BURN LIKE YOU MEAN IT
Get the most from your Grit & Wick candle. These aren't suggestions—they're the difference between a good burn and a great one. Follow them and your candle will reward you with clean, consistent flame and full scent throw every single time.
THE FIRST BURN MATTERS
Light your candle and let it burn until the wax melts completely across the top surface. This is called the "memory ring." Get it right on the first burn, and your candle will thank you for the next 40+ hours. Rush it, and you'll tunnel—wasting wax and missing out on full scent throw.
First burn: 2-4 hours minimum, depending on candle size.
RESPECT THE BURN TIME
Never burn your candle for more than 4 hours at a time. Let it cool for at least 2 hours before relighting. This prevents overheating, keeps the wick stable, and extends the life of your candle. It's not a race—savor it.
4 hours on, 2 hours off. That's the rhythm.
AVOID TUNNELING
Tunneling happens when the wick burns straight down without melting the wax around it, leaving walls of unburned wax on the sides. The culprit? Burning too short. Get that full melt pool on the first burn and you'll prevent this waste entirely.
Full melt pool = no tunneling = happy candle owner.
MAXIMIZE SCENT THROW
Our candles are formulated for bold scent in rooms up to 300 square feet. Place your candle away from windows, fans, and drafts. The flame needs still air to release fragrance effectively. Avoid rooms with heavy air circulation.
Still air = stronger scent. That's physics.
QUICK REFERENCE: THE BURNING RULES
- → First burn: Let wax melt completely across the top (2-4 hours)
- → Subsequent burns: 1-4 hours per session, with 2-hour cooling breaks
- → Keep wick trimmed to 1/4 inch (handled in next section)
- → Place away from drafts and air circulation for best scent throw
- → Never leave a burning candle unattended
These aren't arbitrary rules. They're the result of years of candle-making experience. Follow them and you'll get 40+ hours of clean, consistent burn with full scent throw. Ignore them and you'll waste wax, miss out on fragrance, and wonder why your candle isn't performing like it should. Your Grit & Wick candle is built for quality—treat it right and it'll deliver.
Keep Your Wick in Check
A well-maintained wick is the difference between a candle that burns clean and one that smokes. We keep it simple: trim, maintain, enjoy.
The 1/4 Inch Rule
Trim your wick to 1/4 inch before every burn. This simple habit prevents mushrooming, reduces soot, and gives you a cleaner, brighter flame. A shorter wick also means better scent throw and a longer-lasting candle.
Prevent Mushrooming
When wicks aren't trimmed, they develop a mushroom-shaped carbon cap. This causes excessive smoking, uneven burning, and wasted wax. Regular trimming keeps your flame controlled and your candle performing at its best.
Clean Burn, Better Scent
A trimmed wick burns cleaner with less soot and smoke. You'll notice the scent throw improves—your room fills with fragrance faster and more evenly. Plus, your candle lasts longer, giving you more value from every pour.
Safety First
Always trim wicks with a wick trimmer or nail clippers—never your fingers. Keep your candle away from drafts, curtains, and anything flammable. Never leave a burning candle unattended. A well-maintained wick is a safe wick.
Storage & Safety
Protect your investment. Keep your candles burning clean and safe with these straightforward guidelines.
Temperature & Light
Keep your candles away from direct sunlight and heat sources. The ideal storage temperature is between 60–75°F. Extreme heat will soften the wax and throw off the scent throw. Excessive cold can crack the wax. Store in a cool, dark place—think your bedroom dresser or a closet, not a sunny windowsill or above the stove.
Why it matters: Soy wax has a lower melting point than paraffin. Protecting it from heat preserves the candle's integrity and ensures it burns exactly as intended.
Drafts & Air Movement
Place your candles away from windows, ceiling fans, air conditioning vents, and open doors. Drafts cause uneven burning, excessive flickering, and wasted wax. A steady flame means a longer-lasting candle and better scent distribution throughout your space.
Pro tip: Position your candle at least 3 feet away from any air source. This ensures a clean, consistent burn every time.
Keep Out of Reach
Store candles where children and pets cannot access them. Even unlit candles pose a hazard if ingested or knocked over. Keep them on high shelves or in closed cabinets, away from curious hands and paws.
Safety first: A burning candle should never be left unattended or within reach of anyone who might accidentally knock it over.
Essential Safety Rules
- Never leave a burning candle unattended. Even a moment away can be risky. Always extinguish before leaving the room or going to sleep.
- Keep candles away from flammable materials. Curtains, bedding, paper, and other combustible items should be at least 12 inches away from the flame.
- Trim the wick to 1/4 inch. A properly trimmed wick prevents excessive smoke and mushrooming, keeping your candle burning clean and safe.
- Never move a lit candle. Hot wax can spill and cause burns. Always extinguish before moving, or wait for the wax to cool completely.
- Extinguish properly. Use a candle snuffer or carefully dip the wick into the melted wax to extinguish. Never blow out the candle—this can cause hot wax to splatter.
- Stop burning when wax reaches 1/2 inch. Once the wax pool nears the bottom, discontinue use to prevent overheating the container.
A Grit & Wick candle is built to last and built to perform. Treat it with respect, follow these guidelines, and you'll get the maximum burn time and scent throw from every ounce of wax. Your home—and your safety—depend on it.