Pro Tips

Burning beeswax candles is much more of an art than a science. Each Slow Burn candle is hand poured and made in small batches to insure quality. Once you understand the art to burning beeswax candles you will find your candles outperform any other candle on the market.

To preserve the life of your candle I suggest you follow the guidelines listed below.

Burn Times

The very first time you burn your candle it is important that you burn it long enough to create a wide “melt pool” (liquid wax). Ideally, your first burn will create a melt pool that extends close to the edge of the candle. This technique creates a “memory ring” for your candle and lays the foundation for future melts. This technique also helps prevent your candle from tunneling.

The recommended burn time (each time) for each beeswax candle is different but a safe rule to follow is:

<<the diameter of candle is = to the minimum hours burn time>>

Example: a 3” pillar candle should burn for 3 hrs min. A decorative or taper candle is smaller in its size and can be burned for less time.

It may seem counterintuitive but the longer your burn your beeswax candles the better they’ll perform! Have issues with your wick? Can’t get your candle to stop tunneling?

Wick Wisdom

Before each use, trim the wick to 1/4”.

Think your may have trimmed your wick too short? Simply melt the wax (using a safe heat source) around the wick until a small pool of wax forms, pour out the liquified wax, and start over!

Light the wick from the base of the wick (where the wick comes out of the candle) to allow the beeswax to absorb into the wick.

If your wick does any of the following, it likely needs to be trimmed:

  • Flame Height: The flame is excessively high (more than 1 inch).

  • Flickering Flame: The flame flickers or dances frequently, indicating an uneven burn.

  • Smoke Production: Black smoke visible, which is a sign of an overly long wick.

  • Mushrooming Wick: The wick forms a mushroom shape at the tip, which can cause soot and uneven burning.

  • Large Melt Pool: The melt pool is unusually large and deep, consuming wax too quickly.

  • Irregular Flame: The flame becomes irregular or starts to sputter.

Hug vs Lantern

Hugging your beeswax pillar candle involves gently pressing the softened walls of the candle into the flame. This technique ensures that the wax melts evenly, extending the life of your candle. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Light Your Candle: Allow the flame to create a melt pool that reaches the edges of the candle.

  2. Hug the Edges: Once the walls of the candle are soft, use gentle pressure to press the edges into the melt pool. This helps the wax to melt evenly and completely.

  3. Enjoy a Longer Burn: By using more of the wax, your candle lasts longer, providing a more sustainable and efficient burn.

Hugging is perfect for those who appreciate the full utility of their candle, ensuring that every bit of beeswax is used, and nothing goes to waste.

Slow Burn candles I recommend hugging:

Lanterning is a method where you leave the walls of the candle intact. As the flame burns, it creates a hollow center, with the flame flickering from within the candle. This method creates a beautiful, lantern-like effect. Here’s how to lantern your candle:

  1. Light Your Candle: Allow the flame to burn as usual without pressing the walls.

  2. Observe the Formation: The flame will gradually drop down, hollowing out the center while leaving the outer walls standing.

  3. Aesthetic Appeal: Enjoy the mesmerizing flicker of the flame from inside the candle, casting a warm, ambient glow that enhances the aesthetic of your space.

Lanterning is ideal for those who love the visual appeal of a candle, enjoying the unique and stunning look it creates as it burns down. Don't forget, I have a recycling program where I'll buy back the husks of your wax!

All Natural

100% pure beeswax products may develop a "frost" called bloom. Bloom is an indication of pure beeswax and can be removed with a soft cloth if desired. You can also try running the bloom under hot water or minimally use a hair dryer to remove.

Compared to soy and paraffin candles, beeswax candles are environmentally friendly and non-toxic when lit. Paraffin is a byproduct of crude oil. While it inherently contains lots of toxins, it's further bleached to get its initial white color and treated with chemicals like benzene and toluene, which are known carcinogens. Paraffin candles are further treated with artificial colors and fragrances. Soy is a natural product thus, if sourced free from GMOs, unscented soy candles are a nice option. However, most soy grown in the United States is GMO soy. Most soy candles also have added synthetic chemicals for fragrance.

Beeswax candles are all-natural, non-toxic substance secreted by bees after they visit flowers and consume honey. Beeswax has the lowest toxicity levels when it comes to burning candles, releasing no toxic byproducts or heavy soot into the air. Instead of adding pollutants, beeswax candles neutralize the air. When burned Beeswax candles release negative ions eliminating dust, mold, and unpleasant odors. This is particularly helpful for those with allergies, asthma, and hay fever.

Beeswax candles burn bright with a beautiful warm glow. They emit a natural light of the same light spectrum as the sun. This helps create the perfect ambience for dining or for a quiet moment of meditation, reading or while you’re in the bath!

With every purchase of a beeswax candle, you indirectly support the business of bee-keeping. Bees are one of the most essential insects in the world.

Safety

Candle safety is all about remembering that a candle is an open flame and treating it accordingly. In addition, please consider the following:

  • Never leave burning candles unattended.

  • Never burn a candle on or near anything that might catch fire.

  • Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.

Fun Facts

  • One in every three bites of food we eat depends on bees for pollination.

  • Bees live in colonies that contain the queen bee, worker bees, and the drones.

    • The worker bee and the queen bee are both female, but only the queen bee can reproduce. Worker bees clean the hive, collecting pollen and nectar to feed the colony, and take care of the offspring.

    • All drones are male. The drone’s only job is to mate with the queen.

  • The sweet honey fragrance you’ll receive from burning a beeswax candle is 100% natural and comes from the trace amounts of honey still left in the wax. People with allergies, sensitivity to synthetic fragrances, or anyone who doesn’t want to breathe in toxins will love Slow Burn beeswax candles!

Burn Your Candles!

It is my intention that the light of these candles helps you to relax, become mindful, and receive clarity on areas of your life where you need healing, focus, and love. The candle is replaceable. In fact, if you save the leftover scraps (aka “husks”) I’ll give you a discount on your next candle purchase.