Candle Burn Instructions
Last Updated: February 21, 2026
Thank you for choosing Chalcedony Candle Co. Our hand-poured, non-toxic coconut-soy candles are crafted for clean, even burning and long-lasting enjoyment. Following these simple guidelines will help you achieve the best performance, maximize burn time, and ensure safety.
Before Lighting
- Trim the wick to ¼ inch (about 6 mm) before each burn. A long or crooked wick can cause uneven burning, sooting, or mushrooming.
- Place the candle on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from drafts, fans, open windows, or air vents.
- Keep away from flammable materials, children, pets, and never leave a burning candle unattended.
- Ensure the candle is in a proper holder or container that can contain any melted wax.
Burning Instructions
The First Burn Is Critical
Always allow the candle to burn long enough for the entire top layer of wax to melt to the edges of the jar (full melt pool). This usually takes 2–4 hours depending on candle size. This prevents tunneling and ensures even burning for the life of the candle.
- Burn for 2–4 hours per session to achieve a full melt pool (wax melted edge-to-edge).
- Do not burn for more than 4 hours at a time to prevent overheating.
- Keep wick centered. If it drifts, gently guide it back while wax is still warm (use tweezers or a wick tool).
- Extinguish by gently blowing out or using a snuffer—never use water.
Safety Guidelines
- Never leave a burning candle unattended.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Do not burn near flammable objects, curtains, bedding, books, or paper.
- Do not touch or move a burning candle.
- Extinguish all candles before leaving the room or going to sleep.
- Do not burn candles on or near anything that can catch fire.
- Discontinue use when ½ inch (1.3 cm) of wax remains to avoid overheating the container.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Tunneling (wax burns down center only) | Allow longer burn time on next use to reach full melt pool edge-to-edge. |
| Sooting / black smoke | Trim wick to ¼ inch, avoid drafts, and ensure proper burn time. |
| Mushrooming (carbon buildup on wick) | Trim wick before each burn; extinguish and remove mushroom if present. |
| Crackling / popping | Normal with wooden wicks or essential oils; safe unless excessive. |
Storage Tips
- Store candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Keep lids on jars when not in use to preserve fragrance.
- Avoid extreme temperature changes (do not store in car, garage, or near windows).
Contact Us
If you experience any issues with your candle or have questions about burning, please reach out:
Email: hello@chalcedonycandlesco.com
We typically respond within 24–48 hours (Monday–Friday).