When you light a candle, there’s more happening than just the gentle flicker of a flame. Beneath that warm glow, there’s a subtle process called candle wax memory.

This simple but important factor can make a world of difference in how your candle burns throughout its life. At St. Eval, we take pride in crafting candles that not only smell exquisite but also burn beautifully. Let’s explore the complexity of wax memory and how it ensures your candle burns evenly, creating the perfect ambiance every time.

What is Candle Wax Memory?

Candle wax memory refers to the ability of a candle to "remember" how far the wax melted during its first burn. This initial melt is critical because it creates a foundation for how the candle will burn from then on. If you let the wax melt all the way to the edges of the container during the first use, the candle will remember that full melt, and each time you relight it, the wax will continue to melt evenly across the surface.

However, if you extinguish the candle too soon - before the wax reaches the edges - you might set the candle up for a tunnelling effect, where only the centre burns, leaving a ring of unmelted wax around the edges. Tunnelling shortens the life of your candle, preventing it from burning fully and efficiently.

The Importance of the First Burn

The first burn is the most important in the life of your candle. When you light a St. Eval candle for the first time, we recommend allowing the wax to melt evenly across the entire surface before blowing it out. Depending on the size of your candle, this can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours. The key is to allow the melted wax to form a "memory pool" that reaches the edges of the container or candle.

If you’ve just lit your candle, let it burn long enough for the entire top layer of wax to melt, forming an even pool. This ensures that each time you light it after, the candle will burn with the same full, even glow as its first use.

How Wax Memory Affects Candle Performance

A candle with a good wax memory will burn evenly, allowing you to enjoy its full fragrance and ensuring the candle lasts as long as possible. By establishing an even burn from the start, you’ll avoid tunnelling, which wastes wax and shortens the candle’s burn time.

How to Create a Good Wax Memory

•  Burn your candle for long enough on the first use: Make sure the candle’s surface is fully melted to the edges before you extinguish it. This can take a few hours, but it’s well worth the patience for a better burn.
• Trim the wick regularly: Keeping the wick trimmed to about 5mm helps control the size of the flame and ensures an even burn. A wick that’s too long can cause uneven melting and excess soot.
• Avoid short burns: Lighting a candle for just a short period (less than an hour) can prevent the wax from melting evenly, leading to tunnelling. If you're going to light your candle, plan to let it burn long enough to establish a full wax pool.

A Well-Cared-For Candle Burns Brighter

By understanding the candle wax memory, you can ensure your candles burn evenly and last longer, while also releasing their full, delightful fragrance into your home. Whether it’s the comforting scent of Orange & Cinnamon or the soft notes of Walled Garden, taking the time to allow your candle to burn properly on its first use will enhance your experience and create a lasting ambiance.

The magic of candlelight is about creating a welcoming atmosphere, enjoying the gentle fragrance and letting that light shine as long as possible. With the right care and attention to wax memory, your candle will do just that, burning beautifully from beginning to end.

We hope these tips help you enjoy our candles to the fullest. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to us with our email at marketing@st-eval.com or on our Instagram @stevalcandles. We're always here to help.