It is important to prioritize the first burn of your candle. To ensure a consistently even burn throughout the lifespan of the candle, make sure to let the wax melt across the entire surface and reach the edges, forming a pool in the container. This technique will effectively prevent tunnelling and promote an optimal burning experience.
To properly trim the wick of your candle, begin by cutting it down to 8mm prior to lighting it. It's best to use a specialized wick trimmer to achieve a clean, straight edge.
Make sure to remove any debris that may have fallen onto the surface of the candle. While the candle is burning, it's normal for the wick to form a "mushroom" at its end. However, this must be trimmed before each use, and periodically during the burn if it becomes excessive, to ensure a clean burn and prevent fire hazards.
If you're using a laser lighter, be sure to unlock the safety switch, press the power button, and avoid touching the wax. After use, remember to turn the safety switch off.
Failing to trim the wick can lead to smoke emissions that could stain the surrounding area. Furthermore, wick mushrooming is a major contributor to wick debris falling into the wax pool, which can become a fire hazard as the candle burns down.