How to Properly Burn a Soy Candle? A Practical Guide

Soy candles are an excellent alternative to paraffin candles – they are eco-friendly, burn longer, and do not release harmful substances. However, to fully enjoy their fragrance and efficiency, it is essential to know how to burn a soy candle correctly and what tools to use for its maintenance. Here’s a complete guide!

First Burn – The Key to Success

The first time you light a candle is crucial. To prevent tunneling (uneven wax melting), allow the candle to burn until the entire surface of the wax becomes liquid. This can take between 1 to 3 hours, depending on the candle’s diameter.

First Burn Tips:

✅ Allow the candle to burn long enough – at least 1 hour.

✅ Ensure the wax melts evenly to the edges of the container.

✅ Avoid extinguishing the candle too soon, as this may cause uneven burning in future uses.

Trimming the Wick – Why Is It Important?

For a candle to burn evenly and without excessive smoke, the wick should be about 5 mm (1/4 inch) long. A wick that is too long can cause excessive soot and faster wax consumption. The best tool for trimming is a wick trimmer.

How to Trim the Wick Correctly?

✂ Trim the wick to 5 mm before each burn.

✂ Remove any charred wick remnants to prevent soot buildup.

✂ If the candle starts to smoke, trim the wick as it may be too long.

Essential Candle Care Tools

Candle care might seem simple, but having the right tools makes it easier to maintain their quality and longevity:

🔹 Wick trimmer – Ensures precise wick trimming, preventing smoke and tunneling.

🔹 Candle snuffer – Extinguishes the flame without wax splatter or smoke.

🔹 Wick dipper – Helps reposition the wick in melted wax to ensure even burning.

How to Extinguish a Candle Properly?

Blowing out a candle is a common mistake as it can cause unpleasant burnt odors and wax splatter. Here are better ways to do it:

🔥 Candle snuffer – Simply place it over the flame to safely extinguish it. 

🔥 Wick dipper – Push the wick into the melted wax and then straighten it to avoid smoke.

Storing Candles – How to Preserve Their Quality?

To keep soy candles in optimal condition, proper storage is essential.

📌 Avoid direct sunlight – Exposure to sunlight can cause discoloration and accelerate wax melting.

📌 Keep in a dry place – Humidity can affect the way the candle burns.

📌 Cover the candle when not in use – This prevents dust buildup on the wax surface.

How to Fix Candle Tunneling?

If a candle develops a narrow tunnel in the wax, try these methods:

✔ Foil method – Wrap the top of the candle with aluminum foil, leaving an opening in the center, and let it burn for 1-2 hours. The trapped heat will help melt the wax evenly.

✔ Longer burn times – If tunneling has just started, allow the candle to burn longer to let the wax fully liquefy. 

Properly burning soy candles is not just about aesthetics but also their longevity and safety. With the right care, you can enjoy a beautiful fragrance and an even flame for a longer time.

✨ Do you have your own candle-burning tips? Share them in the comments! ✨