Soy Candle Tips
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Soy candles have an amazing long-lasting quality, but it is important to realize that many different factors can affect their burn time. Only with the correct usage can you achieve the maximum burn time of your candle. One of the most important things to note is that if you are burning a soy votive, you must use a votive holder. Because soy wax burns completely, a free standing votive will simply turn into a large puddle of unusable wax.
To achieve maximum The first time you light your candle, don’t trim your wick, and burn it 1 hour for every inch in diameter the candle is. Burn container candles until a pool of melted wax completely forms across the top. This will ensure an even burn all the way down the container. Use a snug-fitting votive cup. Most decorative votive holders are wider and/or not an efficient shape to allow the votive to liquefy and burn properly or completely. Place the candle in a draft-free area. This is almost the most important factor. High traffic areas, ceiling fans, air ducts etc all contribute to an accelerated burn rate, wick/flame size and smoking and safety issues. Burn the candle for the proper length of time. Burn long enough to allow the molten wax to reach edges of container and gain approx. 1/8" depth. *Longer burn times create a less efficient burn as well. Most people will light a candle and let it burn all evening. This is where the burn rate increases significantly. As the candle becomes more heated and liquid, the wick draws the wax faster, creating a quicker burning candle. Allow candle to cool and harden before relighting. Maintaining the candle’s wick will also extend its life. A dancing flame, an overly large flame or off-center flame are all indications the wick needs attention. Wicks need to be trimmed tighter on a votive than most other candles in order to maintain a slow, steady, and even burn. When trimming your wick, only trim the “carbon ball” off the end. Soy wax is a thick substance and requires the extra heat for a complete burn. Discontinue burning container candles when there is 1/4 inch of wax left in the bottom. Soy wax can be cleaned up easily with soap and water. Do not place soy candles in the refrigerator or in direct sunlight, as extreme temperature changes will cause discoloring in candles. Upon cooling, your soy candle may appear "bumpy" on the top. This is completely normal and a natural characteristic of all soy wax. |