How to Burn a Soy Wax Candle Properly: 6 Essential Tips 🕯️
Soy wax candles are known for their clean, long-lasting burn and natural ingredients-but to get the best out of them, it's important to follow a few simple rules. Whether you're a candle enthusiast or just starting your collection, these tips will help you enjoy a safe and even burn every time.
6/24/20251 min read
1. Trim the Wick Before Every Use
Always trim the wick to around 5 mm (¼ inch) before lighting. A long or frayed wick can cause high flames, soot, or uneven burning. Use proper wick trimmers or small scissors to keep it neat.
2. Let the Wax Pool Fully on First Burn
During the first burn, allow the candle to melt across the entire surface to the edges of the jar. This can take 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the candle size.
👉 Why? Because it prevents "tunnelling", where the candle burns down the middle and leaves wax wasted around the edges.
3. Burn for No More Than 4 Hours at a Time
Soy candles are designed to burn slowly. Letting them burn longer than 4 hours can cause the jar to overheat and the wick to mushroom.
⏱️ For best results: burn, cool, trim, repeat.
4. Keep Away from Draughts and Fans
Air movement can cause the flame to flicker, leading to uneven burning and sooting. Place your candle in a calm, stable environment away from open windows or strong ventilation.
5. Extinguish Gently
Use a candle snuffer or gently dip the wick into melted wax to extinguish it. Blowing it out can cause smoke or splattering. Let the wax cool and solidify before moving the candle.
6. Store Properly When Not in Use
Keep your soy candles away from direct sunlight and heat when stored. Natural wax can discolour or soften if exposed to high temperatures for long periods.
Final Tip: Enjoy the Ritual
Lighting a soy candle is about more than fragrance-it's about slowing down and enjoying the moment. Treat it like a small ritual, and it will reward you with hours of natural glow and soothing scent.