Care guide

Burning well

A hand-poured candle rewards a little attention. These seven habits keep the wax even, the scent full and the glass clean right down to the last centimetre.

1. 01

   The first burn sets the memory

   Soy wax remembers its first pour of light. Burn until the melt pool reaches the edge — usually one to two hours — so it never tunnels down the middle.

2. 02

   Trim the wick to 5 mm

   Before every light, pinch off the blackened tip. A short wick means a steady flame, no soot on the glass and a cleaner throw of scent.

3. 03

   Keep sessions under four hours

   Longer than that and the wax overheats, the flame grows and the fragrance burns off faster. Let it rest an hour, then relight.

4. 04

   Away from draughts and direct sun

   A draught pulls the flame sideways and warps the melt pool. Sunlight fades colour and softens sculptural shapes.

5. 05

   Stop at the last 10 mm

   Retire the candle when about a centimetre of wax remains — the container gets too hot below that. Warm the leftovers in water and lift them out to reuse the vessel.

6. 06

   Sculptural and moulded pieces

   Bubbles, tulips, hearts and bears burn from the top down and are meant to melt into their own shape. Set them on a heatproof plate or tray; the wax should be free to pool.

7. 07

   Wax sachets

   Never light one. Hang or tuck it into a wardrobe, drawer, car or suitcase and scratch the surface lightly when the scent softens to wake it up again.

Burn times

Measured in a still room at 22°C with the wick trimmed. Draught and warmth shorten them.