Get the Most From Your Compound
Candle Care Guide
A few simple steps to keep your Marie & Carter compound candle burning beautifully from the first light to the last.
Step 1 — Most Important
The First Burn
Your first burn sets the stage for every burn after it. Soy wax has a “memory” — it will only melt as far as it did the first time.
What to do:Let your candle burn until the entire surface is liquid from edge to edge. This usually takes 2–4 hours depending on the size.
Why it matters: Skipping this step causes tunneling, where wax builds up around the edges and your candle doesn't burn evenly. A proper first burn means a longer-lasting, better-performing compound.
Step 2
Trim Your Wick
Before every single burn, trim your wick to 1/4 inch (about 6mm). Use a wick trimmer, nail clippers, or scissors.
A trimmed wick produces a clean, even flame with minimal soot. An untrimmed wick leads to mushrooming (a carbon ball at the tip), smoke, and uneven burning.
Pro tip: Trim the wick when the wax is cool and solid, and discard the trimmings before lighting.
Step 3
Mind Your Burn Time
Never burn a candle for more than 4 hours at a time. Extended burning can cause the wick to shift, the flame to grow too large, and the vessel to overheat.
After 4 hours, extinguish the flame, let the candle cool completely (at least 2 hours), trim the wick, and then relight.
Burn Time by Size
2.5 oz
12–15 hrs
8 oz
40–50 hrs
12 oz
60–70 hrs
Step 4
Placement Tips
- Keep away from drafts, vents, ceiling fans, and air currents. Moving air causes uneven burning and soot.
- Place on a stable, heat-resistant surface. Never on a wooden surface directly — use a tray or plate.
- Keep at least 3 inches between burning candles. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Never leave a burning candle unattended. Extinguish before leaving a room or going to sleep.
Step 5
Know When to Stop
Stop burning your candle when 1/2 inch of wax remains at the bottom. Burning past this point can overheat the vessel and the surface it sits on.
This small amount of remaining wax is normal and by design — it protects your vessel and your surfaces.
Common Questions
Troubleshooting
This usually happens when the first burn wasn't long enough. Try burning for 3-4 hours to let the melt pool reach the edges. If tunneling has already started, wrap aluminum foil around the top (leaving a small opening) to help even out the wax pool.
Trim your wick to 1/4 inch. A wick that's too long produces a large, unstable flame and can cause soot. If trimming doesn't help, check for drafts in the room.
Soot is typically caused by a wick that needs trimming or a draft. Trim the wick, move the candle away from vents or fans, and gently wipe the vessel with a damp cloth when cool.
Soy candles have a more subtle scent throw than paraffin. Make sure you're burning long enough for the full melt pool to form. Smaller rooms will have a stronger scent. Close doors and windows for a few minutes after lighting to let the compound build.
Frosting is a natural characteristic of 100% soy wax and is actually a sign of purity. It doesn't affect the scent or burn quality at all. Consider it your candle's fingerprint.
After the Last Burn
Repurpose Your Vessel
Our vessels are designed for a second life. Once your candle is done, clean out the remaining wax with warm soapy water and repurpose it.
Ideas:
- Makeup brush holder or vanity organizer
- Succulent or herb planter
- Cotton ball or Q-tip container
- Pen and pencil cup
- Small flower vase
Tag us @marieandcarter with your repurposed vessels — we love seeing the creativity.