At Serein Botanicals, we believe that enjoying a candle should be an experience rooted in mindfulness and care. We use 100% soy wax paired with wooden wicks to create a clean-burning, sustainable, and aromatic experience. Soy wax is an eco-friendly choice that burns slower than other waxes, and when cared for properly, your candle will last longer while providing an even, beautiful burn. Unlike cotton wicks, which provide a more traditional flame, wooden wicks create a soft, soothing crackling sound and a wider, more robust flame. To ensure you get the best burn from your candle, follow these essential tips and best practices.

first burn is key

• Why it matters: Soy wax has a memory, meaning it will burn in the same pattern as the initial burn. On your first burn, allow the wax to melt evenly across the surface, reaching the edges of the container. This is called a “full melt pool” and prevents tunneling, where wax remains stuck to the sides, making future burns uneven.

• How long: For soy wax candles, this can take 1-3 hours depending on the size. Be patient! The first burn sets the foundation for the life of your candle. Ensure a full melt pool reaches the edges of the container before extinguishing.

  After the first burn, it’s not necessary to let a full wax pool form every time, but it’s recommended if you want to extend the life of your candle. Give your jar candles a longer burn occasionally to “reset” the wax memory and prevent tunneling.

trimming the wick

• Ideal wick length: Before lighting your soy wax candle, keep the wooden wick trimmed to around 1/8” – 3/16” (3-5mm). This is shorter than you might be used to with cotton wicks but essential for maintaining a steady flame and ensures an even burn.

• How to trim: Use a wick trimmer, nail clippers, or simply pinch off the charred bits between your fingers (once the wick has cooled). Make sure the wick is free from any charred wood or debris, which can affect the burn quality.

lighting the wick

• Best technique: When lighting a wooden wick candle, the best technique is to hold it at an angle, allowing the flame to travel along the length of the wick—similar to how you would tilt a match after striking it.

trouble relighting?

• Soy wax and wooden wicks require some attention to stay lit properly. If your candle won’t stay lit, it’s likely because the wick is too long, too much char has built up, or there’s debris in the wax. Trim the wick and relight it in a draft-free area.

• Keep in mind that it’s the wax, not the wood, that fuels your candle’s flame. The flame draws the wax up through the wick, so if the wick isn’t trimmed short and clean, the wax won’t reach the flame effectively.

• It may take a few attempts to get it lit, as the heat from the flame needs to draw the wax through the wick before it burns effectively. If it doesn’t ignite right away, don’t hesitate to try again; once you successfully light it, it should catch more easily in subsequent attempts.

burn time recommendations

• Avoid long burns: For best results with soy wax, burn your candle for no more than 3-4 hours at a time. Burning for longer periods can cause the container to overheat and the wax to burn unevenly.

• Cooling: Allow the candle to cool for at least two hours between burns. This gives the wax time to harden evenly, which improves future burns.

preventing “mushrooming”

• If you notice a black "mushroom" shape forming at the top of the wick, this is a sign of a buildup. Simply trim the wick down to its recommended length (1/8") before each burn to avoid excess smoke and keep the flame clean and steady.

extinguishing your candle

• Safest method: The best way to extinguish your wooden wick candle is by using a candle snuffer or gently blowing it out. Avoid using the lid to snuff the flame, as this can cause soot or wax buildup.

candle placement matters

• Draft-free zone: Soy wax candles perform best in a still, draft-free environment. Breezes can disrupt the flame, leading to uneven burns and a shortened lifespan for your candle.

• Safe surface: Place your candle on a heat-resistant surface, away from anything flammable, such as curtains or paper, and ensure the candle is never left unattended.

container care + reuse

• Eco-friendly tip: Once you’ve enjoyed your candle to the very last burn, consider reusing the container! Our eco-conscious packaging means these vessels can be repurposed for storage, planters, or decor after cleaning out the remaining wax. We recommend cleaning out the remaining wax using the method below:

  • Boiling water method: Boil some water and carefully pour it into the candle container, leaving room at the top. The heat will melt the remaining wax, causing it to float to the surface as it cools and hardens. Once the wax has solidified, remove it, then clean the jar with warm soapy water. Your vessel is now ready to be repurposed!

Candle Care FAQs

Q: My wooden wick won’t stay lit, what should I do?
A: This is a common issue if the wick is too long or debris is present in the wax. Trim the wax to 1/8” and make sure the candle is in a draft-free zone.

Q: Why is my soy candle not burning evenly?
A: Uneven burning is usually caused by not allowing the wax to melt fully across the surface during the first burn. Let the wax pool reach the edges before extinguishing to prevent tunneling.

Q: What is a full melt pool and why is it so important?
A: A full melt pool during the first burn is crucial because soy wax has a “memory.” This means that once the wax melts to a certain point, it will continue to burn in that pattern during future uses. If the wax doesn’t melt all the way to the edges on the first burn, it creates a “tunnel” where only the wax around the wick melts, leaving hard wax along the sides of the container. This leads to uneven burning, wasted wax, and a shorter candle lifespan. A full melt pool ensures even burning and maximizes the candle’s performance.

Q: How long should I burn my soy candle at a time?
A: For optimal performance, burn your candle for 2-4 hours at a time. Avoid burning for longer periods as it can cause overheating, leading to uneven melting.

Q: How can I make my candle last longer?
A: Trim the wick before each use, burn for no more than 4 hours at a time, and allow the candle to fully cool before relighting. These steps will maximize the longevity of your soy candle.

By following these care tips, you’ll enjoy a longer-lasting, beautifully even burn from your Serein Botanicals candles. From the soothing crackle of the wooden wick to the clean, natural burn of soy wax, every light brings a mindful, eco-conscious moment of peace.

If you have any questions or need further assistance with your candle care, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at hello@sereinbotanicals.com!