How to Look After Your Soy Candle

Soy candles are loved for their clean burn, subtle scent throw and eco-friendly credentials. However, to get the very best from your candle – both in terms of fragrance and longevity – a little care goes a long way. Whether you’re lighting one to unwind in the evening or to set the mood for guests, here’s how to look after your soy candle properly.

1. Trim the Wick Before Every Burn

Before lighting your candle, always trim the wick to around 5mm. This helps to prevent excessive flickering, soot and mushrooming at the top of the wick. A shorter wick also ensures a steadier flame and a cleaner, more even burn.

2. Allow a Full Melt Pool

The first burn is the most important. Let your candle burn long enough for the wax to melt all the way to the edge of the container. This usually takes 2–4 hours, depending on the size of the candle. Allowing a full melt pool helps prevent tunnelling, where wax builds up around the sides and reduces the candle’s lifespan.

3. Burn Little and Often

Soy candles prefer shorter, consistent burn times rather than being left to burn all day. Aim for sessions of no more than 4 hours at a time. Extinguish the flame, allow the wax to cool and reset, then relight when needed.

4. Keep the Wax Clean

Dust, wick trimmings and match heads can affect how your candle burns. Make sure the surface of the wax is clean before lighting to avoid uneven burning or unwanted smells.

5. Use a Snuffer (If You Have One)

Blowing out a candle can cause smoke and disturb the wick. Using a candle snuffer helps to extinguish the flame cleanly and prevents hot wax from splashing. 

6. Store Your Candle Correctly

When not in use, keep your soy candle in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Excessive heat can cause the wax to soften or discolour, while sunlight may fade the fragrance over time.

By following these simple steps, you’ll enjoy a longer-lasting, better-smelling and safer burn every time. Taking care of your soy candle not only enhances your experience but also ensures you’re getting the most from this beautifully natural product.