heat source
Burn all the way to the bottom of the jar
Estimated Burn Times
How Long Will Your Candle Last?
Burn times vary based on candle size, wick care, and environment. The times below are estimates based on ideal burning conditions — trimmed wick, no drafts, and sessions of 2–4 hours.
🕯️
20–30 hrs
Travel / Mini (4 oz)
Perfect for bathrooms, offices, and small spaces
🕯️
40–50 hrs
Classic (8 oz)
Our most popular size — ideal for living rooms & bedrooms
🕯️
60–80 hrs
Large (16 oz)
Maximum fragrance throw for open or larger spaces
🌿 All MilouGlow candles are made with 100% soy wax, which burns cooler and cleaner than paraffin — giving you a longer, more fragrant experience.
Common Issues
Candle Troubleshooting
🕳️ My candle is tunneling — what do I do?
Tunneling happens when a candle isn't burned long enough on the first burn. To fix it, use a hairdryer on low to gently melt the top layer of wax until it's even, then light it and allow a full melt pool. Going forward, always burn until the wax reaches the edges before extinguishing.
🔥 My flame is too large or flickering a lot.
A large or dancing flame usually means the wick is too long or the candle is in a draft. Extinguish the candle safely, let it cool, trim the wick to ¼ inch, and move it away from vents, fans, or open windows before relighting.
🖤 There's black soot on the jar or wick.
Soot is a sign of an untrimmed wick or a drafty environment. Always trim your wick to ¼ inch before lighting. If soot appears on the jar, let it cool completely and wipe clean with a dry cloth. Our 100% soy wax formula burns much cleaner than paraffin, so soot should be minimal when the candle is properly maintained.
👃 I can't smell the fragrance as strongly anymore.
This is called "nose blindness" — your sense of smell adapts to a scent over time. Try stepping outside for a few minutes and returning to the room. Also ensure your candle has been burning long enough to reach a full melt pool. Burning in a smaller room will also give a stronger scent throw.
⚪ There are white spots or a rough surface on my candle.
White spots (called "frosting") are a completely natural characteristic of 100% soy wax. They do not affect the performance or scent of your candle — they are simply a sign that your candle is made with natural, plant-based wax. Consider it a mark of authenticity!
🫙 When should I stop burning my candle?
Stop burning your candle when there is approximately ½ inch (1.25 cm) of wax remaining at the bottom. Burning beyond this point can cause the jar to overheat and crack. The good news — your jar can be cleaned out and repurposed as a vase, storage pot, or cup!
Always Keep in Mind
Safety First
⚠️ Never leave a burning candle unattended. Always keep candles within sight and extinguish before leaving a room or going to sleep.
👶
Keep Away from Children
Place candles out of reach of children and never allow children to handle open flames.
🐾
Keep Away from Pets
Curious pets can knock over candles. Keep burning candles in pet-free areas or use holders.
🌬️
Avoid Drafts & Vents
Airflow causes uneven burning, soot, and flickering. Always burn in a still, stable environment.
🪞
Use a Heat-Safe Surface
Always place your candle on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from flammable materials.
☀️
Store Away from Sunlight
UV rays can discolor wax and weaken fragrance. Store in a cool, dark place with the lid on.
🚿
Never Use Water to Extinguish
Water can cause hot wax to splatter. Always use a snuffer or dip method to put out the flame.
Ready to Glow?
Shop our full collection of hand-poured soy candles, car diffusers, and room sprays — crafted with love in Nashua, NH.