Why Proper Candle Care Matters
Soy candles are a beautiful, eco-friendly addition to any home, but proper care is essential to get the most out of your investment. At Silent Wick Candles, we hand-pour each candle with premium soy wax to ensure a clean, long-lasting burn. Follow these expert tips to maximise your candle's burn time and fragrance throw.
Essential Soy Candle Care Tips
1. Trim the Wick Before Each Burn
Before lighting your candle, always trim the wick to approximately 0.5 cm (¼ inch). This simple step prevents:
- Excessive smoke and soot
- Uneven burning
- A flame that's too large
- Carbon buildup on the wick
Use proper wick trimmers or sharp scissors for a clean cut. Never leave wick trimmings in the wax pool.
2. The First Burn is Critical
The first time you light your soy candle sets the tone for its entire life. Allow the wax to melt completely to the edges of the container – this typically takes 2-4 hours depending on candle size.
This creates a 'memory ring' that prevents tunneling (when wax burns down the centre, leaving unused wax on the sides). For our 300g candles at Silent Wick, plan for approximately 3 hours on the first burn.
3. Optimal Burning Time
Burn your soy candle for 2-4 hours at a time. Burning for less than 2 hours may cause tunneling, whilst burning for more than 4 hours can:
- Overheat the container
- Cause the wick to mushroom
- Reduce the candle's overall lifespan
- Diminish fragrance quality
4. Safe Placement Matters
Always place your candle on a heat-resistant, stable surface away from:
- Drafts from windows, doors, or fans
- Direct sunlight
- Flammable materials
- Children and pets
Drafts can cause uneven burning, smoking, and rapid wax consumption.
5. Extinguish Properly
Never blow out your candle – this can cause hot wax to splatter and creates unnecessary smoke. Instead:
- Use a candle snuffer for the cleanest extinguish
- Alternatively, gently dip the wick into the melted wax using a wick dipper, then straighten it
- Allow the candle to cool completely before moving or relighting
6. Keep the Wax Pool Clean
Remove any debris, wick trimmings, or matches from the wax pool before lighting. Foreign objects can create a fire hazard and affect burn quality.
7. Know When to Stop
Stop burning your candle when approximately 1 cm (½ inch) of wax remains at the bottom. Burning beyond this point can:
- Overheat the container
- Crack or damage the vessel
- Create a fire hazard
Storing Your Soy Candles
Proper storage extends your candle's life and preserves its fragrance:
- Keep away from direct sunlight: UV rays can fade colours and weaken scents
- Store in a cool, dry place: Extreme temperatures can cause frosting (a natural characteristic of soy wax)
- Use the lid: If your candle came with a lid, use it to protect from dust and preserve fragrance
- Avoid humid areas: Moisture can affect wick performance
Understanding Soy Wax Characteristics
Frosting is Normal
You may notice a white, crystalline layer on your soy candle's surface – this is called frosting. It's a natural characteristic of pure soy wax and doesn't affect performance or fragrance. In fact, it's a sign you have a genuine soy candle!
Wet Spots
Sometimes soy wax pulls away from the container, creating 'wet spots' or air pockets. This is purely cosmetic and occurs due to temperature changes during cooling. It won't affect your candle's burn quality.
Maximising Fragrance Throw
To get the most scent from your Silent Wick candle:
- Burn in appropriately sized rooms (our 300g candles work beautifully in rooms up to 20 square metres)
- Close doors and windows during burning to contain the fragrance
- Allow the full wax pool to form for maximum scent release
- Burn for at least 2 hours to allow fragrance oils to properly vaporise
Repurposing Your Candle Jar
Once you've enjoyed every moment of your Silent Wick candle, don't discard that beautiful pottery jar! Here's how to clean it:
- Place the jar in the freezer for a few hours
- The remaining wax will contract and pop out easily
- Wash with warm, soapy water
- Remove any label residue with oil or adhesive remover
Our double-glazed pottery jars make stunning planters, makeup brush holders, or storage containers.
The Silent Wick Difference
At Silent Wick Candles, we're committed to creating premium soy candles that bring warmth and ambiance to your home. Each candle is:
- Hand-poured with 100% natural soy wax
- Crafted in elegant, reusable pottery jars
- Made with cotton and paper wicks for a clean burn
- Designed to provide approximately 46 hours of burn time
Explore our collection of luxury scented candles, including our bestselling Sweet Smoke, Havana Nights, and Mango Pasion fragrances.
Final Thoughts
Proper candle care isn't complicated – it simply requires a bit of attention and these straightforward practices. By following these guidelines, you'll enjoy a cleaner, longer-lasting burn and get the full value from your Silent Wick candle.
Have questions about caring for your specific candle? Get in touch – we're always happy to help!