You may not think there is a right and wrong way to burn a candle, but there is.

Care should be taken when burning candles, especially artisan candles, which are an investment.

Proper care ensures they last longer and retain their scent.

How to Burn a Soy Candle Correctly

A well-maintained soy candle will burn cleanly and provide many hours of enjoyment. Follow these simple steps to get the most out of your candle.

1. The First Burn is the Most Important

All candles have a “memory,” meaning they burn in a pattern based on the first use.

When lighting your candle for the first time, always let the wax melt evenly across the entire surface, reaching the edges of the container.

If the wax doesn’t fully melt to the sides, the candle may begin to tunnel, leaving unused wax along the edges and reducing burn time.

2. Keep Your Wick Trimmed

Before lighting your candle for the first time, trim the wick to ¼ inch. Don’t assume it’s the correct length when purchased.

Trim the wick before each burn to prevent high flames, excess soot, and wasted wax. Even though soy candles are known for clean burns, an untrimmed wick can still cause issues.

3. Burn Responsibly

While keeping a candle burning for hours is tempting, avoid exceeding four hours at a time.

It is estimated that about 21% of home fires are due to candles being burned improperly.

Prolonged burning can cause overheating, making the wax evaporate too quickly. Always place your candle on a heat-resistant surface and never leave it unattended.

4. Know When to Say Goodbye

For safety reasons, stop burning your candle when about ½ inch of wax remains.

At Southern Oak Artisan, we encourage sustainability and repurposing candle jars. Check out our blog post on how to clean and reuse your jars for creative DIY projects.

5. Store Your Candle Properly

Soy wax is unique and sensitive to heat and light. Keep your candle away from direct sunlight or heat sources to prevent discoloration and scent loss.

While some soy candles may slightly change in appearance over time, this is a natural process and does not affect performance.

At Southern Oak Artisan, we use only organic wax and clean fragrances—never artificial dyes or additives.

Stay Safe Out There

Following these tips will extend your candle’s burn time and ensure a safer, more enjoyable experience.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out or visit our blog for more candle care tips.

Happy burning (the candle, not the house)!