Candle Care 101: How to Get the Most Out of Your Natural Soy Candle

There’s something special about lighting a candle — the gentle flicker, the calming scent, the ritual of slowing down. But to get the most out of your natural soy candle, a little care goes a long way.

Whether you’re new to soy wax or a candle-lover through and through, here are some simple practices to help your candle burn longer, cleaner, and more evenly — all while preserving its beautiful scent.

1. The First Burn Sets the Tone

Soy wax has a memory. For the first burn, allow the candle to melt completely across the surface, right to the edges of the vessel. This usually takes 2–4 hours depending on the size of your candle. A full melt pool helps avoid tunnelling and encourages an even burn for the life of the candle.

2. Trim the Wick — Every Time

Before each burn, trim your wick to approximately 5mm. This keeps the flame stable, reduces soot, and prevents “mushrooming” (when the tip of the wick balls up with excess carbon). A small, even flame will extend your candle’s life and reduce the risk of smoke or flickering.

3. Avoid Drafts

Burn your candle in a still, draft-free area. Strong air flow can cause the flame to lean to one side, leading to uneven melting or soot buildup. If you notice your candle burning to one side, extinguish it and gently reposition the wick toward the centre while the wax is still warm.

4. Don’t Burn Too Long

For best results, limit each burn to a maximum of 5–6 hours. Burning for too long can overheat the wax, compromise the scent, and increase the risk of tunnelling or soot. Let the wax cool and fully reset between burns.

5. Store Thoughtfully

To preserve your candle’s colour and fragrance, store it away from direct sunlight and heat. Natural soy wax can be sensitive to environmental changes, so a cool, dark spot is ideal when not in use.

Bonus Tip: Clean the Jar

If black soot builds up on the rim of your candle, simply wipe it clean with a soft cloth or tissue once the jar has cooled. This won’t affect the performance of your candle, but it keeps everything looking fresh and well cared for.

Natural Wax Deserves Natural Care

Washpool soy candles are hand-poured in small batches with pure soy wax and essential oils — no paraffin, synthetic dyes, or overpowering fragrance. With just a few mindful habits, you can enjoy a cleaner, longer-lasting burn and extend the life of your candle.

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