Burning Soy Candles incorrectly can lead to uneven burning or the candle going out unexpectedly. If this happens, it’s important to check if you’re following the right steps. While burning soy candles isn’t complicated, there are a few simple rules to ensure a clean and even burn.

Basic Rules for Burning Soy Candles

1. First Burn: Before the first burn, wait until the wax has completely solidified. Trim the wick to about 0.3-0.5 cm. After lighting the candle, let it burn for about 2-3 hours to create an even wax pool.

2. Short Burns: If you plan to burn a soy candle for a short time (e.g., less than 2 hours), make sure the wax melts completely to the edges of the container. Otherwise, the wax will melt only halfway, potentially causing the candle to burn unevenly in the future.

3. Long Burns: If you plan to burn the candle for an extended period (e.g., 3-4 hours or more), it's essential to trim the wick before relighting it. Otherwise, it may become too long, leading to an excessive flame and smoke.

4. Burning Location: Place the candle on a stable surface and avoid burning it near heat sources like open windows, air conditioners, or heaters.

5. Safety: Never leave a burning candle unattended. Make sure there are no flammable objects nearby, and keep the candle out of reach of children and pets.

Remember that each candle is different, and the burning recommendations may vary depending on the manufacturer.

Safety When Burning Candles at Home

Burning candles at home is a popular practice that adds a cozy and romantic atmosphere. However, caution is necessary because burning candles can also pose a fire hazard. Here are some basic safety tips for burning candles at home:

• Never leave burning candles unattended. Ensure the candle is placed on a stable, non-flammable surface.
• Always keep the candle away from flammable materials such as curtains, drapes, paper, books, and other items that could catch fire.
• Always extinguish the candle before leaving the room or going to sleep.
• Make sure the burning candle is out of the reach of children and pets.
• Do not place the candle near electrical cords or heating appliances.
• Ensure that the wick is of the correct length according to the manufacturer's recommendations. A wick that is too long can cause black soot to form on the sides of the glass and reduce the candle's lifespan.
• Always use special bases and containers that prevent wax spillage.

Remember, burning candles is a beautiful tradition, but it requires caution and attention to avoid potential hazards.

What's the Best Way to Light a Candle: Matches or a Lighter?

Opinions on this are quite divided and depend on personal preferences. Some prefer to light candles with matches, while others opt for a lighter designed for candles. It’s worth noting that in some cases, lighting a candle with matches may cause it to become sooty. If you decide to use matches, long matches are recommended to avoid burns.

Soy Candle Burning Time

The burn time of a soy candle depends on many factors, such as the candle's size, the type of wick, the amount of fragrance added to the wax, and environmental conditions like humidity and air temperature.

Typically, however, a medium-sized soy candle (about 200g of wax) should burn for around 30-40 hours. However, it's important not to burn the candle for more than 4 hours at a time and not to light it too frequently, as this can affect the quality of the burn and the candle's durability. Always keep an eye on the candle while it is burning and do not leave it unattended, especially near flammable materials.

Why Doesn't a Soy Candle Burn?

A soy candle may not burn for several reasons:

• Wick Too Short: When the wick is too short, there isn't enough fuel to maintain the flame. Always leave the wick at a length of about 0.3-0.5 cm.
• Wick Too Long: A wick that is too long can cause smoking and too large a flame, which can be dangerous.
• Dirty Wick: A dirty wick can cause difficulties in ignition or a short burn time. Remember to regularly trim the wick before burning and remove debris.
• Excessive Fragrance Oils: Too much fragrance oil can clog the wick and prevent it from getting enough oxygen, causing the candle not to light or extinguish quickly. It’s important to use the right amount of fragrance oils according to the manufacturer's guidelines.
• Not Following Manufacturer's Guidelines: Always adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations for wax pouring temperatures, adding fragrance oils, etc.

How to Extinguish Soy Candles?

When extinguishing a soy candle, avoid methods that may cause smoke or contaminate the wax. Blowing out the candle can cause excessive soot, and pinching it out with fingers risks burns or wick damage. Snuffing the candle by closing the lid results in soot under the lid and a burnt smell. The best way to extinguish a soy candle is by using a candle snuffer.

Why Does a Soy Candle Smoke?

A soy candle may smoke for several reasons. One reason could be a wick that is too long, causing uneven wax burning and smoking. Another reason could be too much fragrance oil or additives, which also affects the wax's even burning and can lead to smoking. Additionally, incorrect pouring temperatures or improper ingredient ratios in the wax mixture can affect the candle's burning quality and cause smoking.

How to Prevent Candle Tunneling?

Candle tunneling occurs when a tunnel forms around the wick while burning, leaving the wax on the sides untouched. To prevent tunneling in a soy candle, allow it to burn long enough during the first burn so the wax melts to the container's edges, creating a "wax pool." This way, the wax on the sides will burn and contribute to the candle's even burning. It's also important that each subsequent burn lasts for a sufficiently long time.