Soy candles are different from most candles you would find in a large retail store---and in a good way. Your "well known" candle brands most likely use parrafin in most of their products (because its cheaper to make), which can make your candle burn faster and are derived from petroleum. Heirloom Candle Co uses pure soy wax (a little more expensive) that burns slower, and is plant based. Knowing the difference in how soy candles burn will help you get the most out of your candle purchase. I'll give you five little tips to help you get the best burn out of your Heirloom Candle Co soy candles.
1. Trim the Wick EVERY TIME.
Before I was a candle maker, I never bothered with this---until I began using soy candles. Most candles come with a trimmed wick, but double check to make sure it's about 1/4 inch before lighting it, as well as before every new burn. This will minimize soot and larger flames.
2. Your Candle Has a Memory, Too.
For your first burn with a new candle, make sure you're letting it go for 2-4 hours depending on the candle size. The best way to make sure it's burned well on its first go is to make sure the melt "pool" reaches COMPLETELY around to the edge of the entire jar. Your candle will remember your impatience and start tunneling, and it will stay like that until your candle has burned through just the center of your wax and you'll be left with a bunch of wax on the sides that can only be fixed with a candle warmer. THIS IS THE BIGGEST FACTOR TO PRODUCING A STEADY BURN.
3. Don't Burn Too Long.
Now, I want you to burn 2-4 hours on your first burn, but don't go over that 4 hour mark for each burn. You don't want oversized flames that can overheat your jar. Allow the candle to cool completely before relighting.
4. Keep Your Wax Pool Clean
Anything that falls into your melt pool will become food for your flame---matches, debris, wick trimmings. Keep your candle free of that with your candle lid when not in use.
5. Stop Your Burn When Wax is 1/2".
When your candle gets down to about a half-inch of wax, you need to stop burning it. You can overheat your jar which can lead to cracking. Candle warmers are perfect for getting every ounce of your wax used. Pro Tip: After you're done with your candle, use a heat gun to melt any wax left in the jar. Clean it out with soap and water. Now you can use the jar for another use. (This is PERFECT for our limited edition pumpkin jars!)
Many people don't realize that soy behaves differently than most candles. If you notice a slight color variation in your wax, this is completely normal due to its natural components. Uneven tops after cooling are strictly cosmetic due to their softer material.
Just like you, your candle needs time to just "be". Don't rush it--care for it. Your Heirloom candle will fill your home with delicious fragrance and nostalgia from the first burn to the last with these simple tips.