How to Care for Your Candle: Troubleshooting

Quick Fixes

Even with proper care, candles sometimes develop quirks. Your knowledge of how to troubleshoot these common problems is crucial in protecting your investment and ensuring you get the most enjoyment out of every burn.

One frequent issue is tunneling, where wax burns down the center while leaving a ring along the edges. This issue is often caused by extinguishing the candle before the wax fully pools across the top. To fix it, you can create a temporary foil “tent” around the candle’s top, allowing the heat to melt the remaining wax evenly.

Another issue is mushrooming; when a wick develops a bulbous tip after burning. This can create excessive smoke and soot, but the solution is simple and within your reach: trim the wick back to ¼ inch before lighting. If you notice sooting on the container, wipe it away gently once the glass is cool.

Scent throw loss, which refers to the weakening of a candle’s fragrance, is another frustration. Over-burning, drafts, or expired candles can contribute to this issue. To revive performance, limit burns to a few hours and make sure the candle is stored correctly when not in use. If your wick is drowning in wax, assure the flame is out and use a cotton ball to absorb some of the melted wax until the flame stands tall again. 

By understanding these fixes, you can turn minor candle frustrations into learning opportunities, ensuring your candles burn beautifully from start to finish. This knowledge empowers you to fully enjoy your candles, making each burn a delightful experience.

-Ignite your fire. Live with essence.-