There's nothing quite like the warm, cozy glow of a soy candle to set the mood in your home. But if you’ve ever found your favourite candle burning out too quickly or the scent fading, it might be time to brush up on some essential candle care tips. Let’s dive into Candle Care 101 and explore how to extend the life of your soy candles, and maximize their burn time and scent throw.
Why Soy Wax?
Before we get into the tips, it’s worth understanding why soy candles are a fantastic choice. Made from soybeans, these candles are eco-friendly, renewable, and burn cleaner than traditional paraffin candles. They produce less soot and release no harmful toxins, making them a healthier option for you and the environment. Plus, they tend to last longer- especially when cared for properly.
Essential Candle Care Tips
1. Trim the Wick
This might be the most important tip in candle care. Always trim the wick to about 1/4 inch before each burn. A longer wick can cause the candle to burn too quickly and produce soot, while a trimmed wick promotes a cleaner, slower burn.
Pro Tip: Invest in a wick trimmer for precision, or use nail clippers in a pinch!
2. The First Burn is Fundamental
The first burn is crucial. Soy wax has a memory, so the first time you burn your candle, allow it to form a full melt pool (where the wax melts across the entire diameter of the container). This prevents tunnelling (where the candle burns straight down the middle) and ensures an even burn in future uses.
Pro Tip: Let your candle burn for approximately one hour for every inch in diameter. So, a 3-inch wide candle should burn for about 3 hours initially.
3. Keep It Clean
Keep your candle free from debris like matchsticks or trimmings. Foreign objects can disrupt the burn and cause uneven melting.
Pro Tip: Use a candle snuffer to extinguish the flame without blowing debris into the wax.
4. Burn in Intervals
For optimal performance, burn your soy candle for 3-4 hours at a time. This ensures an even burn and maximizes the candle’s lifespan.
Pro Tip: Avoid burning your candle for more than 4 hours at a time to prevent the wick from mushrooming, which can cause soot.
5. Avoid Drafts
Place your candle away from drafts (windows, doors, vents, and fans). Drafts can cause the flame to flicker too much, leading to uneven burning and a diminished lifespan. A steady, still air environment will ensure a steady flame.
Pro Tip: Choose a stable, heat-resistant surface for your candle, away from direct sunlight and drafts.
6. Store Properly
When not in use, store your soy candles in a cool, dark place with the lid on. This helps maintain the fragrance and prevents dust from settling on the wax.
Pro Tip: Keep candles upright and avoid storing them in hot or humid areas to preserve their integrity.
7. Respect the Bottom 1/2 Inch
To avoid potential heat damage to underlying surfaces or the container itself, stop using your candle when about 1/2 inch of wax remains. This wax can be repurposed in wax melt burners!
8. Reposition Wick Between Burns
Sometimes, especially after a long burn, the wick may shift. When the wax is still soft, gently recenter the wick with a non-flammable instrument like a wick dipper.
Troubleshooting Common Candle Problems
Even with the best candle care, you might encounter some common issues. Here’s how to solve them:
Tunnelling
If your candle is tunnelling, take a piece of aluminum foil and loosely wrap it around the top of the candle jar, ensuring there is a small hole in the center just above the flame. Light the candle and let it burn under this foil cover for a few hours. This setup creates a concentrated heat chamber that helps melt the higher, unmelted edges around the candle’s rim, evening out the wax surface. After a few hours, carefully remove the foil. If the wax surface has levelled out, the tunnelling issue is resolved. If not, you may need to repeat the process until the wax is even and the candle burns evenly in future uses.
Soot
If you notice black smoke, trim the wick and ensure the candle is placed away from drafts, as soot is usually a sign that the wick is too long or the candle is burning too hot.
Weak Scent Throw
If your candle isn’t smelling as strong as it should, make sure it’s burning for at least 2-3 hours at a time. Soy candles need a full melt pool to release their maximum fragrance.
Before We Snuff Out This Topic...
Caring for your soy candles doesn’t have to be complicated. With these simple tips, you can extend the life of your candles and enjoy their beautiful glow and fragrance to the fullest. Whether you’re setting the mood for a relaxing evening, adding ambiance to a dinner party, or simply enjoying some self-care time, well-maintained candles are key to a perfect atmosphere.
Now that you're equipped with these candle care essentials, why not put them to the test? Explore our range of non-toxic and cruelty-free soy candles, and experience the perfect burn for yourself. Happy burning!