The Ultimate Guide to Burning and Extinguishing SSSC Candles

Mar 5

2 min read

Updated: Oct 24

How to Burn Your SSSC Candle for Longevity

Inside each of my candles, I place a small "memory burn" note. It explains how to prevent tunneling in your new candle. It reads:

To prevent “tunneling,” you must conduct a “memory burn” the first time your candle is lit. This means allowing the candle to burn for approximately 2 hours OR until there is a wax pool at least 1/4” deep across the entire diameter. Subsequent burns should last long enough to reach the entire diameter but do not have to be as deep. Monitor the burn and keep wicks trimmed to 1/4” to 3/8”.

A Fall Festival candle opened showing the folded memory burn note. — Folded Memory Burn note inside candle next to the wick.

So, light the candle in a safe place according to the safety label on its base. Follow the directions for the memory burn carefully. You must be diligent in keeping the wick trimmed!

Wick Trimming Tips

And VERY IMPORTANT—trim wicks when the candle has been extinguished and is still hot. If you trim a cold wick, you will likely break it off at the base where it enters the wax. This will prevent you from lighting it again!

How to Properly Extinguish a SSSC Container Candle

A silver tray showing candles, a candle snuffer, a lighter, a wick trimmer, and a wick handler. — Head of the candle snuffer resting inside the candle lid.

There are three ways to extinguish your candle:

Blow it out
Use a candle snuffer
Place the candle lid back onto the jar

Evaluating the Methods

Let’s discuss the pros and cons of these methods:

Method 1: Blow it Out

This method is straightforward! There are no problems as long as the candle has been burning in a safe place. Just make sure you don’t move it until it has completely cooled.

Method 2: Use a Candle Snuffer

This is my preferred method! It’s effective and minimizes smoke.

Method 3: Place the Lid Back On

I recommend avoiding this method. It can lead to soot buildup inside the candle lid. If you haven’t been keeping the wick trimmed, it can also blacken the entire inside of the jar. This creates an unattractive candle, negating the whole reason for having a beautiful product in your home!

Final Thoughts on Candle Care

I'll say it again! You must be diligent in keeping the wick trimmed! And remember, trim wicks when the candle has been extinguished and is still hot. If you trim a cold wick, you will most likely break it off at the base where it enters the wax. This will prevent you from lighting it again!

Thanks for reading, and have a Happy SSSC Day!