1. "How to Burn Soy Wax Candles Properly: Tips for a Clean, Long-Lasting Burn" (Eco-Friendly Care Guide From Wild Nature Candles)
- info@wildnaturecandles.co.uk
- Jun 13, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
How to Burn Your Soy Wax Candle Beautifully
Tips for getting the best from your eco-friendly soy wax candle
Did you know that even the most beautifully made eco-friendly candles need a little bit of love to perform at their best? If you’ve ever had a candle that tunnelled, smoked, or fizzled out too soon, don’t worry. You’re not alone, and it’s usually an easy fix.
Whether you’re enjoying one of our hand-poured soy wax candles, a vegan wax melt, or gifting one of our candle gift sets, these tips will help you get a clean, long-lasting burn every single time. Carry on reading to discover how to burn your eco-friendly soy wax candles.
Why Do Candles Tunnel?
Ever noticed your candle only burning down the centre? That’s tunnelling and it happens when the wax doesn’t melt all the way to the edges. The reason? Wax has a burn memory.
The first burn sets the tone for the rest of the candle’s life. If you blow it out too early (before the wax nearly reaches the sides of the jar), it will likely tunnel from then on. So be patient on that first light, let it burn for at least 3–4 hours, depending on the size of the candle, or until a full melt pool almost forms across the top.
A Bit of Wax on the Sides? Don’t Worry
If there’s a little wax left on the edges after a burn, that’s called hang-up, and it’s completely normal, especially in cooler rooms or during the first few burns. As your candle burns down and the glass heats up, this wax will usually melt away naturally. Burning for around 3–4 hours will help minimise this.
Trim That Wick (Every Time)
One of the easiest ways to extend the life of your ethical candle is to trim the wick before every burn. Doing so will help prevent:
Smoking or sooting
A large, fast-burning flame
Difficulty relighting the wick
You can use a wick trimmer, scissors, or just pinch the wick between your fingers once it’s cooled. For wood wick candles, make sure to remove the blackened tip before relighting.
Candle Safety & Burn Tips
To keep your vegan candles performing beautifully:
Always use long matches or a candle lighter (no burnt fingertips, please!)
Never burn in a draught, it causes uneven burning and is a fire risk
Keep the wax pool clear of debris or match ends
Burn on a heat-resistant surface
Don’t burn longer than 4 hours - this creates excess carbon and can lead to a smoky flame
Snuff, Don’t Blow
It’s always best to use a snuffer to extinguish your candle as this avoids wax splatter and keeps the wick in place. If you do blow it out, do so gently and carefully. Allow the candle to cool fully before replacing the lid. This keeps your soy wax candle free from dust and helps lock in the scent.
Enjoy a Better Burn
Follow these simple steps and your eco-friendly candles will reward you with a longer life, cleaner burn, and a more relaxing experience, whether you’re unwinding at home or treating a loved one to one of our sustainable candle gift sets.
Thanks for taking such good care of your Wild Nature Candle 💚
Happy candle burning,
Emma x
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