A little care goes a long way.

Trim the wick to about 5 mm before each lighting. A trimmed wick keeps the flame even and reduces smoke and soot.

Always place your candle on a stable, heat-resistant, non-flammable surface, away from anything that could catch fire. For sculptural candles, use a plate or tray large enough to catch dripping wax — dripping is a natural part of how they burn.

Keep burning candles away from drafts, curtains, furniture and other flammable things. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Never leave a burning candle unattended, and never fall asleep while one is still lit.

The flame should be calm and steady. If it gets unusually large, flickers a lot or smokes, put it out, let it cool and trim the wick before relighting.

Wax can melt, drip and change the candle's shape. That's completely normal. Keep the candle on a suitable heat-resistant plate the whole time it burns.

Use a candle snuffer if you can. Never use water. Before you leave the room, make sure the flame is fully out and the wick has stopped glowing.

Let the wax (and the container, if there is one) cool completely before touching or moving the candle.

Keep your candles in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat.