Soy Candle Care: How to Get an Even Burn
A candle does not need complicated care, but a few simple habits can make a real difference to the way it burns. Trimming the wick, allowing the wax enough time to melt and knowing when to stop can help you enjoy a steadier, more even burn.
ORYAORI’s 180g candles are hand-poured in Christchurch using 100% natural soy wax. They have an estimated burn time of up to 25 hours, although the actual time will vary with the fragrance, room conditions and the way the candle is used.
Before lighting your candle
Begin with a quick check:
· Place the candle on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
· Keep it away from curtains, bedding, paper and anything else that could catch fire.
· Avoid draughts from open windows, fans and heat pumps.
· Remove dust, wick trimmings or other debris from the wax.
· Trim the wick to approximately 5mm.
Let the candle and wax cool completely before trimming the wick. Never trim or touch the wick while the candle is burning or the wax is still liquid.
Keep burning candles out of reach of children and pets, and never leave one unattended.
Give the first burn enough time
Wax naturally begins melting around the wick. If a candle is extinguished too soon, a ring of firmer wax may remain around the edge. Repeated short burns can deepen this ring and create a narrow hollow down the centre, commonly known as tunnelling.
During the first burn, allow the melted wax to travel gradually towards the sides of the vessel. Room temperature, airflow and the individual candle can all affect how long this takes.
An ORYAORI candle must never be burned for more than three hours at a time. If the wax has not reached the sides by then, extinguish the candle and let it cool. Do not extend the burn simply to force a complete melt pool.
Trim the wick before every burn
Once the candle has cooled and the wax has set, remove any loose wick fragments and trim the wick back to approximately 5mm.
A wick that is too long can create a larger or less stable flame. If the flame becomes unusually high, flickers continuously or produces visible soot, extinguish the candle and allow it to cool. Check the wick length and surrounding airflow before using it again.
Keeping the wax free from matches, wick pieces and other debris is equally important. These materials can interfere with the way the candle burns.
Avoid repeated, very short burns
You do not need to burn your candle for three hours every time. However, repeatedly lighting it for only a few minutes may leave unmelted wax around the sides.
Choose a time when you can let the candle form a useful wax pool without exceeding the three-hour limit. If you only have a few minutes, it may be better to wait until you can enjoy it for longer.
Always allow the wax and vessel to cool before lighting the candle again.
What to do if tunnelling begins
A small amount of wax around the edge after an early burn does not always mean the candle is beyond use.
Before the next burn, trim the wick correctly and place the candle away from draughts. Give the wax enough time to melt outwards, while remaining within the three-hour maximum.
Do not dig around the wick, remove hot wax or place foil, paper or other materials around a burning candle. These changes can interfere with its intended use.
If a deep tunnel has formed, the wick repeatedly goes out or the flame appears unstable, stop using the candle and contact us before attempting to alter it.
Let the vessel cool before moving it
The vessel may become hot while the candle is burning. Do not touch or move it while the flame is lit or the wax is liquid.
Extinguish the candle and wait until both the glass and wax have cooled before handling it.
Stop using the candle when approximately 10mm of wax remains at the bottom. Burning past this point may allow too much heat to reach the base of the vessel.
ORYAORI candles are intended for indoor use only.
Store your candle carefully
When the candle is not in use, keep it somewhere cool and dry, away from direct sunlight. Heat and strong sunlight may affect the appearance of the wax and the fragrance over time.
Allow the candle to cool fully before replacing its lid, if it has one. Covering the candle between uses also helps keep dust and debris away from the wax.
A quick candle-care checklist
Before each burn:
· Trim the wick to 5mm.
· Remove debris from the wax.
· Use a stable, heat-resistant surface.
· Keep the candle away from draughts and flammable materials.
While burning:
· Never leave the candle unattended.
· Keep it away from children and pets.
· Do not burn it for more than three hours.
· Do not move the vessel while it is lit or the wax is liquid.
After burning:
· Let the wax and vessel cool completely.
· Store the candle away from heat and direct sunlight.
· Stop using it when 10mm of wax remains.
Good candle care is straightforward: trim the wick, give the wax enough time and never extend a burn beyond its safe limit.
