A good candle deserves to be looked after. Not just for safety—though that matters too—but because a few small habits help it burn better, last longer, and stay beautiful for a long time. If you’ve just brought home a handmade soy-wax candle, or you’re thinking of giving one as a gift, this guide tells you everything you need to know to get the most out of it.
The first time you light it is the most important
Soy wax has a “memory”: the first burn sets the pattern for the rest of the candle’s life. That’s why, the first time you light it, you should let it burn long enough for the top layer to melt completely, edge to edge. If you put it out too soon, the candle can start to tunnel in the center and waste the wax around the sides.
This small detail is the difference between a candle that burns down evenly and beautifully and one that ends up with a hole in the middle. It’s worth giving it that first stretch of time.
Trim the wick before every use
Before lighting it, trim the wick down nice and short. A wick that’s too long produces a large, unstable flame, more soot, and an uneven burn. With a short wick, the flame is clean and steady, and the candle lasts longer. It’s the simplest trick, and the one that makes the biggest difference.
Where and how to place it
- On a stable, heat-resistant surface, away from the edge of tables and shelves.
- Away from drafts (windows, fans, air conditioning): a breeze makes the flame dance, drip, and create soot.
- Out of reach of children and pets, and away from anything that could catch fire (curtains, paper, dried plants).
- Never leave it burning unattended, and put it out before you leave the room or go to sleep.
Sculptural and decorative candles are a case of their own
Many of our candles—figures, flowers, rose trees—are so beautiful you may want to keep them as decoration rather than light them. And that’s perfectly fine: a decorative candle looks just as lovely unlit. If you do decide to light it, keep in mind that, with all its contours and shapes, it will burn less evenly than a plain cylindrical candle; enjoy it knowing that’s part of its charm. And if you’d rather keep it intact, simply protect it from heat and dust.
How to store it when you’re not using it
Soy wax is sensitive to heat, so keep it in a cool spot and out of direct sunlight: a candle left by a sunny window can soften or lose its shape, especially in summer. Protect it from dust too if you’re keeping it as decoration; a gentle puff of air or a clean brush is all it takes to keep it looking flawless.
When it reaches the end
For safety, stop using the candle when there’s about a finger’s width of wax left at the base, rather than burning it all the way down. If you like the vessel or the base, you can clean them out and reuse them. And remember: because soy-wax candles burn more slowly, they tend to last longer than you’d expect, so you’ll have enjoyed yours to the fullest.
Common mistakes that shorten a candle’s life
Most candle problems come from the same few oversights, and they’re all easy to avoid:
- Putting it out too soon on the first burn: this is the number-one cause of the dreaded center tunnel.
- Leaving the wick long: a big flame, soot, and an uneven burn.
- Lighting it in a draft: the flame moves around, drips, and smokes.
- Burning it for too short a time: if you only light it for a few minutes, the surface never melts properly.
- Burning it all the way down: for safety, it’s best to set it aside when little wax is left at the base.
What if it smokes or drips?
If your candle smokes or produces too much soot, it’s almost always one of two things: the wick is too long or there’s a draft. Put it out, let it cool, trim the wick, and light it again somewhere sheltered. If it drips, that’s usually down to a breeze or a tilted surface too: set it nice and level and away from drafts. These are problems you can fix in seconds once you know the cause.
In short
A full first burn, a short wick, a stable surface away from drafts, never unattended, and stored away from heat and sunlight. With these simple habits, your handmade candles will burn better, last longer, and stay beautiful for a long time. Because a well-cared-for candle is a candle you enjoy twice as much.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Why does my candle make a hole in the center?
How often should I trim the wick?
How long does a soy-wax candle last?
Can I keep the candle just for decoration?
Is it safe to leave a candle burning all night?
Looking for a handmade candle that’s a pleasure to care for?
Ours are made with natural soy wax, by hand in Mallorca. Discover our Christmas collection and our event favors.