There’s nothing quite like the warm, cozy glow of a soy candle to create a soothing atmosphere in your home. If you've noticed your favorite candle burning out too quickly or its scent fading sooner than expected, it’s time for the Soy Candle Care Guide!
Discover how to extend the life of your candles and enhance their fragrance with some simple yet effective tips to ensure you get the most out of every burn!
Why Choose Soy Wax?
Made from renewable soybeans, soy candles burn cleaner than traditional paraffin options, producing less soot and no harmful toxins. This makes them a healthier choice for both you and the environment. Plus, with proper care, soy candles tend to last longer, giving you more of that delightful glow!
Essential Candle Care Tips
1. Trim the Wick: Keeping your wick at about 1/4 inch before each burn is crucial. A longer wick can lead to faster burning and soot production, while a trimmed wick promotes a cleaner, slower burn.
Pro Tip: Use a wick trimmer for precision, or nail clippers in a pinch!
2. Master the First Burn: The first burn is vital for setting the tone for future burns. Allow your candle to form a full melt pool, where the wax melts across the entire diameter of the container. This prevents tunneling and ensures an even burn moving forward.
Pro Tip: Let your candle burn for about one hour for each inch of its diameter (e.g., a 3-inch candle should burn for about 3 hours initially).
3. Keep It Clean: Debris like matchsticks or trimmings can disrupt the burn and cause uneven melting. Keep your candle clean to maintain optimal performance.
Pro Tip: Use a candle snuffer to extinguish the flame without blowing debris into the wax.
4. Burn in Intervals: For best results, burn your soy candle for 3-4 hours at a time. This practice ensures an even burn and maximizes the candle’s lifespan.
Pro Tip: Avoid burning for more than 4 hours at a time to prevent the wick from mushrooming, which can lead to soot.
5. Avoid Drafts: Keep your candle away from drafts caused by windows, doors, or vents. A steady, still-air environment helps maintain an even burn and extends the candle's life.
Pro Tip: Place your candle on a stable, heat-resistant surface, 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 preserve fragrance and prevents dust from settling on the wax.
Pro Tip: Keep candles upright and avoid hot or humid areas to maintain their integrity
7. Respect the Bottom Half Inch: To prevent heat damage to underlying surfaces, stop using your candle when about 1/2 inch of wax remains. This leftover wax can be repurposed in wax melt burners!
8. Reposition the Wick: If the wick shifts after a long burn, gently recenter it while the wax is still soft. Use a non-flammable tool, like a wick dipper, for best results.
Troubleshooting Common Candle Problems
Even with proper care, you may encounter some issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot:
Tunneling: Wrap a piece of aluminum foil loosely around the top of the candle, leaving a small hole above the flame. This creates a heat chamber to melt the unmelted edges. After a few hours, check to see if the surface has leveled out.
Soot: If you notice black smoke, trim the wick and ensure the candle is placed away from drafts. Soot often indicates that the wick is too long or the candle is burning too hot.
Weak Scent Throw: If your candle isn't smelling strong enough, make sure it burns for at least 2-3 hours at a time. A full melt pool is essential for releasing maximum fragrance.
Caring for your soy candles doesn’t have to be complicated! With our Soy Candle Care Guide, you can extend their life and enjoy their beautiful glow and fragrance to the fullest.
Whether you’re setting the mood for a cozy evening, enhancing a dinner party, or indulging in some self-care, well-maintained candles are key to creating the perfect atmosphere.
Happy burning!