Establishing my business has been a long journey of research, self-teaching and learning through my creative process. Part of my learning has been the best ways to maximize the longevity of soy wax candles. When I set out to establish my business I didn’t even realize that there were things you can do to make sure your candles last a long time and burn as they’re intended to! I’m excited to share what I’ve learned about candle care with you here.
Trim your wicks!
It’s ideal to trim candle wicks before every burn. Cut them to about 1/4-1/2 inch tall, removing the curled/looser portion of the wick at the top left over from the last burn. Trimming your wick like this prevents pieces of the wick from dropping into the candle during the next burn. It also minimizes black soot as well as oversized and ‘flashy’ flames when lighting the wick. Trimming the wick to a shorter size before each burn ensures a slower and more even burn of your candles each time you light it - translating to a longer lasting candle overall! You can use regular scissors to trim your wicks, but specially designed candle wick trimmers have a plate-like base that catches the trimmings for easy transfer to the trash. You can purchase your own pair here!
Enjoy your candle in intervals
I time test the total burn hours of all the candles I make by test burning the candle in 4 hour intervals until it runs out of wax. Burning your candle in 3-5 hour intervals and allowing it to cool completely before the next time you enjoy it will maximize its overall longevity. Burning your candle for too long can cause the melted wax to burn off too quickly compared to the rate of the wick burning, allowing the wick to get too long during the burn, making the flame larger in turn and could result in increased soot or flashing in the flame.
If I had blown out this candle an hour into burning on the bottom left picture it would have began a tunneling effect in the center of the candle; but allowing this candle to burn for just over 3 hours ensured the melt pool covered the surface for an even burn!
Allow the melt pool to reach the edges
Each time you light your favorite soy wax candle, plan to allow the candle to burn for at least 3-5 hours so the melt pool of the candle will reach the edges of the candle vessel. Try and resist temptation to burn your favorite candle in shorter bursts that don’t allow the entire surface of the candle to get melty; this will result in a tunneling effect of your candle over time, and not allow you to melt and enjoy all the wax in your candle.
Always be a supervisor
Candles involve fire, and fire should never be left unattended. Be especially mindful of lit candles around children and pets, and always light your candles on a heat resistant surface. And, don’t underestimate how much heat the flame on your candle can give off! Allow vessels to cool before handling and moving after you extinguish your candle.
Reuse and Repurpose
Ok, so maybe this won’t impact how your candle burns, but it will affect the environment! You can always return your burned down wine bottle candles for a $5 discount on your next purchase. I also offer custom refills on other vessels. Otherwise, find a creative new use for your vessel in your home! Use them as a succulent planter, container for small office or household items, or even a vase for flowers.