You invested in a beautiful candle. The last thing you want is a tunneled wax pool, a drowning wick, or a scent that fades after one burn. The good news: candle care is simple once you know the rules. Here's everything you need to get the most out of every Soul Pour candle.
The First Burn Rule (Memory Burn)
This is the most important rule in candle care, and most people skip it.
The first time you light your candle, let it burn long enough for the entire top layer of wax to melt edge to edge. This is called a memory burn, and it sets the candle's burn pattern for its entire life. If you blow it out too early, the wax will tunnel creating a deep hole down the center and leaving wax stuck to the sides that will never burn.
Rule of thumb: Allow 1 hour of burn time per inch of candle diameter. Most Soul Pour candles need at least 2–3 hours on the first burn.
Trim Your Wick Every Time
Before every single burn, trim your wick to 1/4 inch. This is non-negotiable for a clean, safe burn.
A wick that's too long will:
- Produce a large, flickering flame
- Create black soot on the jar and in the air
- Burn through your wax too quickly
- Cause mushrooming (a carbon buildup at the tip)
You can use a wick trimmer, small scissors, or even pinch off the burnt tip with a tissue before lighting. Make it a ritual trim, then light.
Burn Time: Don't Go Too Short or Too Long
Every burn session has a sweet spot:
- Minimum: Long enough to reach a full melt pool (edge to edge) usually 2–3 hours
- Maximum: No more than 4 hours at a time. After 4 hours, the wick can shift, the jar gets too hot, and scent throw diminishes
If you want to enjoy your candle longer in a day, let it cool completely (at least 2 hours), trim the wick, and relight.
Keep the Wax Pool Clean
Debris in the wax pool wick trimmings, matches, dust can cause uneven burning and flare ups. Before each burn, check the wax surface and remove anything that doesn't belong.
Also keep your candle away from drafts, vents, and fans. Moving air disrupts the flame, causes uneven burns, and accelerates wax consumption.
How to Store Your Candles
Candles are sensitive to heat, light, and humidity. To preserve scent and appearance:
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Keep the lid on when not in use to protect the wax and preserve fragrance
- Avoid storing near windows, radiators, or in cars during warm months
- If storing long-term, wrap in tissue paper to protect the surface
When to Stop Burning
Stop burning your candle when 1/2 inch of wax remains at the bottom. Burning past this point can cause the jar to overheat, crack, or scorch the surface it's sitting on.
Don't toss that jar once it's done, clean it out with warm soapy water and repurpose it as a small planter, a trinket dish, or a storage jar.
Ready to Shop?
Now that you know how to care for your candles, make every burn count. Explore our full collection and find your next ritual scent.