The founder behind cleaning guru Mrs Hinch’s favourite scented candles said despite owning lots of candles, millions of Brits are unaware of how to burn them properly.

We all know how frustrating it can be when instead of burning evenly and giving over a heavenly aroma, the outer edges of the candle refuse to melt, resulting in a spluttering flame and wasted wax.

The problem is known as ‘tunnelling’.

But Ava May Aromas founder, Hannah Chapman, said there’s a simple trick to ensure your favourite candle burns evenly right down to the bottom of the jar.

“The majority of us own candles, but actually a lot of people don’t know how to burn them correctly,” she said. “And the first burn is so important to maximise how long your candle will last and how well it will burn.”

From candle-fan to a candle-aficionado, 25-year-old Hannah launched Ava May Aromas from her parents’ kitchen table two years ago. She now has 10 units and more than 20 members of staff hand-making beautiful candles, wax melts and more.

“The first burn is when your candle’s memory kicks in, and the second time it burns, it will only melt as far as it did the first time you burned it,” the 25-year-old added. “So, if you don’t melt the entire top layer of wax the first time, the candle will most likely tunnel its entire life!

“To prevent tunnelling, let your candles burn one hour for every inch in diameter on its first burn until the whole diameter of wax is burning. For example, if your candle is three inches across, it should burn for three hours to melt the top layer evenly.

“So, if you’re not going to be in the house for a long period of time, it’s probably best to hang on before lighting a new candle.”

But Hannah, who has sold more than four million wax melts since launching her company on Instagram in 2018, did say for those who have already tunnelled their favourite candle, there is a way to fix it.

“If you’ve already tunnelled your candle, don’t worry – there is a way to save it as long as the tunnel isn’t too deep.

“Simply wrap aluminium foil around the edge of your candle, making sure it hangs over the built up wax areas but leave a sizeable hole in the middle so that the wick can burn through properly.

“After a couple of hours, your wax should have melted evenly and you’ll be able to enjoy your favourite candle for longer!”

Ava May Aromas, which has more than a quarter of a million adoring followers across social media including a private fan-led Facebook group of more than 5,000 addicts, offers a wide range of beautiful products with dupe scents inspired by popular designer fragrances.

All products come in more than 30 inspired designer dupe scents, from Dior to Jo Malone, as well as popular cleaning products like ZoFlora and Lenor, there’s even some festive and seasonal scents in the range, too.