Soy Candle Care

In order to maintain the quality and life of your candles here are a few candle care tips to help you achieve the perfect burn.

Burning your candle

The first burn is most important to ensure a consistent or even burn over the life of your candle.  You want to burn your candle long enough to allow the wax pool to reach the edges of the container.  If the first burn isn't long enough it will create a memory ring which will cause tunneling during future burns. Tunneling is when the wick burns down the center of the candle and leaves a good amount of wax on the sides of the candle container.  To prevent this from happening make sure to note the diameter of your candle as this will determine how long you should burn a candle for the first time.  A good rule of thumb is to burn a candle one hour for every inch in diameter.  For example, if your candle vessel is 3 inches in diameter, your initial burn should be at least 3-4 hours long.

Maintaining your wick

A trimmed wick will extend the life of your candle, which helps maintain a quality flame throughout its lifespan.  Before each candle burn, make sure to trim your wick to no more than 1/4" long.  Anything longer will burn faster, hotter, produce smoke, soot, and create mushroom tops.  A candle wick trimmer is a great tool for trimming your wicks.

Keeping away from drafts

Drafty areas of moving air can disturb the flame and lead to an uneven burn.  Make sure to keep away from windy areas, open windows, and ceiling fans.  Some wicks will curl naturally while burning and may need to be straightened. If this occurs, straighten out the wick using a wick dipper.

Storing your candle

Storing your candles can have an effect on its performance and shelf life.  Direct sunlight will fade its scent and cause wax discoloration.  After your candle has cooled down, always remember to replace the lid and store the candle in a cool dry place.  Replacing the lid helps minimize any dust, dirt, and debris from accumulating on top.

Fix a tunneling candle

If tunneling occurs you may be able to fix it by using a hairdryer or heat gun.  Carefully melt the wax around the sides of your candle while not melting too much of the wax or the wick will disappear.