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In winter, slight separation of the wax from the glass of a soy wax scented candle is normal and usually does not affect its use.
Below is a detailed explanation of the causes, effects, and solutions.
Why is separation more likely in winter? This is mainly related to the physical properties of soy wax:
1. Thermal expansion and contraction: This is the primary reason. Soy wax is a natural plant wax and is very sensitive to temperature.
• Contraction during cooling: When a candle burns and then goes out, the molten wax shrinks significantly in volume as it cools and solidifies. In cold winters, the low ambient temperature accelerates and
intensifies this cooling and contraction process.
• Different shrinkage rates: The shrinkage rate of a glass is much lower than that of soy wax. Therefore, when the wax cools and contracts, the shape of the glass remains almost unchanged, leading to a gap
between the wax and the glass wall—what we see as "separation."
2. Uneven cooling rate: If the candle cools in a ventilated area or a low-temperature environment, the wax near the wall will solidify first, while the wax in the center will solidify later.
This uneven cooling exacerbates the separation phenomenon. Can a candle with a broken wax cup still be used? Absolutely!
A broken wax cup is merely an aesthetic imperfection and does not affect the candle's burning performance or safety. When you relight the candle, the melted wax will refill these gaps after the wax pool forms. With repeated burning and cooling, the wax cup may break repeatedly, but this is normal.
How to prevent and improve wax cup breakage? While it cannot be completely avoided, several methods can significantly reduce the degree of breakage:
1. The first burn is crucial: When lighting the candle for the first time, ensure a complete and even wax pool is formed, meaning the surface layer of wax is completely melted, and the wax at the edges is also completely melted and
adheres to the cup wall. This requires a sufficiently long burning time (usually recommended to be around 2 hours, depending on the candle size). A good "memory ring" lays a good foundation for subsequent burning.
2. Control the burning environment:
· Avoid placing it in drafts or low temperatures: Place the burning and cooling candle away from windows and air conditioner vents to avoid direct cold air.
• Choose a warm environment: Allow the candle to cool naturally in a relatively stable and warm environment.
3. Use the "preheating" technique: Before lighting the candle, place it in a warm place (such as near a radiator, but not too close to avoid overheating) or gently blow hot air from a hairdryer on the candle
cup to allow the candle to warm up completely. This reduces the drastic shrinkage caused by excessive temperature differences between the inside and outside when lit.
4. Clever remedial methods:
• The "towel wrapping" method: After the candle has burned out and the wax is still liquid, tightly wrap the candle cup with a dry towel to allow it to cool slowly and evenly. This effectively reduces shrinkage
stress caused by rapid cooling.
• Repair with a heat gun/hair dryer: If it has already come off the cup, use a heat gun or hair dryer on the hot setting to gently heat the outside of the cup until you see the edge of the wax slightly melt and
re-adhere to the cup wall. Then let it cool naturally.
Summary:
• It is a normal physical phenomenon for soybean wax candles to come off the cup in winter, and there is no need to worry excessively.
• It will not affect safety or normal use; the wax will fill any gaps after lighting.
• This can be effectively prevented or mitigated by ensuring a full initial burn and controlling the cooling environment.
• If you are concerned about the appearance, you can gently heat it with a heat gun to repair it.
So, please feel free to continue enjoying the cozy atmosphere of your scented candle!
