Quick Answer

To burn a Voluspa Petite Jar Candle evenly, always let the wax pool reach the jar edge on the first burn and trim the wick to 1/4 inch before each lighting.

Why Even Burning Matters

An uneven burn not only wastes wax but can also create a tunnel that makes relighting difficult. The Petite Jar’s narrow diameter means the first burn is critical — if you extinguish before the melt pool reaches the glass, the candle will remember that edge and keep tunneling.

The coconut wax blend used in Voluspa Petite Jars melts at a lower temperature than paraffin, so it needs a slightly longer initial burn to fully liquefy across the surface. Rushing this step is the most common cause of unevenness.

Step-by-Step Guide to an Even Burn

  1. First Burn: Let the Wax Pool Reach the Edge: Light the candle and let it burn until the melted wax reaches the entire rim of the jar. For a Voluspa Petite Jar, this usually takes 2–3 hours. Do not extinguish before this point — that is the most common cause of tunneling. Set a timer so you don't forget and blow it out too early.
  2. Trim the Wick to 1/4 Inch Before Each Lighting: Use a wick trimmer or scissors to cut the wick to 1/4 inch (about 6 mm). A longer wick creates a taller flame that can burn unevenly and produce soot. Trim even if the wick looks short — residual carbon can still cause an uneven flame. Trimming also prevents mushrooming on the wick tip.
  3. Burn in Sessions of 3–4 Hours Max: After the first burn, limit each session to 3–4 hours. Burning longer can overheat the glass and cause the wax to pool unevenly on subsequent relights. Stop when 1/2 inch of wax remains at the bottom to avoid heat damage to the jar. Never burn a candle all the way to the bottom.
  4. Center the Candle Away from Drafts: Place the jar on a level, heat-safe surface away from windows, fans, or air vents. A draft pulls the flame to one side, creating a lopsided melt pool. Even a slight breeze can cause uneven burning in a petite container. A stable, still environment is key for an even pool.
  5. Rotate the Jar if You Notice Uneven Melting: If after several burns you see wax building up on one side, gently rotate the jar 180 degrees during the next burn. This helps redistribute the heat and can correct minor tunneling before it becomes permanent. Rotate only when the candle is cool and the wax is solid.

Product Spotlight

  • Burning Woods - Petite Jar Candle: Notes of Smoky Cedar, Burning Woods, Embers and Himalayan Juniper. Fragrance Description A rich warming accord with top notes of aromatic cut wood from Fir Balsam and Himalayan Juniper. The woody, smoky scent is strong enough to fill a small room even when burned in a petite jar, so you don't need to worry about scent throw being affected by a short initial burn.

    Burning Woods - Petite Jar Candle

    Burning Woods - Petite Jar Candle