Candles are small luxuries with big impact—especially during the holidays. But even the most beautiful fragrance underperforms without good care. This guide teaches you how to burn Peach X Pearl favorites like our Matcha & Jasmine Candle and the Pomegranate Pineapple Jar Candle (Wayfair) for longer life, cleaner glass, and the most elegant aroma throw.

1) The First Burn (Set the Memory)

Wax has “memory.” On the first burn, allow the melt pool to reach the edges of the jar (usually 2–3 hours depending on room conditions). This trains the candle to burn evenly in the future and prevents tunneling.

• Plan your first burn when you can stay in the room—never leave a candle unattended.
• Keep the candle away from drafts; moving air cools the surface and can cause uneven melt.

2) Trim the Wick—Every Time

A long wick equals excess flame, soot, and faster burn. Before each lighting, trim to ~1/4" (6 mm). A wick trimmer keeps the cuttings out of hot wax and reaches deep jars easily.

• If you see a “mushroom” on the wick tip, extinguish, let cool, trim, and re-light for a cleaner burn.
• Keep the wick centered while the wax is soft to ensure even heat distribution.

3) Ideal Session Length

For most jar candles, each session should run 1.5–3 hours. Short bursts won’t reach a full melt pool; extra-long burns can overheat the vessel and reduce fragrance complexity over time.

4) Place Candles Like a Designer (and a Safety Pro)

• Always set on a level, heat-safe surface—stone, ceramic, or a thick tray.
• Give candles 8–12 inches of clearance above the flame—no shelves or art close overhead.
• Keep out of drafts (vents, windows, doorways). Drafts = smoke, flicker, and uneven burn.
• Never leave a burning candle unattended or near children/pets. Extinguish before leaving the room.

5) Fixing Common Issues

Tunneling (Center burns down, wax on sides)

First, confirm you gave the candle a full edge-to-edge melt on early burns. To correct mild tunneling: burn for a longer session with the wick centered and trimmed. For deeper tunnels, wrap the jar’s top edge loosely with foil to retain heat (leave an opening above the flame) and monitor closely until the sides melt down—then remove.

Sooting (Black residue on glass)

• Trim to 1/4" and avoid drafts.
• If flame is still too large, extinguish and relight after cooling.
• Wipe cooled glass with a soft, dry cloth; avoid water on warm wax.

Weak Scent Throw

• Let the candle burn until a full melt pool forms—scent releases with melted wax.
• Place in a smaller or closed room; large open spaces dilute fragrance.
• Rotate to a complementary profile at night (e.g., Pomegranate Pineapple) to suit the room size and mood.

6) Extinguish the Right Way

Blowing out introduces smoke and can splatter wax. Use a snuffer or gently dip the wick tip into the melt pool with a wick dipper, then immediately lift and re-center. This method eliminates smoke and primes the wick for the next clean light.

7) Storage & Seasonality

• Store with the lid on, away from direct sunlight and heat to protect aromatic top notes.
• Keep candles upright so wicks stay centered and the surface remains even.
• Rotate fragrances by season: clear, green-tea florals (like Matcha & Jasmine) for daytime clarity; fruit-amber warmth (Wayfair’s Pomegranate Pineapple) for evenings and gatherings.

8) Caring for the Vessel

Well-kept jars double as décor long after the candle’s last burn.

• Stop burning with ~1/2" of wax remaining to protect the base.
• To clean: let wax fully cool, place the jar in the freezer for 30–60 minutes, pop out the remaining wax, then wash with warm soapy water. Dry thoroughly before reuse.
• Repurpose ideas: match holder, bud vase, vanity cup, or petite planter.

9) Build a Two-Scent Routine (Design-Lover Method)

Homes feel most cohesive when you limit fragrance to a simple duo:

• Daily clarity: Matcha & Jasmine in kitchens, bedrooms, and morning reading spots.
• Evening warmth: Pomegranate Pineapple (Wayfair) in living and dining rooms for quiet hospitality.

10) Styling Basics for a Calm, Elevated Glow

• Style in trios: subject · ground · glow (e.g., book, tray, candle).
• Keep palettes tonal—ivory, stone, sage, pale gold—for effortless cohesion.
• Use matte textures (linen, honed stone) to amplify candlelight without glare.

11) Hosting Checklist (5 Minutes Before Guests Arrive)

1. Trim wicks to 1/4" and center.
2. Open a window for two minutes; close to stabilize air.
3. Light the first candle in the entry, the second in the living room.
4. Start a kettle or chilled beverage to pair with the mood.
5. Set out matches and a snuffer—looks boutique, feels thoughtful.

12) Quick Answers

How long should I wait before re-lighting? Let wax solidify completely to protect scent profile and wick position.
Why is my flame tiny? Wick may be trimmed too short or drowning in wax—let the pool form fully, and ensure the wick stands upright and centered.
Is soot normal? A small amount can happen; consistent trimming and draft-free placement should keep glass clear.