The Frustration of a Sooting Candle
There’s nothing quite as relaxing as lighting a beautifully scented candle after a long day, watching the flickering flame create a cosy atmosphere. But then you notice it—the dreaded black smoke staining the jar or drifting into the air. Not only is it unsightly, but excessive soot can also affect indoor air quality and diminish your candle’s fragrance.
So why does this happen, and how can you stop it? Let’s dive into the causes of candle sooting and simple ways to keep your candles burning cleanly.
What Causes a Candle to Soot?
Soot is a byproduct of incomplete combustion. When a candle burns inefficiently, it produces tiny black carbon particles that rise with the heat. Several factors contribute to sooting, including:
1. A Wick That’s Too Long
A long wick pulls more wax into the flame than it can burn cleanly, leading to excessive smoke and soot.
2. Poor-Quality Wax or Fragrance Overload
Candles made with low-quality wax or an excessive amount of fragrance oil may produce an uneven burn, resulting in soot.
3. Lack of Oxygen
If a candle is placed in a drafty area or too close to a wall, uneven airflow can cause an unsteady flame that produces more soot.
4. Jar Design and Wick Size
Some candles with narrow openings or improperly sized wicks can struggle to get enough oxygen, leading to incomplete combustion.
Leo & Lyn cadles have been specially designed to prevent issues like these. Our experienced chandler, Joe, has spent several ours crafting the finest cadles in Belfast.
How to Prevent Candle Sooting
1. Trim the Wick Before Every Burn
A properly trimmed wick (about 5mm) allows for a controlled, clean burn. Use a wick trimmer or scissors before lighting your candle each time.
2. Burn Your Candle in a Stable Environment
Avoid placing your candle near open windows, vents, or fans where airflow can cause flickering and uneven burning.
3. Choose High-Quality Candles
Opt for candles made with natural waxes like ours (e.g. soy or coconut) and well-balanced fragrance blends to ensure a clean burn.
4. Let Your Candle Burn Long Enough
Allow your candle to melt evenly across the entire surface during each use to prevent tunnelling and uneven burning.
By following these simple tips, you can enjoy a cleaner, longer-lasting candle that fills your space with fragrance—without the unwanted soot!