Maintenance and care of candle wicks are detrimental to the longevity of the burning of candles. For best results, keep wicks centered and trimmed to 1/4 of an inch.  Burn candle for at least 2 hours each burn.  Keep candle free from any foreign matter, matches, wick trimmings, etc.  Place on a protected, fire resistant surface. Do not place lid on container while burning. Discontinue use when 1/2 an inch of wax remains in candle container. Failure to follow instructions could result in fire hazard or injury. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not burn candles on or near anything that can catch fire. Avoid drafts and excessive vibrations. Container may become hot while burning candle.  Never leave a burning candle unattended. Candles should not be burned for more than four hours at a time, and before each burn, trim the wick to 1/4 inch to ensure a clean, even burn and to prevent excessive smoke. For the first burn, a candle should be lit for at least 3-4 hours, or until the wax melts evenly to the edge of the container. This ensures a proper "memory" for the candle, preventing tunneling and promoting even burning in subsequent uses.