How to Care for your Soy Wax Candles
When it comes to creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your home we love to recommend soy wax candles as way to shift the mood. Not only do they provide a soft, warm glow, they are also clean burning and long-lasting. It is important to note that unfortunately not all soy wax candles are created equally. Many candles, soy and non-soy alike, are formulated with a leaded wick and scented with synthetic fragrances which can be irritating to the skin and lungs.
Just like with our entire suite of brand formulations, we like to elevate our soy wax candles. Ours are formulated with pure soy wax, a cotton, non-leaded wick and scented with steam-distilled essential oils. These essential oils are the same as what we use in our entire skincare line which means they are the highest quality, cosmetic grade so they burn well and are safe for all your non-toxic home scenting needs.
Now that you have your favorite candles picked out, it is important to learn how to care for them, ensuring optimal burning and continued ambiance in your home for many hours of cozy relaxation.
1. Trim the Wick
Before lighting, it is important to make sure that you start with a wick that is the correct length. This will help prevent the flame from getting too large and causing the candle to burn unevenly. We like to recommend a length of about 1/4 inch to ensure a clean and even burn each time. When it comes to our candles, we trim the wick to the correct length during our manufacturing process so your candle is ready to go from the start. All you have to do it uncap the new candle and light the wick to enjoy.
After burning, once the flame is extinguished and cooled you will notice a bulb at the end of wick. Before the next burn we recommend simply trimming just below the bulb to keep the wick at the correct measurement. I like to hold the jar at an angle and use scissors to do this because the bulb will break off easily and the candle jar can be turned upside down to discard the cooled wick remnants over a trash can.
2. Allow the Surface of the Wax to Melt Fully
When you first light your soy wax candle it is important to allow the wax to melt evenly and fully across the surface. This will help to prevent tunneling which is where the wax only melts in the center leaving the wax along the sides of the container. When the surface is melted to the edges of the container with each use, this step ensures a longer burn time and maximizes the pitch of the scent ensuring it carries a long distance.
When it comes to our candle line, we recommend letting them burn for around 3-4 hours allowing the wax to melt fully on the surface. Soy wax candles are slow burning which is why I like to light them when I start to cook or prep meals for the week so they can work their magic while I am preoccupied in the same room.
3. Avoid Drafts
For an even burn each time it is important to keep your soy wax candle away from drafts which will disrupt the burn time and pitch of the scent. You will notice a draft on a candle when the flame starts to flicker and burn unevenly, so if you see that simply move it to a new location. We recommend looking for a flat, stable surface that is away from walls, windows, fans, or air vents to ensure a consistent burn. Personally, I like to gather all my candles and place on a large, flat dish on my dining room table. When I go to light one, I light them all for a warm, inviting glow from the heart of my home.
4. Store Properly + Extinguish Safely
When not in use we recommend storing your soy wax candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Our candles are packaged with a reusable lid to help preserve the scent and prevent the wax from becoming discolored or melting when not lit.
When it's time to extinguish your soy wax candle simply use a candle snuffer or gently blow out the flame with your pointer finger in front of your mouth as way to prevent the hot wax from splattering on any surface.