Soy Candle Care: 7 Tips for a Longer Burn

A hand-poured soy candle is a small luxury, and with a little care it will reward you with an even melt, a strong scent throw and many more hours of glow. Here are our favourite tips for getting the most out of every Luzara candle.

1. Make the first burn count

The first time you light your candle, let it burn until the melted wax reaches all the way to the edges of the vessel. Soy wax has a "memory" - if you blow it out early, it tends to keep melting only to that smaller circle, creating a tunnel down the middle and wasting wax around the sides. For most candles this takes a couple of hours, so light it when you know you'll be home for a while.

2. Trim the wick before every burn

Before relighting, trim your wick to around 5mm. A shorter wick gives a calmer, cleaner flame, less soot and a more even burn. If your candle has a wooden wick, simply snap or pinch off the charred tip so the flame catches easily.

3. Don't burn for too long in one go

Once you've got that first full melt pool, try not to burn for more than about four hours at a time. Very long burns can make the wick mushroom and the container overheat. Let it rest and cool completely before lighting again.

4. Keep it out of draughts

Open windows, fans and air-conditioning vents make the flame flicker and dance, which leads to uneven burning and smoke. Find a still, flat spot and your candle will burn much more cleanly.

5. Give the scent room to breathe

Soy wax releases fragrance gently. For the best scent throw, light your candle in a room that isn't too large and give it 20 to 30 minutes to build up. Our 60ml tins are perfect for bathrooms, desks and bedside tables, while our 235g candles comfortably fill a living room.

6. Know when to stop

When there's about 1cm of wax left in the bottom, it's time to retire your candle. Burning right to the bottom can overheat the vessel and the surface beneath it.

7. Give your vessel a second life

Once you're done, pop your candle in the freezer for a few hours - the leftover wax usually pops straight out. Wash the vessel in warm soapy water and reuse it for cotton buds, makeup brushes, pens or a small succulent.

Ready for a new favourite?

Whether you love fresh coastal notes like Hindmarsh Island Sage & Sea Salt or something cosy like Nightcap, every Luzara candle is hand-poured on Hindmarsh Island in small batches. Explore the full range.