How to burn a soy candle for the first time (and avoid tunnelling)

The first time you light a new candle matters more than any other. Get it right and your candle should burn evenly all the way down. Rush it and you can end up with a narrow hole down the middle and a ring of wax around the edge that never melts.

Why tunnelling happens

Soy wax has a kind of memory. When you blow a candle out, the edge of the melted pool becomes the boundary for the next burn. If the first burn only melts a small circle around the wick, later burns tend to stay inside that circle and dig down, leaving wasted wax on the sides.

How to do the first burn

• Trim the wick to about 5mm before you light it.
• Put the candle on a heat-safe, level surface, away from drafts, curtains, children and pets.
• Let it burn until the melted wax reaches the edge of the tin or jar.
• Don't burn it for more than 3 to 4 hours at a time, even the first time.
• Never leave it burning when you leave the room.

A little tin melts to the edge much faster than a big glass jar, so light a larger candle when you know you'll be home for a while.

If the wax doesn't reach the edge

Don't worry. Next time, light it when you have a bit longer and let the melt pool catch up, still staying within 3 to 4 hours. Most candles even out after a burn or two.

The wax flowers on top

Every Cocoflame candle is finished with decorative wax flowers. They're there to look pretty, not to burn. Remove any that come close to the flame.

Every burn after that

Trim the wick before each burn, keep burns to 3 to 4 hours, and stop when about 1cm of wax is left. Our candle care guide has everything in one place.

Ready for your first burn? Find your scent.