How to Care for Your Soy Candles: Tips for Longer Burn Times
Soy candles are a wonderful way to add warmth, fragrance, and ambiance to any room. But like any product, proper care can help extend their lifespan and ensure you get the most out of every burn. Whether you're new to soy candles or a seasoned fan, here are some simple tips to help you enjoy longer burn times and keep your candles performing at their best.
1. Trim the Wick Regularly
Before each burn, be sure to trim the wick to about 1/4 inch. A long wick can cause the candle to burn too hot, leading to a quicker burn and potentially uneven wax melting. Trimming the wick will help your candle burn more evenly and cleanly, improving both its burn time and scent throw.
2. Allow the Wax to Pool
On the first burn, let the wax melt all the way to the edges of the container. This creates an even melt pool and prevents the candle from tunneling, where the middle burns faster than the edges. To maintain this even burn, try to let the candle burn for 2-4 hours at a time, depending on its size, and avoid short burns.
3. Avoid Drafts
Candles in drafty areas burn unevenly and waste wax. Keep your soy candle away from windows, air vents, and fans to ensure a steady, controlled burn. This will help prevent flickering and ensure the candle burns down evenly.
4. Keep the Candle in a Cool, Dry Place
When you're not burning your candle, store it in a cool, dry spot, away from direct sunlight. Heat and sunlight can cause the wax to soften and discolor, affecting the fragrance and burn quality. Keeping your candles in a shaded, temperature-controlled environment will preserve their quality.
5. Use a Candle Snuffer
Instead of blowing out your candle, use a candle snuffer to extinguish the flame. Blowing out the candle can cause hot wax to splatter and wick soot, which can shorten the candle's lifespan. Snuffing out the flame gently ensures a clean, controlled end to each burn.
6. Recycle Your Candle Jar
Once the candle has burned down completely, don't throw away the jar! You can easily clean it out and repurpose it for storage, as a small plant holder, or as decorative storage for cotton balls or makeup brushes. It’s a great way to recycle and keep the spirit of your candle alive.
By following these simple care tips, you’ll not only extend the life of your soy candles but also enjoy the clean burn, beautiful scent, and relaxing atmosphere they provide for much longer. Happy candle burning!