How to Care for Your Soy Wax Candle: Tips for a Cleaner, Longer Burn
Taking care of your soy wax candle is essential not only for safety but also to get the most out of its burn time and scent. With a few simple steps, you can ensure that your candle burns cleanly, lasts longer, and smells amazing every time you light it. Here are our top tips to help you get the most from your candle:
1. Trim the Wick to ¼ Inch (6mm) Before Each Burn
Before lighting your candle, always trim the wick to about ¼ inch (6mm). This is key to a clean, controlled burn. A longer wick can result in a larger, unstable flame, which may cause excess soot (that black powdery substance around your jar) and produce an unpleasant burning experience.
Soot forms as a byproduct of a chemical reaction between the carbon in the wax and oxygen in the air. A shorter wick promotes a more efficient burn, reducing soot and giving you a cleaner, more enjoyable experience. To trim your wick accurately, using a wick trimmer is a great choice.
2. Let the Wax Form a Full Melt Pool on the First Burn
When you light your candle for the first time, allow the wax to melt all the way to the edge of the jar. This helps form a full melt pool, which prevents tunnelling (when the wax burns down the middle and leaves a ring of unused wax along the sides). Creating an even melt pool during the first burn will ensure your candle burns evenly in future uses, maximising its lifespan.
3. Limit Your Burn Time to 4 Hours
As tempting as it may be to keep your candle burning for hours, it’s best not to exceed 4 hours in one session. Burning a candle for longer than this can cause the wick to become unstable, leading to a larger flame, increased soot production, and potential safety hazards due to the heat buildup.
If you want to continue enjoying the scent, simply blow out the candle, let it cool completely, and relight it when you’re ready. This will help prolong the life of your candle while keeping your home safe and smelling great.
By following these simple steps, you’ll ensure your soy wax candle burns beautifully and safely, filling your space with a cozy ambiance and delightful fragrance. Happy candle care!
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