While we're certainly candle care snobs over at HLC, we know that the best candle practices aren't second nature to everyone.

To help you make the most out of your candle lighting experience, we wanted to highlight some common but lousy mistakes many people make with their candles.

If you're guilty of any of these mistakes, remember that by implementing healthy candle care practices, you'll be able to enjoy your favorite scents for a longer period of time. Here are three mistakes you might be making, and what to do instead. 

You're Not Trimming Your Wick

Each time you light your candle, start by trimming the wick to 1/4 inch above the set wax. Leaving your wick untrimmed can create a black, sooty residue on walls or other nearby surfaces.

Another downfall to slacking on your wick trimming? A tunneling effect can develop, which can cause your wax to melt unevenly. 

Wick trimming will provide a smoother burn, meaning your candle will last longer and will remain more polished. For scented candles specifically, having a too-long wick can impact the fragrance output, also known as its throw.

You're Not Burning Your Candle Long Enough

Once your wick is trimmed, it's time to strike a match, sit back, and relax.

If you want your candle to burn evenly and last as long as possible (which, why would you not?), make sure that you let the wax melt all the way across and pool to the edge during that initial burn. This should take around 3 to 4 hours. 

Blowing out your candle before the wax has completely melted can also lead to tunneling. 

You're Not Using a Candle Snuffer

When it’s time to extinguish the flame, the best way to do so is by using a candle snuffer.

Snuffers are superior to blowing a candle out because they prevent wax and soot from being blown around (and potentially getting stuck on the inside of your vessel).

Snuffers simply provide a more delicate way to put out a flame, protecting your wick and wax in the process.