Can you burn candles the wrong way? If your candle goes out while burning or melts unevenly, it’s worth checking whether you’re doing everything correctly. Burning candles isn’t difficult, but there are a few basic rules you should follow.
Basic Rules for Burning Soy Candles
First burn: Before lighting your candle for the first time, wait until the wax has completely hardened. Trim the wick to about 0.3–0.5 mm. After lighting the candle, let it burn for about 2–3 hours so that a smooth layer of melted wax forms on the surface.
Short burns: If you plan to burn your soy candle for a short time (e.g., less than 2 hours), make sure the wax melts all the way to the edges of the container. Otherwise, the wax will only melt halfway, which may prevent the candle from burning properly in the future.
Long burns: If you plan to burn your candle for a longer period (e.g., 3–4 hours or more), be sure to trim the wick before relighting it. Otherwise, it can become too long, which causes an oversized flame and smoke.
Burning location: Place the candle on a stable surface and avoid burning it near heat sources such as open windows, air conditioners, or heaters.
Safety: Never leave a burning candle unattended. Make sure there are no flammable objects nearby, and always keep candles out of reach of children and pets.
Remember that every candle is different, and the manufacturer’s burning instructions may vary.
Safety When Burning Candles at Home
Burning candles at home is a popular way to create a cozy and romantic atmosphere. However, it’s important to be cautious, as candles can also pose a fire risk. Here are some basic safety tips for burning candles at home:
Never leave burning candles unattended. Make sure the candle is placed on a stable, flat, non-flammable surface.
Always keep candles away from flammable materials such as curtains, paper, books, or other objects that can catch fire.
Always extinguish candles before leaving a room or going to sleep.
Keep candles out of reach of children and pets.
Do not place candles near electrical cords or heating appliances.
Make sure the wick is the proper length according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. A wick that’s too long can cause black soot to form on the glass and shorten the candle’s lifespan.
Always use special candle holders or containers that prevent wax from spilling over.
Remember, burning candles is a beautiful tradition, but it requires care and attention to avoid potential hazards.
What’s the Best Way to Light a Candle – Matches or a Lighter?
Opinions are quite divided, and it depends on personal preference. Some people prefer lighting candles with matches, while others use a candle lighter. However, keep in mind that lighting a candle with matches can sometimes cause black soot to appear. If you choose to use matches, it’s best to use long ones to avoid burns.
Soy Candle Burn Time
The burn time of a soy candle depends on several factors, including the candle’s size, type of wick, amount of fragrance oil used, and environmental conditions such as humidity and temperature.
Typically, a medium-sized soy candle (around 200g of wax) should burn for about 30–40 hours. However, it’s important not to burn the candle for more than 4 hours at a time or light it too often, as this can affect burn quality and longevity. Always monitor the candle while burning and never leave it unattended, especially near flammable materials.
Why Won’t My Soy Candle Burn?
A soy candle might not burn properly for several reasons:
- Wick too short – when the wick is too short, it doesn’t have enough fuel to sustain a flame. Always keep the wick about 0.3–0.5 mm long.
- Wick too long – an overly long wick can cause smoking and a large flame, which can be dangerous.
- Dirty wick – a dirty wick can make lighting difficult or shorten burn time. Always trim and clean the wick before lighting.
- Too much fragrance oil – excess fragrance can clog the wick, restricting oxygen and preventing proper burning. Always use fragrance oils according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Ignoring manufacturer guidelines – always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for pouring temperatures, fragrance ratios, and other details.
How to Extinguish Soy Candles
When extinguishing a soy candle, avoid methods that cause smoke or contaminate the wax. Blowing out the flame can cause soot, and pinching the wick can result in burns or damage. Covering the candle to cut off air supply may also cause smoke and a burnt smell. The best way to extinguish a soy candle is to use a candle snuffer.
Why Does a Soy Candle Smoke?
A soy candle may smoke for several reasons. One common cause is a wick that’s too long, which burns unevenly and produces soot. Another cause may be too much fragrance oil or additives, which also lead to uneven burning. Incorrect pouring temperature or poor ingredient ratios can also affect how the candle burns and cause smoking.
How to Prevent Candle Tunneling
Candle tunneling happens when the wax melts only around the wick, leaving solid wax along the sides of the container. To prevent tunneling, let your soy candle burn long enough during the first use for the wax to melt evenly to the edges—creating a “melt pool.” This ensures the candle burns evenly each time. It’s also important to let the candle burn long enough during each use.