Candle FAQ
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about candles, from frosting and wet spots to soot, weak scent, hot climates and what to do with an empty jar.
Burning questions
How long should I burn my candle each time?
Usually 2 to 4 hours. That is long enough for the melt pool to reach the edge, which prevents tunneling, and short enough to avoid an overgrown wick and an overheated jar. See the first burn.
Why is my candle making black smoke?
The wick is probably too long, or the candle is in a draft. Blow it out, let it cool, trim the wick to about 5 mm (1/4 inch) and move the candle away from fans, vents and windows. More in trimming the wick.
Why is my candle burning down the middle only?
That is tunneling, usually caused by short burns. Our fixing tunneling guide shows how to rescue it with a longer burn or a foil collar.
Why does the flame flicker?
Moving air. Even a ceiling fan across the room or a person walking past can make a flame dance. A constantly flickering flame also smokes more, so find a calmer spot.
Looks and texture
What are the white patches on my soy candle?
That is frosting, a natural crystal bloom that forms on plant waxes. It is harmless and does not affect the burn or scent.
Why does the glass look wet in places?
These are wet spots, where the wax has pulled away from the glass as it cooled. They are purely cosmetic and common in jar candles, especially when the room temperature changes.
Why is the top surface bumpy after a burn?
Soy and other plant waxes often set with a rough or cratered top. It smooths out again the next time the candle melts fully.
Is it normal for the color to change?
Some fragrance oils, especially vanilla, slowly darken wax over time or in sunlight. It does not mean the candle has gone bad.
Scent questions
Why can I not smell my candle anymore?
Your nose may have adapted to it. Step out of the room and come back. If the scent is truly weak, check the melt pool and the room size in cold throw and hot throw.
Do candles expire?
Candles do not spoil, but fragrance slowly fades, especially without a lid or in heat and sunlight. Most scented candles are at their best within about a year of purchase.
Hot climates and storage
My candle softened in the car. Is it ruined?
Usually not. Let it cool and set in a cool room before lighting. Very high heat can make fragrance oil separate, so avoid leaving candles in cars, on sunny windowsills or near heaters, which matters a lot in hot summers.
How should I store candles?
In a cool, dark place, upright, with the lid on.
End of life
When should I stop burning?
When about 1 cm (1/2 inch) of wax remains in a jar. Below that, the glass can overheat.
How do I clean and reuse the jar?
Put the jar in the freezer for a few hours. The wax shrinks and usually pops out in one piece. Peel off the wick tab, wash the jar in warm soapy water and reuse it.
For anything involving a flame that seems out of control, see candle fire safety.