Candle care
A few small habits help a soy candle burn evenly, smell its best and last its full 35 to 40 hours.
The first burn
Give the first burn time. Let the candle burn until the melted wax reaches the edge of the jar all the way around, usually two to three hours. Soy wax remembers its first melt, so a short first burn can leave a ring of unmelted wax that tunnels down the middle for the rest of the candle’s life.
Every time you light it
- Trim the wick to about a quarter of an inch before each burn. A short wick gives a calm, steady flame and keeps soot off the jar.
- Burn for no more than four hours at a time, then let the candle cool completely before lighting it again.
- Keep the candle away from drafts, open windows, fans and vents, which make the flame flicker and burn unevenly.
- If the flame grows tall or starts to smoke, put it out, let it cool, trim the wick and light it again.
Putting it out
Snuff the flame or gently blow it out. Don’t use water, which can crack the hot glass and splash the wax. Wait until the wax has set before putting the bamboo lid back on; it keeps dust out between burns. Never rest the lid on a lit candle.
Safety
- Never leave a burning candle unattended, and put it out before you sleep or leave the room.
- Keep it out of reach of children and pets, and well away from anything that can catch fire, such as curtains, shelves above, paper and dried flowers.
- Set it on a flat, heat-resistant surface. The jar gets hot while the candle burns, so move it only once it has cooled.
- Stop burning when about half an inch of wax is left at the bottom of the jar.
About soy wax
Soy wax is a natural wax, and it can look a little different from one candle to the next. A white, frosted look on the surface or sides is called frosting. It’s normal and doesn’t change how the candle burns or smells. The top may also set uneven after a burn; it smooths out again the next time you light it.
When it’s finished
Once the candle has burned down, put the jar in the freezer for a few hours. The last of the wax will shrink and pop out. Wash the jar in warm, soapy water, and it’s ready for flowers, cotton swabs or a few pens.