The first time you light your candle allow it to burn until the liquid wax covers the entire top of the candle. This breaking in process ensures that it will perform better and more evenly throughout the life of the candle and provide a clean and efficient burning cycle. Keep wick trimmed to ¼” Be sure to trim your wick each time you light it. If you notice black soot coming from the wick your wick is too long. Please extinguish your candle, let the wax harden, trim your wick and then relight. Burning your candle too long willl cause the candle to get too hot allowing for soot, a change in the smell, and the possibility of your candle breaking. Not burning your candle until the wax melts to the edge can cause your candle to bore down the middle. Always burn within sight and never leave your candle unattended. Let candle completely cool before moving or re-lighting. Keep away from Flammable Objects. Keep away from children and pets. Keep candles free from any foreign materials including pieces of wick and matches. Only burn candles on level fire resistant surface. Burn candle in a well ventilated area do not burn in an enclosed space. Do not burn candle more than 4 hrs. at a time. Stop use when only ½” of wax remains. If your candle is shipped when it is cold or it gets too hot the wick may de-attach from the jar and slide to the side causing the jar to crack. Thank you and enjoy your candle safely. Please share your pictures on Instagram #thedancingwick. We always appreciate a happy review.