Beeswax Pillar Candles Care Guide
BEE Zero Waste’s Practical Guide to a Clean, Even Burn
Beeswax pillar candles are a traditional, natural candle type with a long burn time and clean flame — but they do behave differently from container candles or softer waxes. This guide explains how to burn beeswax pillars correctly, why technique matters, and how to fix common issues if they arise.
1. The Initial Burn (CRUCIAL)
The first burn determines how your beeswax pillar will behave for the rest of its life.
What to do
Light the candle and allow it to burn long enough to establish a stable melt pool
This typically takes 2–4 hours, depending on the candle diameter
Why it matters
Beeswax has a high melting point
If the first burn is too short, the wick burns downward faster than the wax melts outward
This causes tunnelling, which later leads to poor relighting and unstable flames
⚠️ Short first burns are the most common cause of issues with beeswax pillars.
2. Hugging the Candle (Essential for Beeswax)
Beeswax pillars require gentle manual guidance during early burns.
What “hugging” means
Once the wax walls soften, gently press the warm sides inward toward the flame
Why hugging is needed
Beeswax is firm and does not self-correct
Hugging helps the melt pool expand evenly
It allows a clean, controlled burn without dripping
It works with a correctly sized wick rather than an oversized one
How to hug correctly
Only hug once the wax is warm and pliable
Make small, gradual adjustments
Stop once the melt pool is expanding evenly
3. Over-Hugging: What to Avoid
Too much hugging can cause new problems.
What happens if you overhug
Excess wax is pushed into the centre
The wick can become flooded or clogged
The flame may weaken or extinguish on its own
⚠️ Hug gently — never force wax inward aggressively.
4. Fixing an Over-Hugged or Flooded Wick
If the candle struggles to stay lit:
If it lights but the flame is weak
Light the candle
Carefully decant a small amount of molten wax from the centre
Allow the wick to re-establish a stable flame
If it won’t light
Gently scoop away a small amount of wax from around the wick (even if cold)
Expose the wick slightly to improve airflow
Relight and allow a steady flame to form
This is normal corrective care for beeswax pillars and does not indicate a faulty candle.
5. Wick Trimming (Before Every Burn)
Trim the wick to about ¼ inch (5–6 mm) before lighting.
Why this matters
Easier lighting
More stable flame
Less smoke
Longer candle life
Avoid trimming too short, as this can make lighting difficult.
6. How Long to Burn Each Time
Ideal burn time: 2–4 hours
Avoid very short burns (under 1 hour)
Avoid excessively long burns
Consistent, moderate burns give the best results.
7. Fixing Tunnelling
If tunnelling appears:
Light the candle and allow a steady flame
Carefully remove a small amount of excess wax from the centre
Gently hug the softened walls inward
Repeat over several burns until the candle levels out
Early correction prevents long-term issues.
8. Extinguishing the Candle Cleanly
Instead of blowing out the flame:
Use a candle snuffer, or
Gently dip the wick into the molten wax and straighten it
This prevents smoke and keeps the wick ready for the next burn.
9. What to Expect from Beeswax Pillars
Beeswax burns differently from soy or paraffin
A small amount of active care is normal
When used correctly, beeswax pillars burn cleanly, evenly, and for a very long time
Quick Checklist
✔ Allow a proper first burn
✔ Hug gently — don’t overhug
✔ Trim the wick before each burn
✔ Correct issues early
✔ Enjoy a clean, long-lasting candle