The Complete Guide to Soy Candles: History, Best Practices, and Everyday Rituals

By Emilio Horton, Owner at YOU ME & EMILIO

Introduction: Why I’m Writing This for You

Friends, let’s talk candles. Not just any candles—the kind that warm up your home, soothe your spirit, and make your everyday moments feel like a luxury spa retreat. I’m talking about soy candles. Over the years at YOU ME & EMILIO, I’ve met so many amazing people who share my passion for candles, but I also hear the same questions over and over: Why soy? How do I avoid soot? What’s the right way to burn my candle?

This guide is me sitting down with you, cup of tea in hand, and walking you through everything you need to know about soy candles—their history, benefits, best practices, and how to turn them into little rituals that transform your daily life.

So let’s dive in, my friends.

A Brief History of Candle Making (and How Soy Came to Be)

Candles are ancient. Thousands of years ago, Egyptians made rushlights by soaking reeds in animal fat. Romans made tallow candles that lit their roads and homes. In the Middle Ages, beeswax became a luxury candle material—bright, clean-burning, and reserved for the wealthy and the church.

Fast forward to the 19th and 20th centuries, when paraffin wax—derived from petroleum—became the standard. Paraffin candles were cheap, easy to mass-produce, and everywhere. But they came with a catch: soot, toxins, and smoke that many of us noticed (especially if you’ve ever seen that black ring around your candle jars).

Soy wax entered the scene in the 1990s, when the demand for a cleaner, renewable, plant-based alternative grew. Created from hydrogenated soybean oil, soy candles answered the call for something eco-friendly, sustainable, and healthier for our homes. That’s why I—and many candle lovers—prefer soy today.

What Is Soy Wax?

Soy wax is made by processing the humble soybean. Farmers grow and harvest soybeans, press them into oil, then hydrogenate that oil to turn it into a solid form. The result? A renewable, biodegradable wax that:

• Burns longer and cleaner than paraffin.

• Holds fragrance beautifully.

• Doesn’t release harmful chemicals into your air.

It’s a wax that respects both your health and the planet.

Benefits of Soy Wax Candles

Soy wax isn’t just “better”—it’s different, and here’s why so many people love it:

1. Cleaner Burn – Minimal soot and no toxic byproducts.

2. Longer Lasting – Soy wax burns slower, meaning more hours of enjoyment.

3. Eco-Friendly – Renewable and biodegradable.

4. Great Scent Throw – Holds fragrance oils well, offering both subtle and strong aromas.

5. Easy Clean-Up – Spilled wax? Just hot water and paper towels.

Once you switch, it’s hard to go back to anything else.

Best Practices for Burning Soy Candles

Candles have personalities—they need a little care to perform their best. Here are the rules I live by:

1. Wick Care

• Always trim your wick to ¼ inch before lighting.

• Remove black residue or mushroom tops from the wick.

• This prevents soot, uneven burning, and smoke.

2. Burn Time by Size

• Small candles: 2 hours.

• Medium candles: 3–4 hours.

• Large candles: 3–4 hours.

• Extra-large candles: 4–5 hours.

💡 Pro tip: Burn one hour per inch of diameter. A 3-inch candle = 3 hours of burn time.

3. Full Melt Pool

Let the top layer of wax melt completely before blowing out your candle. This prevents tunneling and wasted wax.

4. Placement Matters

• Avoid drafty areas (no vents, windows, or fans).

• Match candle size to room size. Small candles for bathrooms or offices, large candles for living rooms, extra-large for open spaces.

• Want a stronger scent? Burn two candles of the same fragrance in the same room.

Scent Layering Guide: Creating Your Own Fragrant Paradise

Layering scents is like building a playlist—you combine notes that work in harmony. Here are some foolproof combos:

• Floral + Citrus → Lavender + Lemon Verbena (calming and refreshing)

• Sweet + Spicy → Vanilla + Cinnamon (warm and cozy)

• Earthy + Fruity → Sage + Blackberry (balanced and grounding)

• Woody + Fresh → Sandalwood + Eucalyptus (spa-like luxury)

How to Layer:

1. Burn two candles side by side in the same room.

2. Start with one fragrance, then light the second 30 minutes later.

3. Adjust intensity by candle size—big candle = dominant scent, small candle = supporting note.

With practice, you can create your own signature home fragrance blend.

Troubleshooting Your Soy Candle

Even the best candles have their moods. Here’s what to do:

Problem: Candle is tunneling (only burns down the middle).
Fix: Burn longer next time to let the full surface melt. You can also wrap the candle in foil (with a hole at the top) for 30 minutes to even it out.

Problem: Too much smoke.
Fix: Trim the wick, move the candle away from drafts, and avoid burning too long.

Problem: Wick won’t relight.
Fix: Check if wax drowned it. If so, gently remove excess wax with a spoon and relight.

Problem: Candle doesn’t smell strong.
Fix: Use in smaller spaces or layer with another candle. Keep doors closed for stronger effect.

Cleaning and Recycling Soy Wax

Cleaning Spills

• Add hot water to hard surfaces.

• Wipe away with paper towels.

• For fabrics, freeze the wax, then scrape before washing.

Repurposing Leftover Wax

• Use in wax warmers.

• Break into pieces for potpourri dishes.

• Mix with essential oils to refresh scent.

Recycling Jars

• Glass jars can become plant pots, pen holders, or spice containers.

• Aluminum tins recycle easily.

Soy candles are truly zero waste when you get creative.

FAQ: Everything You’ve Wondered About Soy Candles

Q: Do soy candles expire?
A: Yes, after about 1–2 years, fragrance may fade. Keep them in a cool, dark place.

Q: Can I freeze soy candles to extend life?
A: Not necessary. In fact, freezing can cause cracks. Room temperature storage is best.

Q: Why is my candle sweating?
A: Natural oils sometimes surface in heat—this doesn’t affect performance.

Q: Are soy candles safe around pets?
A: Generally yes, but avoid strong essential oils (like tea tree or eucalyptus) if you have cats or dogs.

Q: Can I reuse candle jars?
A: Absolutely—wash with hot water and soap. Perfect for DIY projects.

Lifestyle: How Customers Use Soy Candles in Self-Care Rituals

I always say: candles are more than décor. They’re experiences. Here’s how some of my favorite customers (and friends) use them:

• Morning Motivation: Citrus or eucalyptus candles during journaling or yoga.

• Workday Focus: Rosemary and peppermint scents for home offices.

• Evening Wind-Down: Lavender or chamomile candles paired with tea and a book.

• Romantic Evenings: Vanilla and rose candles during dinner or a bath.

• Family Gatherings: Apple spice or pumpkin candles to set the seasonal mood.

When you build these rituals, you’re not just burning wax—you’re creating memories.

Final Thoughts: Light a Candle, Light Your Life

Candles are simple things, but they carry power. They soothe us, ground us, and elevate our spaces. Soy candles, in particular, give us a clean, eco-friendly way to enjoy this timeless tradition.

So, my best advice? Don’t just burn a candle—make it part of your story. Create little rituals, layer your favorite scents, recycle your jars, and enjoy every single flame.

Thank you for letting me be part of your journey. And thank you for shopping with us at YOU ME & EMILIO.

We don’t just sell candles—we transform your world into a fragrant paradise. 🌸

With love,
Emilio Horton
Owner, YOU ME & EMILIO
www.YouMeAndEmilio.com