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Sometimes, when lighting a candle, you may experience a blazing flame that is incredibly high. There are a few issues with high candle flames. Not only do these flames leave black soot, but they can also quickly melt your wax and shorten your candle’s lifespan.
In the following guide, we’ll go over the causes and solutions for your high candle flame and what you can do to reduce the intense burn.
You may have had an experience where you light a flame and it starts as a small, light flicker. However, over time, the flame grows and may even throw around light sparks. Suddenly, you realize that your flame is burning a bit too brightly.
A consistently high flame can be a significant red flag. It shows that there is something wrong with your candle. It can also cause a few additional issues with your candle that you don’t want:
Soot, the black, powdery residue left when your candle burns comes with a few issues. It’s not terribly great to breathe. Also, with a large flame, you may find it in other areas outside of your candle, which can be a hassle to clean.
A high flame burns through wax much more quickly. A candle that should last for several days, may be used up entirely within just a few uses. This can make it more expensive as you’ll need to purchase more candles regularly.
The higher the flame, the more of a fire hazard it can become. If the flame is too high, it can easily ignite objects nearby. To make sure your home is safe, always make sure there are no flammable objects near your candle and keep your flame from getting too high.
While it’s nice to fill your room or home with a pleasant fragrance, a high flame can make the scent throw much more pronounced. This can transform the relaxing scent of a burning candle into something overpowering and headache-inducing.
There are a number of reasons as to why your candle flame may be high. Below are some of the most common causes of a high candle flame and how you can fix the issue.
One of the most common reasons why your candle flame is high is because of an excessively long wick. When you have a long wick, too much wax is drawn up. This leads to a high flame, which burns much brighter than it should.
Another cause of a high candle flame is having your candle in a drafty location. Open windows, vents, and even just walking past your candle can cause it to flare up and flicker. Always make sure to keep your candle from drafty locations.
Your candle’s overall composition can play a huge role in how the flame burns. Candles made with artificial ingredients and poor materials can often lead to unruly flames. Finding quality candles, made with care and precision, is one of the best ways to ensure you get a nice, safe burn when using them.
There are some common issues that come with using candles, such as mushrooming and tunneling. When these things occur, you can also get a high flame. There are ways to fix these issues though, which can reduce your flame and help make your candle burn more evenly.
Here are some basic tips and tricks you can use to get your candle’s high flame under control. By following these steps, you can mitigate the risks of a high flame and extend the life of your candle.
Wick trimming is one of the most important things you can do for your candle. Before burning your candle, trim your wick to around ¼ inch. There are wick trimmers, scissors, and some people even use their fingernails to trim their wicks.
By shortening your wick, you can keep your flame a manageable size and have a more controlled burn.
You should never let your candle burn near a draft. Try to find a nice, cozy spot away from vents, open windows, ceiling fans, or areas where people are walking around constantly. If you can’t avoid drafts entirely, there are tools you can use, such as a glass cloche, which keeps the flame protected.
Another thing you can do to help preserve your candle and reduce your flame’s size is to invest in high-quality candles. Candles made with natural waxes, such as soy, beeswax, and coconut, along with pure essential oils will often give you a better burn.
You may notice the end of your wick has a black, bulbous shape. This is known as mushrooming. When this happens, blow out your candle, let it cool, and pinch off the charred part. This helps to ensure that your candle has a cleaner burn the next time you light it.
When your wax melts unevenly and it leaves a ring of unmelted wax around the edges, it is known as tunneling. To fix tunneling, burn your candle for a long time, an hour or two should be enough, to melt the wax all the way to the edges of the container.
Another important thing to keep in mind, especially when your candle has a high flame, is to never leave it unattended. When you’re ready to extinguish it, don’t blow it out either. You can use a snuffer or dip the wick into melted wax to extinguish the flame.
By avoiding blowing out your flame, you prevent the production of smoke and keep your wick for an easier burn later.
Remember, you're not alone in this candle-loving journey. There's a whole community of folks out there who are just as passionate about perfect candle vibes as you are.
Join online forums, Facebook groups, or subreddits dedicated to candles. You'll find a treasure trove of tips, tricks, and solutions for your candle problems.
With a little love and attention, you can tame your flame and make your candle burn in a slow, controlled manner. Make sure to trim that wick, find a draft-free zone, and invest in quality candles. You'll be rewarded with a calm, inviting glow that sets the perfect mood for whatever you desire.