Soy candles reward a little care. Trim the wick to about five millimetres before each burn — it keeps the flame low and clean.
On the first burn, let the wax pool reach the edge of the vessel. It takes an hour or two, but it prevents tunnelling and gives you the full life of the candle. And never burn for more than four hours at a stretch.
Done right, a good candle is not a treat. It is a companion for a season.