Tips to Ensure Your Candle Burns Bright and Evenly
Candles are meant to provide light and fragrance, not frustration. However, there are times when the wick extinguishes instead of burning. Here are the most common causes and proven solutions, regardless of the type of candle.
1. Wick Too Long or Too Short
The ideal length of a wick is approximately 3-5 mm. A wick that is too long will flicker, while one that is too short may extinguish before melting the wax. Solution: trim the wick before each lighting.
2. Wax Overflows the Wick
Sometimes wax dissolves unevenly and overflows the wick, causing it to lack the power to burn. Solution: gently remove excess liquid wax with a spoon or toothpick.
3. Candle Burns Unevenly
Known as “tunneling,” when the flame creates a hole in the middle and the wax remains around it. Solution: allow the candle to burn until the top layer of wax is completely melted - especially during the first use.
4. Candle is in a Draft
Air currents can destabilize the flame and extinguish it. Solution: move the candle to a draft-free location, away from windows, for example.
5. Candle Has a Wooden Wick
Wooden wicks burn differently, taking longer to ignite and may only produce a small flame. Solution: ensure the wick is properly trimmed and patiently light it for a few seconds.
If you have a candle with a wooden wick, refer to our guide dedicated exclusively to this issue: What to Do When a Candle with a Wooden Wick Goes Out?
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Candle Extinguishing
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Why does my candle go out right after lighting?
It could be due to a short wick, too much wax in the container, or an air circulation issue. -
Can I scrape the wax around the wick?
Yes, if the wick is flooded, carefully remove excess wax without scratching the glass or walls. -
Can a poorly made candle keep going out?
Yes, sometimes the issue is due to manufacturing errors, such as a wick too thick for the type of wax. In that case, contact the seller. -
How can I care for a candle to prevent it from going out?
Regularly trim the wick, avoid extinguishing it, and shorten the burning time.