The guide
How to get the most from a scented candle
A tall cup candle needs patient first burns — here is how to get an even melt.
The first burn
Let the wax melt right across to the edge of the container before you put it out. A first burn that stops short leaves a ring of wax that the flame then tunnels into, wasting the candle.
Trim the wick
Before every burn, trim the wick to about 5 mm. A short wick burns cleanly; a long one smokes and blackens the glass.
Put it out gently
Use a snuffer or dip the wick into the pool, and never blow hard — it throws soot and splashes hot wax.