We often get questions at Country Wickhouse Candles about how properly to burn soy candles. If a single, common issue exists, it’s with the challenge of getting an even burn with the soft wax. This should never be a challenge, however, since any candle must be enjoyed under certain conditions. Below you will find some helpful hints on how to burn soy candles more evenly, thus making your experience with them more enjoyable.
Soy Just Ain’t Paraffin: I know, horrible grammar! But you get the point. One of the most important things to remember when dealing with soy candles is that they DO NOT burn the same way paraffin candles do. Some (if not all) paraffin candles contain PETROLEUM, and I don’t know about you, but if I were made of petroleum, I’d burn hot and completely, too. Unfortunately, so many people own petroleum-based candles that they have become the standard by which all candles are judged and used. When considering the environmental impact of paraffin candle products (not to mention the smoke and soot their wicks produce), EVERYONE should be burning SOY candles instead. With all this in mind, let’s talk about properly burning soy.
Wick Length: NEVER follow the 1/8-inch wick rule with soy candles. Instead, keep your wicks at 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch long for an even burn. Most wicks in soy candles already come in these lengths.
An example of an even burn in a soy candle tin.
Tins (and Other Containers): Again, mind your wick length and keep it at 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch long. ALWAYS place any container on a LEVEL surface, and NEVER burn longer than 1.5 hours at a time. And of course, never leave a candle unattended. Another great idea for more evenly-burning candles is the use of a CANDLE TOPPER, which will more evenly distribute wick heat.
A votive holder.
Votives: Follow the wick rule above and ALWAYS burn votives in VOTIVE HOLDERS. These holders act like small containers, and as the container heats, it helps in the proper melting of the soy wax.
The metal wick tab at the bottom of a tealight cup.
Tealights: This is a common concern among folks who’d like to see every ounce of soy wax melt and disappear. The bad news is, this will never happen. Use the same wick lengths as above, and as soon as the tealight extinguishes itself, the show’s over. The metal wick tab at the bottom of the tealight container will never burn (unless you use a blowtorch), so for safety reasons, throw the tealight away when it burns down to this point and puts itself out. It may be hard, but it’s time to say goodbye and move on when you can see the wick tab.
Unburned (Unused) Soy Wax: But wait! Just because ALL the soy wax in your container hasn’t melted doesn’t mean that it’s been wasted. Remember that soy wax is all-natural and biodegradable. It is also one of the best NATURAL SKIN MOISTURIZERS on the planet. Claw it out of your containers and rub it into dry skin. It even replenishes cuticles. And it smells good, too! Go ahead, it won’t hurt you…it will only help!
Hopefully these tips will aid you in burning soy candles more successfully. The most important thing to remember is that soy is VERY SOFT, and hence we must take some unique (albeit subtle) approaches to using them. Follow the tips above and you’ll have no problems with any soy candle product you ever own…and if you do, let us know. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Burn on, wise soy candle-burning person! You care about yourself and your environment…Thank you!
Life Smells, So Smile! 