How to Care for Your Soy Wax Candle: Tips for a Cleaner, Longer Burn

Taking care of your soy wax candle is essential for safety, maximizing burn time, and keeping the fragrance strong. With a few simple steps, you can ensure your candle burns cleanly, lasts longer, and smells amazing every time you light it.

1. Trim the Wick to ¼ Inch (6mm) Before Each Burn

Always trim the wick to about ¼ inch (6mm) before lighting your candle. A longer wick can create a larger, unstable flame, which may cause excess soot (the black powdery residue around your jar) and an uneven burn. A shorter wick promotes a cleaner, more efficient burn and a better overall candle experience. Using a wick trimmer helps make this easy and precise.

2. Let the Wax Form a Full Melt Pool on the First Burn

On your candle’s first burn, allow the wax to melt all the way to the edges of the jar. This forms a full melt pool, preventing tunneling (when the wax burns down the center and leaves wax along the sides). Establishing an even melt pool during the first burn ensures your candle will burn evenly in future uses, maximizing its lifespan.

3. Limit Your Burn Time to 4 Hours

While it’s tempting to keep your candle burning for hours, it’s best not to exceed 4 hours per session. Longer burns can cause the wick to become unstable, leading to a larger flame, more soot, and potential safety hazards. To continue enjoying your candle, simply blow it out, let it cool completely, and relight when ready. This practice prolongs the candle’s life while keeping your home safe and fragrant.

Final ThoughtsFollowing these simple steps ensures your soy wax candle burns beautifully and safely, filling your space with cozy ambiance and delightful fragrance. Happy candle care!