This Post is all about the Best Soy Candle Care Tips

Are you ready to elevate your soy candle game? In this post, I will teach you exactly how to take care of your soy candles. Whether you're a seasoned candle aficionado or just dipping your toes into the world of soy wax, mastering candle care is key to getting the most out of your favorite scents. From proper trimming techniques to ideal burning conditions, let's delve into the essential tips to ensure your soy candles burn brighter and last longer.

 

Properly Store Your Candle

When not using your candle you should store it in a cool, dry place. Avoid extreme temperatures. If your candle comes with a lid, be sure to store it with the lid on to preserve its fragrance.
 

Soy Candle Frosting

Sometimes natural soy candles will develop a "frosting" on the wax, which looks like a white patchy film on the outside or top of the wax. This is completely normal, especially if your candle is made from 100% natural soy wax. Rest assured your candle is not ruined and may be used as usual.

 

Wick Trimming

Before each burn, make sure to trim your wick(s) to 1/4". This allows for a safer and cleaner burn. It will also help prevent the wick from mushrooming.
 

The First Burn

To prevent tunneling, make sure to burn your candle long enough on the first burn that the melt pool reaches all edges of the candle container. The first burn determines the candle memory ring, which is the circumference the melt pool will burn to for each consecutive burn. A good guide or rule of thumb is that the melt pool should reach 1 inch per hour burned. For example, if you have a 3-inch candle container it should take about 3 hours for the melt pool to reach the edges. For reference refer to the candle burn time chart below
 

 The Candle Burn Time Chart (above) will help you determine how long it should ideally take for your candle to reach a full melt pool.

 

Bumpy Tops After Burning

If your candle is made from 100% natural soy wax, it is common for the top of your candle to be bumpy after the first burn (and the consecutive burns thereafter). This is also normal with natural wax and is not reflective of a defect in your candle.

 

                  

Here is an example of what a "bumpy top" looks like after an all-natural soy candle has been burned. This is completely normal if your candle is made with an all-natural wax.

 

Keep Away From Hazards

It is very important to burn candles away from flammables, children, pets and drafts. Burning candles near any of these is quite dangerous and should be avoided.

 

Burn Within Sight

Make sure to never leave a burning candle unattended. If you leave the room or the house, make sure to extinguish the candle first (even if you haven't reached a full melt pool).

 

Do Not Burn Candle More Than 4 Hours At A Time

Never burn your candle for more than 4 hours at a time. Burning your candle for too long may cause the wick to mushroom (a buildup of carbon collects at the end of the wick). Mushrooming can create many issues, such as the wick to become unstable, the flame to become too large, or the flame to produce soot.

 

Burn Candle on a Heat Resistant Surface

Make sure your candle is placed on a heat-resistant surface to ensure it will not burn the surface it is sitting on. Especially when the candle has burned down significantly, the jar may become very hot and could scorch a wood surface (for example). 

 

Do Not Burn Your Candle All The Way Down

It is important not to let your candle burn all the way down to the bottom of the jar. Make sure to extinguish the flame once there is 1/4" of wax left in the container. For votives or pillar candles (not in a container) make sure to extinguish once it has 1" of wax left at the bottom.

 

Extinguish With a Candle Snuffer or Dipper

The safest way to extinguish a candle is by using a candle snuffer or dipper. These tools are included in many candle care kits. To use a candle snuffer simply lower the snuffer over the flame until the flame is extinguished. To use a candle dipper (which has a curved tip at the end) just use it to gently push the wick over into the melted wax until the flame goes out. Then use the curved tip to pull the wick back out of the wax.  Both of these options are safer than blowing the candle out and help reduce smoke and soot. Most candle care kits will include both of these tools.

 

NEVER Extinguish a Candle With Water

Putting a candle out with water can cause the candle jar to explode, leading to a risk of a fire. Always use a candle snuffer or dipper when extinguishing your candles.

 

Use a Candle Holder for Votives and Pillar Candles

As a safety precaution always burn votive and pillar candles in some sort of jar or container. 

 

Handle Container With Care

Do not touch or pick up the candle jar while the candle is burning. The jar will be hot to the touch which may cause you to drop the container.

 

Allow To Cool Before Covering With Lid

Always allow the candle to cool completely before covering it with a lid. Although the flame may be extinguished, the wax and embers are still hot for quite some time.

 

Reuse Or Recycle Vessel

Once you have enjoyed your candle to the fullest, make sure to either recycle or reuse your candle vessel. You can clean out your vessel and reuse it in so many ways! Some great ways to reuse your candle jars: Fill with cotton balls or swabs, DIY candle holder, makeup brush holder, tea light or votive candle holders, or a planter!

 

Conclusion

This post was all about the Best Soy Candle Care Tips where you learned all about candle safety and candle care 101. Here are the candle care cards we include in every one of our candle orders

 

We include these candle care cards in each of our candle orders to help make sure our customers are burning their candles safely and properly. 

 

If you are looking for a 100% natural soy candle check out our entire collection here.