Soy wax is a naturally-derived, renewable, non-toxic and biodegradable resource that comes from soy beans. Paraffin wax, on the other hand, while also considered natural, is a by-product of petroleum that is created when crude oil is refined into gasoline. Soy wax has a lower melting point than paraffin, and thus creates a longer-lasting candle as it consumes less fuel when burning. Soy wax candles burn cleaner and do not produce nearly as much soot as paraffin wax candles, meaning they don't diminish the air quality in your living space.

How do I properly burn a soy candle?

First and foremost, make sure you put your candle on a flat, level surface away from any flammable material before lighting. Trim the wick to 1/4 inch in length - this will help reduce soot, mushrooming of the wick, and ensure the candle does not overheat the jar. You can then light your candle, however, if you are lighting your candle for the first time, please make sure you allow the candle to burn until a full melt pool develops. This means the wax should be fully melted from one edge of the container to the other - this will typically take between 1-3 hours, depending on the size of your candle. The first burn of your candle is crucial in ensuring the candle burns properly. Failure to do so will cause 'tunneling', meaning your candle will burn down the center of the candle, leaving a whole lot of wasted wax on the sides of the jar.

When you are ready to extinguish your burning candle, it's best to use a candle snuffer to safely put out the flame. Alternatively, you can use a wick dipper to gently dip the wick into the melt pool - be sure to straighten the wick for the next time you want to enjoy your candle. Please remember to trim the wick before lighting your candle every time. Following these basic tips will allow you to enjoy your candle as long, and safely, as possible.

How long should I burn a candle for?

Short answer, do not burn or enjoy your candle for more than 4 hours maximum. To explain a little more, it's recommended to burn your candle for at least 1-2 hours in order to reach a full melt pool (wax is melted edge-to-edge). This ensures that the wax burns evenly and cleanly down the sides of the jars in subsequent burns.

While we enjoy our candles for creating ambiance and atmosphere in our homes, please do not burn a candle for more than 4 hours at a time. This is primarily for safety reasons considering the larger and deeper the melt pool, the less stability the wick will have in the melted wax.

Additionally, you don't want your wick to become too big or to mushroom - which will only burn through your wax faster and heat-up your candle jar to an unsafe temperature.

If you absolutely must enjoy the ambiance of a candle longer than the four hour maximum, we'd recommend lighting another candle. This will give your original candle's wax time to cool and re-solidify.

Why is the top of my soy candle bumpy or uneven after burning?

Sometimes after burning a soy candle, the surface will cool with a rough, bumpy or uneven texture. This is common with soy wax candles, and it typically occurs when the rate of cooling wax is inconsistent. This is hard to control, but it does not always happen - sometimes it will dry rough, other times it can dry completely smooth across the top. This does not in any way effect the quality, scent throw or the performance of your soy candle.

What steps does Fern x Flow take to be a sustainable business? 

At Fern x Flow we aim to be as green and sustainable as possible in every aspect of our business. Learn more about our commitment to sustainability.