We all love its smell and the aroma it adds to our living space, sometimes all we need is a few minutes to relax and a quality fragrance.
In this short article, we wanted to talk about how to properly handle scented candles, how to maintain them and how to get the most out of each of them.
Scented candles made from soy wax are, as is already known, much healthier than the "ordinary" paraffin candles we are mostly used to and have seen in our surroundings.
What is not yet embedded in our culture or self-awareness is that the inhalation of microparticles produced by paraffin candle smoke is extremely harmful and carcinogenic, primarily because paraffin is a by-product of oil processing.
For this reason, the world is slowly but surely turning to the increasing use of candles made of vegetable wax, and above all candles made of soy wax.
Soy wax is a product of plant origin, it does not emit microparticles during combustion, and what is even more important, it is much more suitable for the environment.
Table of content
Benefits of natural scented candles
Scented candles that last a long time
Soy wax has a high melting point compared to other types of waxes.
Soy wax starts to melt on 80 °C.
For this reason, soy candles melt more slowly, and this also allows the essential oils that are mixed in the network of crystals formed by soy wax to last longer and not burn due to the high temperature.
Scented candles that smell
As for the smell itself, which is released by soy wax candles, depending on the type of aroma, they can release a mild or intense smell.
Pure essential oils obtained by hydrolysis or cold pressing have benefits in aromatherapy, because they are healthy for inhalation and purification of the respiratory organs. Candles with this oil usually have a milder scent compared to candles with scented oils that have been obtained through synthetic processes.
The perfect thing to choose, because many beautiful scents do not exist in nature, or are hard to come by.
Balavander stands for candles with pure essential oils.
Ecological scented candles
As mentioned earlier, candles made from soy wax are healthier and do not harm the environment. They are made from raw materials of plant origin, without chemicals and all ingredients are biodegradable.
Why is proper candle use important?
"How to properly use scented candles?“
– You light it and it burns, wow.
Well, once we've passed this initial instruction, we can move on to concrete things.
In order for your soy candle, or in general any candle you buy in any store, to fulfill its maximum potential and burn as long and as fragrant as possible, you need to take care of how it is used.
A scented candle is not just a source of light or pleasant scent – it is a small ritual that transforms space and mood. But to get the most out of every candle, you need to know a few key secrets.
- Shorten the candle's lifespan by more than 50%
- Reduce scent intensity
- Create a frustrating "tunnel" in the middle of the candle
- Lead to uneven burning
- Even poses a safety risk
- Longer duration – up to 60 hours of scent and atmosphere
- More intense scent – even release of aroma
- Fully utilized wax – without residue on the sides
- Safe enjoyment – peace and relaxation without worry
What Can You Expect from This Guide?
Without complicated terms, without long stories – just practical tips that work.
In the next few paragraphs you will learn:
✅ The technique of perfect lighting that guarantees even melting
✅ The secret of the first lighting – the most important step that most people skip
✅ How to extend duration of the candle and maximize scent
✅ Safety measures for completely relaxed enjoyment
✅ Solutions for common problems such as tunnel, weak scent or smoke
Let's make your candle become what it deserves to be – a perfect source of scent, light and relaxation.
Before First Lighting: Preparation is Half the Success
How to Store a Candle Before Use
Store the candle in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Soy wax and natural essential oils are sensitive to temperature – proper storage guarantees full scent intensity.
Preparation for First Lighting
What you do now determines how the candle will burn throughout its entire lifespan.
- Trim the wick to 7-10 mm
- Place the candle on a flat surface, away from drafts
- Plan the time – 2-4 hours of continuous burning is required
💡 Remember: "Wax remembers" – the way it melts the first time determines the pattern for all future lightings.
Lighting Technique
First Lighting: The Most Important Moment
The first lighting sets the wax "memory" and determines how the candle will burn throughout its life.
Golden rule of first lighting:
Light the candle until the wax completely melts across the entire top surface – from edge to edge.
This usually takes 2-4 hours, depending on the diameter of the candle.
Example: Candle with diameter of 8 cm = minimum 4 hours of first lighting
Why is this critical?
If you extinguish the candle before the wax completely melts, a "tunnel" will form – a cylinder in the middle that will remain throughout the candle's entire lifespan.
Result we don't want: a pile of unused wax on the sides.
Every Subsequent Lighting
- Trim the wick to 7-10 mm (if longer)
- Remove residue of wick from wax
- Check the surface – it should be clean and flat
- Light until the wax melts across the entire surface (just like the first time)
- Minimum 1-2 hours per lighting
- Maximum 4 hours without interruption
Optimal Duration
- Minimum: 1-2 hours (for wax to melt across entire surface)
- Optimal: 2-3 hours (best scent intensity)
- Maximum: 4 hours (safety measure)
- Glass container gets too hot
- Wick becomes too long and creates smoke
- Safety risk
Safety Tips
Precautionary Measures
- Never leave a lit candle unattended
- Keep out of reach of children and pets
- Do not touch the hot container during or immediately after burning
- Extinguish the candle if the flame becomes too high (more than 3 cm) or flickers too much
- Have on hand a way to extinguish (lid, flame snuffer)
Where and How to Light
- Flat, stable, heat-resistant surface
- Minimum 60 cm from flammable surface (curtains, paper, furniture)
- Away from drafts (windows, doors, air conditioners)
- Well-ventilated space
- Use long matches or lighter
- Keep face and hair away from flame
- Light in the middle of the wick
💡 Balavander Tip: When finished using, do not blow on the flame – use a snuffer or lid. Blowing creates smoke and an unpleasant smell.
- Stop using when less than 1 cm of wax remains at the bottom of the container
- Wait for it to cool completely
- Clean the container following instructions for cleaning the container
- Recycle or reuse the glass
Conclusion
After this short story, we hope that we have given you good advice on how to get the best out of your candles and get the most for your invested money.
Very little attention is required, and scented candles it will pay you back many times over with a nice smell.
* Come on baby, light my fire *
Balavander
FAQ
- The next few times light the candle for a minimum of 3-4 hours
- You can make an "aluminum cap" – wrap aluminum foil around the top of the candle leaving an opening for the flame. This will retain heat and help the wax melt evenly.
- If a tunnel already exists, you can carefully remove excess wax from the sides while it is warm
- Extinguish the candle
- Wait for it to cool
- Trim the wick to 7-10 mm
- Check that there is no draft in the room
- Relight
- Extinguish the candle immediately
- Trim the wick to 7-10 mm
- Remove wick residue from wax
- Reduce draft in the room
- Check that the wick is not crooked
- Light for a minimum of 2-3 hours for full scent intensity
- Use in a room up to 20-25 m²
- Close doors and windows for the first 30 minutes
- Check if the candle has expired (shelf life: 2 years)
- Extinguish the candle
- While the wax is still warm, carefully pull the wick up slightly
- Wipe excess wax off the wick
- Trim to 7-10 mm
- Next times light for longer (minimum 2 hours)
- Regularly trim the wick
- Avoid drafts
- Clean the glass with a damp cloth when cold
- If it continues, contact us
Our Eco Glow scented candles (180g) last 40-50 hours with proper use. That's 15-20 perfect evenings of relaxation!
Of course! Just make sure the candle cools completely between lightings (minimum 2 hours break).
- Melt the residue in a double boiler and use for scented sachets
- Clean the container and recycle the glass
- Reuse the glass for decoration
No! Never add water or anything else to melted wax. This can cause splashing and burns.
Yes, but be careful of moisture. Do not light the candle directly next to the shower or bathtub where it can come into contact with water.
Soy wax "remembers" the first melting pattern. If it forms a tunnel the first time, it will continue that way throughout the candle's life. That's why the first lighting of 2-4 hours is crucial.
Use a flame snuffer or lid. Never blow – it creates smoke and an unpleasant smell.
- Storing small items
- Pots for small plants
- Pen holders
- Decoration
- Drinking glasses (wash well!)
Scented candles with a soul
Natural scented candles for you!
If you want to see all our natural scented candles, visit our store.
Scented candles
Mini Eco Glow - Sinus - scented candle
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Eco Glow - Akacija - soywax candle
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Eco Glow - Terra - mirisna sveća
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