Hey, fellow flame-lovers! There's nothing quite like lighting a beautiful Phenixology Bath & Body soy wax candle, settling in, and letting its warm glow and enchanting aroma fill your space. But to truly unlock the full experience and ensure your candle burns beautifully from start to finish, a little candle care goes a long way!
Today, we're diving into the secrets of getting the best burn from your soy wax candles, focusing on two key concepts: wax memory and how to prevent tunneling. Trust us, a happy candle means a happier you!
Understanding "Wax Memory" (and Why It Matters!)
Ever notice how sometimes a candle burns down the middle, leaving a ring of unused wax around the edges? That, my friends, is a classic case of wax memory in action, and it's something we want to avoid!
What is Wax Memory? When you light a candle, the heat from the flame melts the wax directly around it, creating a liquid "melt pool." This initial melt pool sets the "memory" for subsequent burns. If you extinguish your candle before the melt pool reaches the edges of the jar, your candle will remember that smaller diameter and continue to burn down that narrow path, leaving behind a significant amount of wax on the sides.
Why is Tunneling a Problem? This phenomenon is called tunneling, and it's a candle's worst nightmare!
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Wasted Wax: You're not getting your money's worth! All that unburnt wax on the sides means fewer hours of fragrant enjoyment.
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Reduced Scent Throw: A smaller melt pool means less surface area to release fragrance, diminishing the beautiful aroma you love.
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Poor Burn Quality: As the tunnel deepens, the wick can become "drowned" by the melting wax, leading to a weak flame or even extinguishing itself.
How to Prevent Tunneling & Get a Perfect Burn Every Time:
The good news? Preventing tunneling and ensuring a perfect, even burn is super easy with these simple tips!
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The All-Important First Burn: This is the most crucial step! When you light your Phenixology candle for the very first time, let it burn long enough for the entire surface of the wax to melt into a liquid pool, all the way to the edges of the jar. This could take anywhere from 2-4 hours, depending on the size of your candle. Be patient – it's worth it! This first burn establishes the candle's "memory" correctly.
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Trim Your Wick! Before each burn (yes, every single time!), trim your candle wick to about 1/4 inch. A shorter wick creates a smaller, more controlled flame, which helps prevent mushrooming (a build-up of carbon on the wick) and excessive soot. It also ensures the flame isn't too large, which can cause uneven burning or rapid consumption of wax.
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Burn in Increments: Once you've established that initial full melt pool, aim to burn your candle for increments of 2-4 hours at a time. This allows the candle to maintain a healthy melt pool without burning too hot or too long, which can diminish the fragrance.
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Avoid Drafts: Place your candle in a location free from drafts (windows, vents, high traffic areas). Drafts can cause the flame to flicker, leading to an uneven burn and potentially tunneling.
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Know When to Say Goodbye: For safety and optimal burning, stop using your candle when about 1/2 inch of wax remains at the bottom of the jar. This prevents the glass from overheating and protects your surfaces.
By following these simple candle care tips, you'll ensure your Phenixology Bath & Body soy wax candles burn beautifully, releasing their full fragrance potential and providing hours of pure enjoyment. It's a small effort that makes a huge difference!
Happy burning, Phenixology family! ✨
