CANDLE CARE

Welcome to our Candle Care information page!

Congratulations - & heartfelt thanks! You've just acquired a scented candle that smells incredible and adds a touch of aesthetic beauty to your home decor.

Naturally, you'll want to maximise its lifespan. But how can you ensure you get the most out of your new candle?

While you may want to burn it all the way down until there's nothing left of the soy wax, it's safer to melt the wax down to the last 2cm.

However, you can still employ some tips and tricks to enjoy your candle more efficiently.

Our candles are designed to be long-lasting, offering burn times ranging from 60 to 80 hours for our medium and large sizes.

Our candles use the highest quality coconut soy wax, ensuring a superior aromatic experience.

Moreover, our candles are carefully crafted to provide a sense of calm and balance to your energetic bodies.

So not only do they smell delightful, but they also contribute positively to your body, mind, and spirit.

To make the most of your Soul Flame candle, we have compiled a set of steps for achieving a smooth melt and minimising wasted wax.

Use this guide as a reference for implementing the best practice in candle burning, allowing you to savour your new favourite scent for a few extra moments.

Strategically Time the First Burn

Did you know that scented candles have a fascinating characteristic?

Candle wax actually has its own memory!

Just like how memories can evoke emotions and experiences, candle wax "remembers" how it melts.

That's why it's crucial to establish a proper melting pattern from the very first time you light your candle's wick.

To ensure an optimal burn, it's important to let the wax melt all the way around the inside of the jar during the initial lighting.

This can be achieved by allowing the candle to burn for one hour per inch of its diameter. By doing so, you prevent the formation of a "memory ring," which hinders the wax from burning to the candle's full diameter.

This phenomenon, known as "tunneling," creates a hollowed-out center in the wax.

While it's best to avoid tunneling to maximize your candle's burn time, don't worry if you end up with a caved-in candle. There are solutions available to rectify this issue and ensure a more even burn.

Stop Candle Tunneling in Its Tracks

If you notice your candle developing a sinking center, don't worry!

There are some effective techniques you can try to restore a smooth wax surface to your candle.

One method to remedy candle tunneling involves using tin foil.

Simply secure a piece of foil around the top of your candle, leaving an opening above the wick. Light the candle and allow it to burn for approximately half an hour. When you unwrap the foil, your candle should regain its original form.

Alternatively, you can use a hairdryer to liquefy the taller circle of wax, encouraging it to melt back into the middle.

Carefully carving off the sides of the "tunnel" to even out the wax can also help resolve the issue.

Tunnelling can result in wasted wax, so it's best to address the problem as soon as you notice it. By taking prompt action, you can ensure an efficient burn and make the most of your candle's lifespan.

Trim Your Wick for a Steady Flame

For a consistent and high-quality flame throughout your candle's life, it is essential to regularly trim the wick.

Bent or excessively long wicks can lead to uneven melting or a flickering flame. By maintaining a well-trimmed wick, your candle will burn steadily, creating a beautiful glow.

In addition to wick maintenance, the wax base of your candle plays a vital role in achieving an even burn.

Our scented soy candles are crafted using natural, non-toxic soy wax, ensuring a clean and long-lasting burn.

Coconut Soy wax has the remarkable ability to capture aromas more effectively than other wax varieties.

This means that our candles not only endure for extended periods but also provide a delightful and immersive fragrance experience.

Whether you seek energetic healing scents, the enticing aromas of distant places, or classic fragrance blends, Soul Flame's candles offer the perfect fusion of fragrance while burning clear and bright.

Make Your Favourite Scents Last

Every scented candle from Soul Flame is a delightful treat that is sure to captivate your senses.

From the moment you take your first whiff, you'll be enticed to indulge in its aroma day after day.

That's why we take great care in crafting high-quality, long-lasting candles.

We want you to experience the pleasure of lighting their wicks and immersing yourself in the nostalgic and comforting scents you adore.

To ensure you get the most out of your new favorite Soul Flame scent, we have some valuable tips to share.

If you've been simply lighting and extinguishing your scented soy candles without any maintenance, it's time to make a positive change.

By implementing a few simple steps, such as trimming the wicks and protecting the wax from dust, you can significantly enhance the longevity and evenness of your candle's burn.

Discover the importance of wick trimming and explore some additional tips for effectively caring for your candle.

By following these guidelines, you'll maximise your enjoyment and prolong the lifespan of your cherished Soul Flame candles.

Why You Should Trim the Candle Wick

You might think that trimming a candle wick is an insignificant detail that won't really make a difference in your candle experience.

After all, the candle will still burn regardless of whether the wick is trimmed, right?

Technically, that's true, but the simple act of trimming the wick can actually have a significant impact on the longevity and appearance of your candle.

When a wick is left long, it results in a larger flame that melts more wax and provides the candle with excess fuel.

This excess fuel can cause incomplete combustion, leading to the formation of more soot, which in turn makes the candle container appear black and dirty.

Long wicks often develop a curl on top as they burn, creating an uneven shape and further contributing to soot buildup.

By keeping the candle wick trimmed, you can control the amount of melted wax (fuel) available to the candle, thus reducing the formation of soot.

A trimmed wick also promotes a more even burn, further limiting soot production and prolonging the candle's lifespan.

Additionally, reducing soot makes it easier to repurpose the candle jar once you've finished burning the candle.

To maintain optimal performance, remember to burn the candle for no more than four hours, then extinguish the flame and let the candle cool to room temperature (usually around two hours for larger candles).

Trim the wick to a length of 1-2 cm before relighting. While scissors can be used initially, as the candle burns down, it may be easier to use nail clippers or a dedicated wick trimmer.

Other Candle Care Tips

Taking care of your candle goes beyond just trimming the wick. By following these six tips, you can maintain the pristine condition of your soy candle and prolong its lifespan:

Allow the candle to burn for approximately two hours during its first use. This ensures that the entire first layer of wax becomes liquid and solidifies evenly. Insufficient burning time can lead to tunneling, where only the center of the candle burns down, leaving a ring of unmelted wax around the outside.

Avoid burning the candle for more than four hours at a time. Extended burning beyond this limit can cause the wax to overheat, diminishing the candle's scent and contributing to smoke formation, which can mark up the candle's container and affect the fragrance.
If the wick moves or bends during burning, recenter it. Blow out the flame, allow the candle to cool, and use your fingers, tweezers, or tongs to gently move the wick back to the center and straighten it. Keeping the wick trimmed short also helps prevent it from falling over.

Keep the candle away from drafty areas. Air currents from vents, fans, open windows, air conditioning units, and similar sources can cause uneven burning and even extinguish the flame. Ensure the candle is placed in a location where it won't be exposed to such drafts.
Keep the top of the candle clean and free from dust. If you don't burn the candle frequently (although we can't imagine why!), the top may accumulate dust and particles. Store the candle in a covered cabinet or replace the lid (if available) to keep the top clear. If you notice any dust, gently wipe the top of the wax with a damp cotton pad before relighting.
Prevent the accumulation of soot marks on the glass, as they can become more challenging to clean over time. Dab a small amount of soap on a damp cotton pad and carefully wipe off the soot stains. Allow the glass to dry completely before lighting the candle again.

By implementing these tips, you'll ensure that your candle remains in optimal condition, providing you with long-lasting enjoyment and a beautifully fragrant ambiance.