Candle Care Guide: How to Get the Most from Your Soy Wax Candle

A well-made candle deserves a little care. The good news is that looking after a soy wax candle is simple — and a few small habits will make a significant difference to how it burns, how long it lasts, and how much fragrance it releases. Here’s everything you need to know.

The First Burn Is the Most Important

Soy wax has a memory. The first time you light your candle, allow it to burn until the entire surface has melted into a full, even pool of liquid wax — all the way to the edges of the vessel. This typically takes 2–3 hours depending on the diameter of the candle.

If you extinguish it too soon, the wax will only melt in the centre, creating a ‘tunnel’ that follows that pattern for the life of the candle. A full melt pool on the first burn prevents tunnelling and ensures an even, consistent burn every time after.

Trim the Wick Before Every Burn

Before you light your candle each time, trim the wick to approximately 5mm (about ¼ inch). A wick that’s too long will produce a larger, flickering flame, more soot, and uneven burning. It can also cause the candle to burn too hot, which shortens its life and can affect the fragrance throw.

A simple wick trimmer works best, but small scissors will do the job. Make it part of the ritual — a moment of preparation before you set your intention.

Keep It Away from Draughts

A flickering flame isn’t just atmospheric — it’s a sign that air movement is disrupting the burn. Draughts cause uneven melting, excess soot, and faster consumption of the wax. Place your candle somewhere sheltered from open windows, fans, or air conditioning vents.

A steady flame is a sign of a healthy burn.

Don’t Burn for More Than 4 Hours at a Time

Extended burns cause the wick to ‘mushroom’ at the tip, which leads to soot and an oversized flame. They can also cause the vessel to overheat. Four hours is a good maximum — after that, extinguish the candle, let it cool completely, trim the wick, and relight when you’re ready.

Extinguish Gently

Blowing out a candle can send hot wax spattering and push the wick off-centre. A candle snuffer is the cleanest method — it also feels more intentional, which suits a ritual practice. If you don’t have a snuffer, a spoon held over the flame works well.

After extinguishing, straighten the wick while the wax is still soft if it has shifted off-centre.

Store Your Candle Properly

Keep your candle away from direct sunlight and heat sources when not in use. Soy wax can soften or discolour with prolonged sun exposure. A cool, dry place — with the lid on if your candle has one — will keep it in the best condition between uses.

When to Stop Burning

Stop burning your candle when approximately 1cm of wax remains at the bottom. Burning below this level can cause the vessel to overheat. At this point, the candle has served its purpose — and the vessel can be cleaned out and repurposed. Soy wax cleans easily with warm, soapy water.

A Final Note

Our candles are hand-poured in small batches using 100% natural soy wax. They’re made to be used with intention — and with a little care, they’ll reward you with a clean, long, beautifully fragrant burn every time.

New to the collection? Read our guide to archangel meanings and which candle is right for you.

Candle Care: How to Get the Most from Your Archangel Candle