Ultimate Guide to Candle Care - Top Questions and Tips!

Soy wax candles are an eco-friendly choice that are non-toxic, made from renewable resources, and burn cleaner and longer than traditional paraffin wax candles. 

Get to Know Soy Candles

What are they made from?

Soy wax is a hydrogenated form of soybean oil, a natural, renewable resource.

Are they healthier than paraffin candles?

Yes, they are considered healthier as they are non-toxic, produce up to 90% less soot, and do not release dangerous carcinogens into the air like some paraffin candles can.

Do they last longer?

Yes, soy candles typically burn at a cooler temperature and more slowly, providing a longer burn time (often 30-50% longer) than a paraffin candle of the same size.

Are they safe for pets and children?

The wax itself is generally considered non-toxic and safe, but the primary concern is the fragrance oils used. When choosing a candle for a household with pets or children, opt for products with essential oils, or unscented versions, and always follow general candle safety guidelines. Allow for adequate air flow to allow the ignited compounds to clear. 

Always burn candles out of reach of children, pets, and drapery. 

Burning & Maintenance of Candles

How do I prevent "tunneling"?

Candle "tunneling" is when the wick melts the candle core faster than it can melt the sides. The result is a lower flame that is harder to burn long-term.

On the first burn, allow the candle to burn until the melted wax pool reaches the entire edge of the container. This "memory burn" prevents the candle from only burning down the center.

If your candle is tunneling, try removing a clean ring around the candle wick. Excavate the wax from the wick to the vessel edge to get a fresh start!

How long should I burn a soy candle?

It is best to burn for 2-4 hours at a time to ensure a full melt pool is reached but to avoid the container overheating.

Do I need to trim the wick?

Yes, you should trim the wick to 1/4 inch before every single lighting. This helps control the flame size, prevents excessive soot, and ensures an even burn. You can use wick trimmers, scissors, or a small blade (just don't cut yourself). 

Why does the top of my candle look bumpy or uneven after burning?

This common characteristic, known as "frosting," happens when the wax cools at an inconsistent rate. It is a natural part of soy wax and does not affect the candle's quality, scent, or performance. 

Troubleshooting & Other Issues

Is the “scent throw” weaker in soy wax than paraffin candles?

In aromatics terms, “scent throw” is the general distance of volume of space an aroma travels from its origin point. Simply put, it is how much and how far you can smell an aroma from the candle or incense.

100% Soy wax is denser than paraffin, which can make it harder to release the fragrance. Additionally essential oils are all natural plant derived essences, which have more variable, complex properties which have different scent throws. Typically candles are made using paraben based fragrance oils, these are much more fragrant and contain chemical additives to boost their scent “throw” and staying power. By using essential oils in our candles, we omit the aerosolized plastics and embrace a more complex, layered aromatic experience that evolves throughout the room.

In our humble opinion, Sea Witch Botanicals has the best scent throw for a soy wax candle. We use high quality essential oils and a proprietary blend of wax and plant oils to offer an even burn and rich aroma. 

What is the "wet stuff" or oil on top of my candle?

This is simply excess essential oil that the wax has released due to temperature changes. It does not impact the candle's performance and can be wiped away with a tissue or left alone. Crafting candles with natural waxes can lead to character quirks from jar to jar, but they still smell lovely!

How do I clean up spilled wax or reuse the container?

 Soy wax is biodegradable and water-soluble, making cleanup easy with just soap and warm water. To remove leftover wax from a container, place the jar in the freezer for a few hours, and the hardened wax should pop right out. Do not pour wax down the drain, as it can harden and create blockages. You can add the wax to your compost, or even add it to a wax tart warmer to get the most out of your luxurious candle!

The Difference of Essential Oil Candles

Essential oil candles are candles scented exclusively with natural essential oils extracted from plants, offering aromatherapy benefits and a cleaner, non-toxic[ft1] burning experience when properly formulated and used. They typically have a more subtle scent than synthetic fragrance oil candles. 

General Questions about Sea Witch Botanicals

What are our essential oil candles made of?

They are  made of natural soybean wax, rice oil and pure essential oils, and cotton wicks. They do not contain synthetic fragrances, paraffin, or chemical stabilizers.

Are they safe to burn?

Yes, essential oil candles are safe to burn when formulated and used correctly. Key safety precautions include using proper essential oil concentrations (usually 6-10% of the wax weight) and ensuring good ventilation.

Are they safe for pets and children?

Generally, yes, when used responsibly. The concentrations in well-made candles are usually low enough not to cause harm. However, it's best to avoid burning candles with certain oils (like tea tree, cinnamon, or citrus oils) around pets and to ensure the area is well-ventilated.

Do they smell as strong as regular (fragrance oil) candles?

No, essential oil candles usually have a lighter, more subtle scent profile compared to candles made with synthetic fragrance oils. Fragrance oils are specifically engineered for a strong "scent throw," whereas essential oils are more volatile and delicate when exposed to heat. 

We developed our soy candles to compliment our natural incense so you can fine-tune the feel of your space. 

Essential Oil Candle Usage and Care

How do I get the best performance from my essential oil candle?

Trim the wick to 1/4" before every use to ensure a clean, even burn and prevent excessive sooting.

Allow the candle to burn until the entire top layer of wax has melted to the edges of the container on the first burn. This prevents "tunneling".

Do not burn for more than 3-4 hours at a time.

Why does my candle have a small flame or crack?

Natural wax is prone to slight cracking or "frosting" due to temperature changes, which is purely aesthetic and does not affect the burn. A small or flickering flame may be due to a long wick or a drafty area; trim the wick and move the candle away from drafts. 

 

 

Sea Witch Botanicals' Essential Oil Candle Ingredients and Composition

What is the difference between essential oils and fragrance oils?

 

Do essential oil candles release toxic chemicals?

High-quality essential oil candles made with natural waxes (like beeswax or soy) and pure essential oils are generally considered non-toxic and do not release harmful levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene or formaldehyde when burned properly.

Why do some essential oils not work well in candles?

Many essential oils have a low "flash point" (the temperature at which they ignite or evaporate) and can degrade quickly under the heat of a candle flame, resulting in a very weak scent or an unpleasant odor. Only certain oils (like lavender, eucalyptus, and cedarwood) perform well in candles. 

 

[ft1] We refer to essential oils as non-toxic in comparison to to synthetic fragrances as being petroleum based