How to Care for Your Soy Candle: 6 Simple Tips for a Cleaner, Longer Burn

A beautiful soy candle is about more than the scent. A few small habits, starting with the very first burn, help it melt evenly, last longer, and fill your room exactly the way it's meant to. Here's everything you need in under two minutes.

1. Let it melt all the way to the edge (especially the first time)

The first burn is the most important. Light your candle and let the melted wax reach the full edge of the jar before you put it out, usually 3 to 4 hours. Soy wax has a "memory," so if you blow it out too soon, it will only ever melt in that smaller circle and start to tunnel, leaving good wax stuck up the sides.

2. Trim the wick before every burn

Before each light, trim the wick to about ¼ inch (5 mm). A shorter wick gives you a smaller, cleaner flame, with less soot and no mushrooming. Scissors or a wick trimmer both do the job.

3. Keep each burn to 4 hours or less

Long burns let the flame grow and the jar get too hot. Four hours is the sweet spot. After that, put it out, let it cool, trim the wick, and it's ready for next time.

4. Burn on a stable, heat-resistant surface

Set your candle on a flat, heat-proof surface, away from curtains, books, and anything that could catch. The glass warms as it burns, so a coaster or tray is a good idea.

5. Never leave a burning candle unattended

The big one. Never leave a lit candle alone, and always put it out before you leave the room or head to bed.

6. Keep out of reach of pets and children

Curious paws and little hands plus an open flame don't mix, so keep it somewhere safe and out of reach.

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Treat your candle kindly and it will return the favour with a clean, even, long-lasting burn. Our candles are hand-poured from natural soy wax in 200g amber jars. Browse the collection. And if you'd like to make the ritual a little nicer, our Candle Care Accessory Set has the trimmer, snuffer, and dipper to match.