For the best burning candle, please trim your wick to about 1/4" before each burn. To extend the life of your candle extinguish the flame after 4 hours and trim the wick. Trimming the wick will ensure that it doesn't get too long and lean to one side causing your candle to burn unevenly or possibly get too close to the edge of the candle or jar. This will also ensure a long-lasting candle and help to minimize soot.
On the first burn allow the wax to melt to the sides of the container. A good rule of thumb is to burn for one hour for each inch of the dimension of the candle. For example, a three-inch pillar or jar should burn for at least three hours. Failure to do this will often cause tunneling which can limit the life of your candle.
It is extremely important to keep your candles away from any draft or air current. If your flame "dances", you should move your candle to a different location.