1. Make sure the wick is trimmed to approx. 3-5mm to ensure a smaller flame, longer burn time and less soot (the width of your little finger is a great guide). Any small pair of scissors can be used to trim, however a pair of 'wick trimmers' is absolutely ideal. Use regularly to prevent the candle producing excess smoke and to keep the candle glass clean.
2. For the first burn, burn your candle for 2-3 hours to enable the wax pool to melt out to the edge of the jar (or as close as possible - this will vary with each candle as each fragrance reacts differently and not all will melt all the way out to the glass for the first burn).
3. Should any black smoke appear, trim the tip of the wick. It should be clean and no longer than 5mm at all times.
4. Should the wick require centering, gently readjust to correct position when the wax is still molten. Allow candle to solidify before relighting.
5. Keep your candle in a dry and temperate environment, between 15 and 26° C is ideal.
6. The first use of your candle should occur within the two first months after purchase.
7. Do not burn your candle all the way down. Always leave at least 5 mm of non-molten wax at the bottom.
8. Do not leave candle burning unattended. Do not set in a draft. Keep away from doorways, air-conditioners and fans as any sudden burst of air can cause the candle flame to dance around.
Some answers to some common candle related problems ...
"Why is the flame so large?"
The most common cause of this is the wick is too long and needs to be trimmed. Another reason can be that the candlemaker has used a wick that is too thick and there isn't really anything you can do to fix this.
"My soy candle is sweating"
Soy wax is a natural wax and has a natural oil content that can occasionally sweat due to exposure to humidity and heat. Keeping your candle away from direct sunlight will help. If you prefer, after you have blown out the flame, and your candle has cooled, you can wipe any excess oil away with a paper towel. The sweating will not affect the performance of your candle.
"My soy candle wax is tunnelling"
This can occur if you are short burning your candle too often which can cause the wax to tunnel and melt only close to the wick. This in turn doesn't allow the flame to access enough air to burn properly. Make sure you 'first burn' your candle so your candle has a wax memory. Tunnelling can be fixed somewhat by removing some of the soft wax surrounding the wick to allow the wick a better chance of melting to the glass edge, or closer to.
"I am having trouble smelling my soy candle!"
If you burn your candle more than 2 hours (after the initial 'first burn') it can lose fragrance intensity. Best option is to blow out the flame and let your candle cool and solidify. Then relight and the fragrance will return. To preserve the fragrance, do not burn your candle for more than 2 hours at a time during the first third of the candle and 1 hour at a time during the remaining. You can also try burning your scented candle in a smaller space to maximise the fragrance enjoyment.
"My candle is smoking"
A common cause of smoking is if your candle has been placed in a draft. Keep your candle away from draft causing open doorways and windows, air-conditioners and fans.
I hope these soy candle care tips have been helpful. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask.
Be the Light.
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