Unlock the Mystery: Why Do Candle Wicks Turn Black, and How to Prevent It?


Why do candle wicks turn black? This common but often overlooked aspect of candle-making has a simple explanation rooted in science. This article explores why candle wicks blacken and their impact on candle performance. Read on to uncover the mystery of blackened candle wicks.

Candles’ wicks turn black as they burn because the flame vaporizes the wax and burns the carbon in the wick, turning it into soot which collects on the wick and causes it to turn black. Trimming the wick to 1/4 inch before lighting the candle can prevent excessive blackening and a large flame.

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However, there’s more to know about burning a candle wick than just trimming it. To get the most out of your candle and ensure a safe, efficient burn, it’s important to understand the tips and tricks for effectively burning a candle wick. These tips can make all the difference in your candle-burning experience. 

Why Do Candle Wicks Turn Black?

Candle wicks turn black because the carbon in the wick is burning. When a candle is lit, the heat from the flame melts the wax and draws it up the wick. As the wax is drawn up the wick, it is vaporized and combusted by the flame. 

The vaporized wax reacts with the oxygen in the air to create heat, light, water vapor, and carbon dioxide. The carbon in the wick is also burned, and as it burns, it turns into soot. The soot can collect on the wick and cause it to turn black. This is a normal process, and it’s nothing to be worried about.

Are Candle Wicks Supposed To Turn Black?

Yes. Candle wicks will turn black as they burn. This is because the candle’s flame burns the wick’s carbon. As the carbon burns and turns into soot, it can collect on the wick, causing it to turn black. 

Although it’s normal for the wick to turn black, it shouldn’t be too black. If the wick is too black, it can cause the candle to smoke or create a large flame. To prevent this, you must trim the wick to about 1/4 inch before lighting the candle. Moreover, keep an eye on the candle while it is burning to make sure the wick is not getting too long.

How To Efficiently Burn Candle Wick?

You need to ensure you’re using your candle the right way to get the most out of it. To give you a better perspective – below, we have compiled a list of tips that you should keep in mind to burn a candle wick effectively:

  • Trim the wick – Before lighting the candle, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch. This will help prevent the wick from becoming too long and creating a large flame that can cause the candle to smoke or burn unevenly.
  • Keep the candle level – Make sure the candle is kept on a level surface to ensure an even burn. This will help prevent the candle from dripping and make the wax burn more evenly.
  • Avoid drafts – Keep the candle away from drafts, such as open windows or air conditioning vents. Drafts can cause the flame to flicker and create uneven burning.
  • Control Burn Time – Burn the candle for long enough to allow a pool of molten wax to form around the wick. This will help prevent tunneling – where the wax near the wick melts, and the wax around the edge of the candle remains solid.
  • Burn the candle in intervals – Burn the candle in intervals of 2-3 hours at a time. This will prevent the candle from creating too much heat and cause the wick to curl or create black smoke.

What Causes A Wick To Mushroom?

A wick “mushrooms” when the flame does not completely consume the carbon particles from the burning wick, and instead, they accumulate on the tip of the wick, forming a black “mushroom” shape. 

This can happen for a few reasons:

  • Wick Size – If the wick is too long, it can create a large flame that doesn’t burn hot enough to consume the carbon particles fully.
  • Low-Quality Wax – Some types of wax can be more prone to creating a sooty flame, which can cause the wick to mushroom.
  • Drafty Areas – The flame can flicker and create uneven burning if the candle is placed in a drafty area.
  • Untrimmed Wick – A wick that is too long or has yet to be trimmed before lighting can cause the wick to mushroom.
  • High Fragrance Candle – High fragrance candles tend to have a higher amount of fragrance oil, which can cause the wick to mushroom, as it can affect the burning of the wick.

It’s important to trim the wick before each burn, burn the candle in a stable and draft-free environment, and use high-quality wax to reduce the chance of wick mushrooming.

How Do You Clean A Candle Wick?

If you burn a candle for longer, the soot present over the wick can create larger flames. To prevent it, you need to clean the candle wick continuously. Here are a few methods that you can choose:

  • Trimming the Wick – Before lighting the candle, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch. This will remove any blackened or mushrooming parts of the wick.
  • Use a Wick Dipper – A wick dipper is a small tool that can dip the wick into the melted wax to remove any blackened bits.
  • Use a Small Brush – A small brush (toothbrush) can gently brush away any blackened bits of the wick.
  • Use a wick trimmer – A wick trimmer is a tool that can be used to snip away any blackened bits of the wick.
  • Use a Wick Cleaner – Wick Cleaner is a specially designed tool to clean the wick. It can remove the soot, debris, and carbon build-up from the wick, ensuring a clean and even burn.

If you use any of the above methods, please ensure the candle is not lit, and the wax has cooled down and hardened. Always be very careful when handling a candle wick, as it can be hot and can cause burns. 

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