Key Characteristics of Soy Wax

Soy wax has some unique characteristics that might seem unusual, or even a bit off-putting, to first-time users. From frosting to mushroom wicks, let's dive into what makes soy wax special—and why these quirks are actually a sign of its natural beauty!

Frosting: A Natural Characteristic
If you notice a white, chalky layer on your soy candle, don’t worry—this is called "frosting," and it’s perfectly normal. Soy wax is made from soybean oil, which contains different types of fats (called triglycerides). As the candle cools after being poured, these fats can separate and form small crystals, resulting in the frosty appearance. Temperature fluctuations and environmental factors, such as room temperature and humidity, can influence how and when frosting appears. It’s more likely to happen when a candle is stored in a cooler environment or when it’s exposed to sudden temperature changes. So do not fret. Frosting happens when the wax crystallizes, and while it’s a cosmetic effect, it actually shows that your candle is made with all-natural soy wax. Embrace it as a sign of quality!

Sweating Wax: Just Part of the Process
Soy wax can sometimes "sweat" if it’s exposed to temperature fluctuations. If you see some liquid on top of your candle, it’s harmless. Just gently wipe it off before relighting.

Soy Wax Memory: The Secret to a Longer-Lasting Candle
Soy wax has "memory," which means it will burn to the same extent as it did on its first burn. To get the most out of your candle, allow it to burn long enough to form a full melt pool during each use.

Mushroom Wicks: Good or Bad?
When burning soy candles, you might see the wick form a mushroom-like shape. This is another natural phenomenon that happens with soy wax. Mushrooming occurs when the wick is too long or when the candle is burned for too long in one sitting. As the wick burns, it melts the wax, causing carbon buildup at the tip, which creates the mushroom shape. It’s a natural part of the burning process and typically happens with cotton wicks in natural waxes like soy. It’s a sign that the candle is burning cleanly and efficiently, and it’s an effect you’ll rarely see with other wax types. While it's completely normal, there are a few things you can do to manage it and improve the burn:

How to Fix or Prevent Mushrooming:
Trim the Wick Regularly
Why: A wick that’s too long tends to create excessive mushrooming. Trimming your wick to about 1/4 inch (or 0.6 cm) before each burn helps prevent the mushroom from growing too large.
How: Use a wick trimmer, scissors, or a wick snuffer to trim the wick while the candle is cool.

Burn the Candle in Shorter Sessions
Why: If you burn your candle for too long in one sitting, the wick might create more carbon buildup, leading to larger mushrooming. Burning the candle for 3-4 hours at a time (until the wax pool reaches the edges) is ideal.
How: Avoid burning your candle for more than 4 hours at a time and give it a break to cool down before relighting.

Ensure Proper Wick Care
Why: Proper wick care can prevent mushrooming and improve the overall burn. A long, unruly wick will not burn evenly, which could lead to issues like mushrooming.
How: Always trim the wick before lighting, and make sure the candle is placed on a stable, level surface during burning. This ensures the wax melts evenly around the wick.

What to Do If Mushrooming Has Already Happened:
If mushrooming has already occurred, simply trim the wick to a 1/4-inch length, and continue burning the candle as usual. If the mushroom is very large, you can extinguish the candle, trim the wick, and relight it. You may need to repeat this process a few times for the best results.