How to Burn Soy Wax Candles Safely: Tips for Beautiful, Clean Candlelight 🕯️

If you’ve welcomed one of our Willow and Flo creations into your home — thank you. Our candles are crafted from 100% soy wax and many of them are free-standing (not housed in glass or tins), so they offer a classic, elegant burn. But with that timeless charm comes a need for a little extra care.

We advise that our candles remain unburnt as a decorative piece adding style to your home, however in this guide we’ll share our best burning tips to help you enjoy your candles safely and beautifully. Whether you’re a long-time customer or just discovering our collections, here’s everything you need to know about how to burn soy wax candles the right way.

Why Candle Safety Matters

Candlelight brings warmth, ambiance, and ritual into your home  but it’s important to burn mindfully, especially with container-free candles like ours. These sculptural styles can drip and burn faster than jar candles, so proper setup and attention will keep both your home and your candle in perfect harmony.

Candle Care: Before You Light

1. Always use a candle plate or holder
Because our soy wax candles are free-standing, they will drip. Place them on a heat-resistant surface like a ceramic dish, metal tray, or vintage saucer to protect your furniture and elevate your display.

2. Trim the wick to 5mm
This prevents smoking, keeps the flame steady, and helps your candle burn evenly. A simple wick trimmer or pair of scissors will do the trick.

3. Choose the right setting
Avoid burning in drafty areas or near anything flammable. Keep away from children and pets, and never leave your candle unattended.

While It's Glowing

1. Let the wax pool to the edge — but don’t overdo it
On the first burn, allow the candle to form a full melt pool across the top. This helps avoid tunnelling and encourages an even burn in future use. However, unlike jar candles, pillar candles don’t have walls to contain the wax — so once that pool is formed, don’t burn too long or the sides can soften too much, leading to collapse or excess dripping.

2. Keep the burn time gentle
We recommend burning your pillar candles for around 2–3 hours at a time. Longer sessions can cause too much wax to liquify, especially in warmer rooms or breezy spaces. Think of each burn as a gentle ritual, not a marathon — slow, beautiful, and intentional.

3. Watch the flame’s behaviour
If your flame starts to dance too wildly, flicker high, or lean to one side, it may be time to trim the wick or adjust the placement. A calm, steady flame is ideal for both safety and longevity. As always, keep away from drafts, soft furnishings, and curious paws or little hands.

When It's Time to Put It Out

1. Gently snuff or blow
Use a candle snuffer if you have one for a soft, smoke-free finish. Otherwise, blow gently across the flame rather than down onto it. This helps avoid splattering hot wax or disturbing the melt pool.

2. Pause before moving
Let your candle sit for a few minutes after extinguishing — the wax will still be soft, and the wick needs time to cool. Moving it too soon can cause spills or damage the structure of your pillar.

3. Tidy the wick
Once cooled, gently trim the wick back to 5mm. A trimmed wick is key to clean, even burning and helps avoid that smoky ‘mushroom’ shape that can develop over time.

4. Enjoy the afterglow
Even after the flame is out, the softened wax may release its scent for a little while — a lingering whisper of the moment just passed. Let it be part of the experience.

Don’t Forget the Label

Each Willow and Flo candle comes with a safety label — please take a moment to read it before lighting. This includes important guidance specific to your candle’s style, especially for our free-standing designs.

If your candle is scented, you’ll also find a fragrance sticker noting the key scent notes and any allergen information. We keep things as natural and gentle as possible, but it’s always worth checking before use — especially if you're gifting.

These small details help ensure you get the most from your candle — safely, beautifully, and with peace of mind.

A Note on Natural Wax

Soy wax is wonderfully clean-burning and biodegradable, but it behaves a little differently from paraffin. A bit of dripping, slight frosting, or an uneven texture is all part of its charm and uniqueness.

Keeping your candle on a beautiful holder doesn’t just protect your surfaces, it can add to the ritual, grounding your space with intention and style.

Thank you for burning with care 
– The Willow and Flo Team