How To Prevent Sooting in Candles

While candles can be a great addition to any space, some tend to soot, leaving the aesthetic of the candle tarnished and not likely what many want the appearance of their candle to look like. Sooting, or the black substance that can cover the interior of the candle vessel, occurs when the wick gathers too much oil, leaving the flame smaller and unable to burn the wax at the rate it’s drawn into the wick. Because of this, excess oil from the wax is burned as soot. While this can happen to almost any candle, the root cause is oftentimes because it is either burned improperly or if the formula of the wax isn’t as high quality. Although sooting is a potential for all candles, it’s easily preventable.

Trim Wick

Properly trimming the wick of a candle is an essential step in maintaining a clean and safe burn (How to Take Care of Candles) . A wick that is too long can cause a candle to burn too hot and produce excess soot, while a wick that is too short can result in a weak flame and an uneven burn. To achieve the best results, it's recommended to trim the wick to 1/4 inch before lighting the candle each time. This ensures that the flame is not too large, reducing the risk of the candle burning too quickly or creating a fire hazard.

Trimming the wick also helps to maximize the burn time of the candle. A wick that is too long can cause the wax to melt too quickly, shortening the lifespan of the candle. By trimming the wick regularly, you can extend the life of the candle and enjoy it for longer.

In addition to ensuring a safer and longer burn time, trimming the wick can also help keep the candle looking clean and presentable. When a wick is too long, it can create a mushroom shape on the end, which can trap debris and soot. This can make the candle look unsightly and detract from its overall appearance. By keeping the wick trimmed, you can maintain a neat and tidy appearance and enjoy the full beauty of the candle.

For wood wicks specifically, maintaining the wick is crucial to ensure a safe and enjoyable burning experience. Firstly, trim the wick to 1/8 inch before lighting the candle to prevent it from smoking excessively and to encourage an even burn. Regularly check the wick for any signs of charring or excess wax buildup. If this occurs, scrape off the wax and trim the wick before relighting. Proper maintenance of wooden wicks will not only enhance the candle's aesthetic appeal but also extend its life as it encourages a proper burn. 

Properly extinguish candle

Properly extinguishing candles is also an important aspect of preventing sooting. Using a candle snuffer instead of blowing out the candle can help prevent unnecessary smoke and soot. Blowing out the candle can cause wax to splatter, which can contribute to sooting as well as potentially affecting the look of the wax. A candle snuffer works by suffocating the flame, cutting off the oxygen supply and allowing the wick to cool down slowly, which reduces the likelihood of the wick continuing to smolder. Additionally, a candle snuffer can prevent accidental fires from occurring, making it a safer option for extinguishing candles.

Keep Away from Walls

Putting candles near a wall can not only affect the sooting in the candle vessel, but its surroundings as well. If your candle soots, the soot-affected smoke can stain walls and ceilings, making for a tougher clean up. Keeping candles at least 1-2 feet away from any walls can ensure that your walls and ceilings will be unaffected in case sooting were to occur.

Removing candle soot from walls and objects can be a challenging task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done effectively. Using a dry cloth or soft-bristled brush,  gently sweep away any loose soot on the table the candle is on or any surrounding areas. Then, mix a small amount of dish soap with warm water in a bowl and dip a clean sponge or cloth into the solution. Wring out the excess water and gently scrub the affected area, making sure to avoid pressing too hard and causing damage. Rinse the sponge or cloth frequently in the solution and continue cleaning until all soot has been removed. Finally, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away any remaining soap residue and let the area dry completely.

Put in No Traffic Zone

When it comes to candles, proper placement is crucial to prevent soot buildup. In addition to keeping the candle away from flammable objects and surfaces, it is important to consider the surrounding environment. If a candle is placed next to a window or a fan, for instance, it may experience a constant flow of air that can disrupt the flame's stability. Similarly, if the candle is located in a high-traffic area, people passing by can create gusts of air that may also cause the flame to flicker and burn inconsistently. As a result, the candle may produce more soot than usual, which can lead to unsightly black residue on the container or walls. To avoid this, try to position the candle in a draft-free area, away from windows, fans, and doorways. Placing the candle on a high shelf or a table where it won't be disturbed by foot traffic is also a good idea. By taking these precautions, you can ensure that your candle burns evenly and cleanly, without producing excessive soot or causing any safety hazards. 

Clean Burning Candles

Clean-burning candles are a popular choice for those who want to enjoy the ambiance and aroma of candles without worrying about soot buildup or toxic fumes. One way to achieve a cleaner burn is to choose candles made from natural waxes such as beeswax, soy wax, coconut wax, or rice bran wax. Rice bran wax in particular has gained popularity in the candle-making industry because of its clean-burning properties. Unlike other waxes, such as paraffin wax, which is made from petroleum, rice bran wax is renewable, biodegradable, and non-toxic. When burned, it produces a bright, steady flame that doesn't smoke or emit harmful chemicals into the air.

These waxes are not only eco-friendly but also produce less soot than traditional paraffin wax candles. When burned, they release fewer toxins and pollutants into the air, making them a healthier option for you and the environment.

Preventing sooting in candles is easy with some simple tips. By using clean-burning candles, regularly trimming the wick, keeping the candle away from walls and in a no-traffic zone, and using the rest of the methods mentioned above to clean a candle jar, you can ensure that your candles remain clean, attractive, and safe.