You light your candle, settle in, and notice a thin line of smoke or dark marks creeping up the inside of the jar. It is not what you were hoping for, and it is a common question we hear from candle lovers. The good news is that most smoking and sooting has a simple cause, and a simple fix.
This guide walks through what to check, in order, so you can get back to an even, clean burn.
First, Stay Safe
If the flame is unusually tall, flickering wildly or the jar is getting very hot, put the candle out safely and let it cool. The National Candle Association advises extinguishing with a snuffer or by blowing it out rather than using water, which can cause hot wax to splatter, and not moving a candle while the wax is liquid. As Fire and Rescue NSW points out, never leave a burning candle unattended.
Cause 1: The Wick Is Too Long
This is the most common culprit. The National Candle Association recommends trimming the wick to about a quarter of an inch (roughly 6 mm) before every use to prevent high flames and soot. A long or mushroomed wick makes a bigger flame than the candle was designed for.
The fix: let the candle cool and set fully, then trim the wick with wick trimmers or sharp scissors, removing any loose bits from the wax surface. Our guide to burning a candle properly shows the full routine.
Cause 2: A Draught Is Pushing the Flame Around
A flame that flickers tends to burn unevenly. The National Candle Association advises keeping candles away from open windows, fans and air vents. In an Australian summer, that includes ceiling fans, air conditioning and the breeze from a screen door.
The fix: move the candle to a still part of the room, away from fans and vents, on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
Cause 3: The Candle Has Been Burning Too Long in One Sitting or Is Nearly Finished
The National Candle Association says not to burn a candle all the way down and to stop when about half an inch (around 1 cm) of wax remains. The wick can behave differently as the container gets hotter and the wax level drops.
The fix: retire the jar once it is near the bottom. Our 180g soy candles burn for 40+ hours, and the Petrichor Bowl burns for 160+ hours, so you will get plenty of use before that point.
Cause 4: Debris on the Wax
A burnt matchstick, a bit of wick or a speck of dust sitting on the wax can act as a second wick and cause a messy flame.
The fix: once the wax is cool and solid, lift out anything on the surface before lighting again. Use a lid to keep dust out between burns.
Cause 5: A Crowded Shelf
Several candles close together can create a warm, turbulent pocket of air that changes how each flame behaves. The National Candle Association advises keeping multiple candles at least 3 inches (around 7.5 cm) apart.
The fix: space your candles out, and if you love layering scents, stagger them across a table or shelf rather than clustering them. Our guide to layering candle scents has ideas that do not involve bunching everything together.
Quick Troubleshooting Table
| What you notice | Likely cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Tall, flickering flame | Long wick or draught | Trim to about 6 mm and move away from fans and vents |
| Black marks inside the jar | Long wick | Trim the wick before every burn |
| Smoke when you blow it out | Normal for most candles | Use a snuffer if you want to reduce it |
| Uneven burn | Draught, debris or crowding | Move the candle, clean the wax and add space |
| Jar very hot near the end | Nearly finished | Stop burning at around 1 cm of wax |
Is It the Wax or the Wick?
Many people assume soot means a poor-quality candle. In reality, the way a candle is burned has a big effect on how it behaves. Our candles are made with 100% soy wax, hand-poured in Melbourne, and the best results come from a trimmed wick and a still spot in the room. If you would like to learn more about what goes into our candles, see our complete guide to soy candles in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my candle have black smoke?
The most common cause is a wick that is too long. Let the candle cool and trim the wick to about a quarter of an inch (6 mm) before relighting.
Is candle soot dangerous?
We are not able to give medical advice, so if you have concerns about air quality or health, speak to a health professional. For everyday use, burn in a well-ventilated room, as the National Candle Association recommends, and keep the wick trimmed.
Can I fix a candle that has already sooted the jar?
Once the jar is cool and the wax is set, you can wipe the inside rim with a dry cloth, trim the wick and relight. If it keeps happening, stop using it and get in touch with us.
How long should I burn my candle at a time?
Our burn guide covers a good routine for an even melt pool, and the safety guidance is simple: never leave it unattended, and stop when about 1 cm of wax remains.
Start Again With a Fresh Candle
If your current candle has had its day, try a fresh one from our Original Range, or a small travel candle tin ($14.99, 70g, 15+ hours) to test a new scent. If you would rather skip the flame, our room sprays ($24.99, 100ml) are a quick way to scent a space. Read more about candle safety in Australian homes any time.
