Learning how to care for candles is the secret to getting the most value for your money. Many people simply light a wick and forget about it. However, a few simple steps can double the life of your candle. At Zyndl, we want you to enjoy every hour of your fragrance. Whether you buy our Boone scent or a tropical fruit blend, knowing how to care for candles properly will ensure a clean and safe burn.
We hand-pour our soy wax here in King, North Carolina. We know that humidity and temperature can change how wax behaves. That is why we created this guide to help you get the perfect burn every time.
Why Candle Care Matters
You might think that candle care is complicated. It is actually very simple. Taking care of your candle prevents black smoke. It stops the jar from getting too hot. It also ensures the smell stays strong from the first light to the very bottom of the jar.
If you skip these steps, your candle might burn down the middle and leave wax stuck to the sides. This is called tunneling. Proper candle care stops tunneling before it starts.
Step 1: The First Burn is the Most Important
The first time you light a new candle, you must let it burn long enough. You want the melted wax to reach all the way to the edges of the jar.
This creates a “candle memory.” If you blow it out too soon, the wax will remember that small ring. It will tunnel down that same small hole every time you light it. Since we use premium soy wax at our King, NC studio, allowing a full melt pool is the best way to release the fragrance.
Step 2: Trim Your Wick Before Every Light
The golden rule of candle care is to trim your wick. Before you relight your candle, cut the wick to 1/4 inch.
If the wick is too long, the flame will get too big. A large flame creates smoke and soot. It can also cause the glass to get dangerously hot. You can use a pair of scissors or a specialized wick trimmer. You can read more about safe burning techniques from the National Candle Association, which sets the safety standards for our industry.
Step 3: Keep the Wax Clean
Proper candle care means keeping the wax pool clean. Never leave match scraps or wick trimmings inside the melted wax. These small pieces of debris can act as a second wick. This creates a fire hazard and makes the candle burn too fast.
Step 4: Stop the Soot
If you see black smoke or soot on the glass, your candle is telling you something. It usually means there is a draft. Air currents from a fan, an open window, or an AC vent can cause the flame to bounce around.
A moving flame creates incomplete combustion. This leads to black marks on the jar. To fix this, move your candle to a still area.
Troubleshooting Common Candle Issues
How to fix tunneling
If your candle has already started to tunnel, you can fix it. Wrap a piece of aluminum foil around the top of the jar. Leave a hole in the center for the flame. Light the candle and let it burn for a few hours. The foil reflects heat back down to the wax. This should melt the hard edges and smooth out the surface.
How to put out a candle safely
Do not blow out your candle with your mouth. This can send hot wax flying onto your furniture. It also creates a lot of smoke. Instead, use a candle snuffer to cover the flame. You can also use a wick dipper to bend the wick into the wet wax to extinguish it. This stops the smoke instantly.
Safety First
We want you to enjoy our scents safely. Never leave a burning candle unattended. Keep them away from children and pets. Place your candle on a heat-resistant surface.
By following these simple steps on how to care for candles, you will keep your home smelling amazing and safe.
How long should I burn my candle?
You should burn your candle for no more than 4 hours at a time. Burning it longer can cause the wick to mushroom. This creates a large, unstable flame.
Why is my candle smoking?
Smoke usually means the wick is too long or there is a draft in the room. Trim your wick to 1/4 inch. Move the candle away from fans or open windows to solve the problem.
Do soy candles burn differently?
Yes. Soy wax burns cooler and slower than paraffin wax. This means your Zyndl candle lasts longer. However, it also means you must be patient during the first burn to let the melt pool reach the edges.