Allow enough time for the wax to completely melt so that the entire top layer becomes liquid. This prevents tunneling and ensures an even burn for future uses. Your candle remembers where it melted to on the first burn and will only ever burn up to that point. This is why the first burn is the most important.

When necessary, use a candle poker to center the wick to ensure a
consistent melting pool.

After every burn, trim the wick to 1/4 inch (6 mm) in length. This helps prevent excessive flickering, smoking, and ensures a cleaner burn.

Try not to burn your candle for more than 4 hours at a time. Burning for too long can cause the wick to mushroom, leading to increased smoking and sooting.

Drafts can cause uneven burning and can make your candle flicker
excessively. Place your candle in a draft-free area to ensure an even burn.