Black marks on the inside of your candle vessel, dark deposits on the wall above your candle, or a smoky smell when you extinguish the flame are all signs of candle soot. It is one of the most common candle problems, and it is almost always preventable. Here is why soot happens and what to do about it.
What causes candle soot?
Soot is produced when the candle flame does not burn completely. Incomplete combustion releases unburned carbon particles, which appear as black smoke or deposits. The most common causes are:
A wick that is too long
This is the most common cause of candle soot. A long wick produces a large, unstable flame that flickers and produces excess carbon. Trimming the wick to 5mm before every burn eliminates this problem in most cases.
Draughts
A draught causes the flame to flicker and burn unevenly, producing more soot. Always burn candles in a draught-free environment, away from open windows, fans, and air conditioning vents.
Burning for too long
Extended burn sessions cause the wick to mushroom, developing a carbon buildup at the tip that produces a larger, sootier flame. Never burn a candle for more than 4 hours at a time, and always remove any mushrooming before relighting.
Wax type
Paraffin wax produces significantly more soot than plant-based waxes like soy or rapeseed. If you are experiencing persistent soot problems with a paraffin candle, switching to a soy candle will make a noticeable difference.
How to prevent candle soot
- Trim the wick to 5mm before every burn
- Remove any mushrooming from the wick tip before relighting
- Burn candles in a draught-free environment
- Never burn for more than 4 hours at a time
- Choose soy wax candles from reputable makers
Cleaning soot from candle vessels
Black marks on the inside of a glass vessel can be removed with a cotton wool ball dampened with rubbing alcohol or white vinegar. Wipe gently in a circular motion. For stubborn deposits, allow the alcohol to sit for a minute before wiping.
All Victorian Candle Co. candles are made with premium soy wax and correctly sized wicks to minimise soot. Browse our Scented Soy Candles or explore our Best Sellers.