A beginner's guide to natural soy candles
What makes a good candle, how to burn it so it lasts, and why the makers on YESLAMU pour theirs by hand in small batches.
A candle is one of the simplest gifts there is, and one of the easiest to get wrong. Here is what our candle makers look for, and what you can do at home to make every candle last longer.
Why soy wax
Soy wax is made from soybean oil. It burns cooler and slower than paraffin, so a candle lasts longer and its scent fills the room without black soot on the glass.
Burn it right the first time
- Let the first burn last two to three hours, until the melted wax reaches the edge of the jar.
- Trim the wick to about half a centimetre before every burn.
- Keep it away from open windows and fans, so it burns evenly.
The first burn sets the memory of the wax. Rush it, and the candle tunnels down the middle for the rest of its life.
What to look for when you buy
- A cotton or wooden wick, never one with a metal core
- Natural fragrance or essential oils, listed on the label
- A jar you would want to keep and reuse
Find hand-poured candles from Jordanian makers in our shop.
