Candle Care Guide 🕯
There’s a little more to getting the best from your candle than simply lighting the wick.
Looking after your candle properly can help it burn more evenly, keep the flame under control and make sure you enjoy it for as long as possible.
And if you’ve ever noticed that your candle looks a little different after burning, don’t worry. Because I use natural soy wax, you may notice slight changes in the surface of the wax as it melts and cools. This is completely normal and part of the character of a natural wax candle.
Here are a few simple things I recommend.
TRIM YOUR WICK BEFORE EVERY BURN
Before lighting your candle, trim the wick to approximately 5mm.
This helps keep the flame at the right size and can reduce smoking, soot and mushrooming of the wick.
THE FIRST BURN IS IMPORTANT
When you light your candle for the first time, allow it to burn for approximately 2–4 hours.
This gives the wax enough time to melt towards the edges of the vessel and helps establish an even burn from the beginning, reducing the chance of the candle tunnelling down the centre.
Try not to extinguish it too early on that first burn — give it time to create a good, even melt pool.
DON’T BURN IT ALL EVENING
It can be tempting, especially on a cosy evening, but longer isn't necessarily better.
After that first burn, I recommend burning your candle for around 3–4 hours at a time. Extinguish it, allow the wax to cool completely and trim the wick again before your next burn.
KEEP YOUR CANDLE AWAY FROM DRAUGHTS
Where you place your candle makes a difference.
Keep it on a stable, heat-resistant surface and away from open windows, fans and draughty areas. Moving air can make the flame flicker or become too large and can cause the candle to burn unevenly.
Always keep a burning candle away from anything flammable and out of reach of children and pets.
IF YOUR WAX LOOKS DIFFERENT AFTER BURNING...
This is one I get asked about.
Natural soy wax doesn't always reset with the perfectly smooth surface it had when it was first poured. You may notice an uneven or slightly textured surface once your candle has cooled.
It doesn't mean there's anything wrong with your candle. It's simply one of the characteristics of working with natural soy wax.
EXTINGUISH YOUR CANDLE SAFELY
Use a candle snuffer to extinguish the flame where possible rather than blowing it out.
Never use water to extinguish a candle and always make sure the flame is completely out before leaving the room.
KNOW WHEN TO STOP BURNING
As much as you might want to get every last bit from your favourite candle, don't burn it right to the bottom.
Stop using your candle when approximately 1cm of wax remains in the vessel. This helps prevent the base of the container from becoming excessively hot.
STORE YOUR CANDLE SOMEWHERE COOL & DRY
When you're not using your candle, keep it somewhere cool and dry and away from prolonged direct sunlight or excessive heat.
And then, when you're ready...
Trim the wick, light your candle and enjoy the ritual.
Because for me, it’s never just about the candle. It’s about the moment you create around it.