Candle Care
Four habits get the most out of a soy candle. None of them take more than a minute.
1. Let the first burn reach the edge
On the first light, keep the candle burning until the melted wax reaches the edge of the glass, usually two to three hours. Soy wax remembers its first burn: blow it out too early and it will tunnel down the middle for the rest of its life, leaving a ring of wax that never melts. One patient first evening protects every hour after it.
2. Trim the wick before each burn
Keep the wick about a quarter inch long. A long wick makes a tall, smoky flame and shortens the candle’s life. A trimmed one burns small, steady and clean. Pinch off the burnt tip with your fingers or a trimmer once the wax has cooled.
3. Keep each burn under four hours
Burning a candle for more than four hours at a stretch is called power burning, and it wears the candle out early. The wax overheats, the wick mushrooms and starts to smoke, the glass gets too hot, and you won’t get the full burn time out of the candle. Blow it out, let it cool, and light it again later. Always use a safe spot for the candle.
4. Stop at the last half inch
When about half an inch of wax is left, the candle is finished. Burning lower can overheat the glass. Once the last wax has softened, wash the jar out with warm soapy water and keep it: it makes a good cup, a small planter, or a place for matches.
Two things that are normal with soy wax
- Frosting: a white, crystal-like shimmer on the surface. It is a natural feature of soy wax and does not affect the scent or the burn.
- Wet spots: patches where the wax pulls slightly away from the glass as the temperature changes. Also harmless.
Always
Never leave a burning candle unattended. Keep it out of reach of children and pets, and set it on a heat-safe surface.