Looking for some candle troubleshooting? You’ve come to the right place!

There’s nothing worse than lighting a candle you love only to watch it burn unevenly or fail to perform as expected. Uneven burns, tunneling, or weak flames can ruin the experience. But don’t toss your candle just yet!

Most issues can be fixed with a few simple tips. Here’s your candle troubleshooting guide to common candle problems and how to solve them.

You should first know the characteristics of soy candles. Soy candles have a different personality, we can say.

100% natural soy wax burns cleaner. It is also greener/environmentally friendly and more sustainable. Therefore, your home remains a clean-breathing sanctuary when you burn soy candles.

Candle Troubleshooting

Addressing candle troubleshooting is great not only for your candle aesthetics but also for reducing fires. Did you know that 21% of home candle fires are due to misuse?

We will share the best ways to tackle some of your candle troubles so you can make the most of your investment!

Note that troubles 1-4 rarely happen with our 100% natural soy candles, but if they do, here are some ways to handle them.

1. Uneven Candle Burn

If your candle’s wax is melting more on one side than the other, it could be caused by drafts or an improperly trimmed wick.

How to Fix It:

• Relocate Your Candle: Ensure the candle is away from fans, open windows, or air vents. Even small drafts can cause uneven burns.
• Trim the Wick: Keep the wick trimmed to about ¼ inch before each burn. An untrimmed wick can burn unevenly or create soot.
• Rotate During Burn: If one side is still melting faster, rotate the candle periodically to even it out.

2. Candle Tunneling

Tunneling happens when the wick burns straight down the center, leaving a thick ring of unmelted wax around the edges.

How to Fix It:

• Let It Burn Longer: On the first burn, always allow the wax to melt to the edges of the container. This sets the “memory” of the wax and prevents tunneling in future burns.
• Use Aluminum Foil: If tunneling has already started, wrap the candle’s edges in aluminum foil (leaving the top open). This helps direct heat to the outer wax and evens out the burn.
• Scrape & Reuse: For severe tunneling, carefully scrape away the unmelted wax and repurpose it in a warmer.

3. Weak Flame

A weak or flickering flame can make it hard to enjoy your candle. This is often due to wick issues or excess soot buildup.

How to Fix It:

• Check for Wick Drowning: If the flame is small and weak, the wick might be drowning in melted wax. Extinguish the candle, pour some liquid wax, and relight it.
• Trim the Wick: Too much wick length can cause an unstable flame. Stick to the ¼ inch rule.
• Use a Candle Snuffer: Blowing out the flame can create soot that clogs the wick. Use a snuffer instead to avoid buildup.

4. Excessive Soot

Black soot marks on the container or walls can be a frustrating issue. This often happens when the flame burns too high or unevenly.

How to Fix It:

• Trim the Wick: A long wick creates excessive soot. Regular trimming can prevent this.
• Burn in a Ventilated Area: Proper airflow helps prevent soot buildup, but avoid placing the candle directly in a draft.
• Clean the Jar: Use a damp cloth to remove the soot from the jar. For stubborn marks, a little rubbing alcohol does the trick.

You may be interested in 28 ways to reuse your candle jar.

5. Soy Candle-Specific Problems

Soy candles are a cleaner-burning option, but they can come with their quirks, like frosting or inconsistent texture.

How to Fix It:

• Frosting: Frosting (white spots on the wax) is natural with soy candles and doesn’t affect performance. Embrace it as a sign of a high-quality, natural candle.
• Bumpy Tops: If the top of the candle looks uneven after burning, rest assured it’s purely cosmetic. A simple fix is to use a heat gun to melt the surface and smooth it out gently.

General Tips for Candle Care

• Burn Time Matters: For every inch of your candle’s diameter, burn it for at least one hour. For example, a 3-inch candle needs at least 3 hours to prevent tunneling.
• Keep It Clean: Avoid debris like matchsticks or trimmings in the wax, as they can affect the burn.
• Storage is Key: Store candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to avoid warping or discoloration.

Note: soy candles tend to have some yellowing of the wax in storage. This is completely normal.

Enjoy Your Soy Candles

Candles are meant to bring joy, not frustration. With these troubleshooting tips, you can fix the most common issues and get the most out of your candles.

At Southern Oak Artisan, we craft our soy candles to burn cleanly and evenly, but even the best candles need a little TLC. Got more questions about your candles? Let us know—we’re here to help!