Reduce Black Smoke: Mastering Candle Care

Nothing kills the vibe faster than lighting a candle and watching black smoke rise into the air. It’s not just unsightly; it’s also a sign that something’s not right with your candle care routine. But don’t worry—there’s an easy fix that will help your candles burn cleanly and beautifully in no time.

One of the main culprits behind black smoke is an untrimmed wick. When your wick is too long, it causes your candle to burn too quickly, creating an imbalance of heat and fuel. This leads to a larger flame, which in turn produces more smoke and soot. The solution? Regular wick trimming. Just like we trim our hair, nails, and even the grass, your candle wick needs a little maintenance to perform its best. We recommend trimming your wick to ¼ inch above the wax each time before you light your candle. This simple habit will help reduce black smoke, ensure a cleaner burn, and extend the life of your candle.

Finding a wick trimmer is easier than you think! You can snag one on Amazon, Target, Etsy, or at any candle supply company. They come in all sorts of styles—from sleek and modern to charming and vintage—so you can even match it to your decor.

But if a fancy wick trimmer isn’t in your plan, don’t worry! You can always break off the cooled wick with your fingers or use nail clippers. Just be sure to trim that wick and don’t skip this step—your candle will thank you with a cleaner, longer-lasting burn!

But wick length isn’t the only thing to consider.

If your candle is placed in a drafty environment, even a perfectly trimmed wick can still produce black smoke. Air currents from fans, open windows, or even your HVAC system can cause the flame to flicker excessively, leading to uneven burning and more soot. To avoid this, place your candle in a cozy, draft-free spot where it can burn calmly and cleanly.

 

 By taking these steps—trimming your wick regularly and keeping your candle away from drafts—you’ll enjoy a brighter, cleaner burn and make the most of every candle you light🕯✨️

1 comment

  • Great advice! Thanks🕯️💜

    Michelle L

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