Top candle mistakes to avoid and how to fix them
Ashitha BabuShare
You finally made it home after a long day.
You slip into your favorite cozy sweatshirt, dim the lights, and strike a match to light your favorite candle. The warm glow flickers, casting a soft ambiance. Deep breath in—ahh, relaxation… until you notice something off. Maybe the flame is too high, the wax is tunneling, or black soot is gathering around the jar. Not exactly the calming vibe you were going for.
If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. Many people unintentionally make small mistakes when burning candles that can affect their longevity, safety, and performance. But don’t worry—we’re here to help! As lovers of mindful living, we believe that something as simple as lighting a candle should enhance your space, not frustrate you.
And if you're using sustainable candles, even better! Eco-friendly candles made from natural ingredients provide a cleaner burn, avoid toxic chemicals, and help maintain a healthier eco-friendly home. They also allow you to be more intentional with your self-care rituals, creating a sense of calm that benefits both you and the planet.
So, let’s go over the top candle mistakes to avoid—and how to fix them—so you can fully enjoy your mindful living moments.
1. Not Trimming the Wick
What happens:
If your candle’s flame is too tall or it’s producing a lot of soot, an untrimmed wick is often the culprit. Long wicks cause excessive flickering, uneven burning, and even smoke stains on your walls or jars.
How to fix it:
Before each burn, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch. This keeps the flame at a steady height, prevents excessive soot, and helps your candle last longer. Keep a wick trimmer or small scissors nearby so it’s easy to do.
2. Burning for Too Short a Time (Tunneling)
What happens:
You light a candle for a quick 20-minute ambiance boost, but later notice a “tunnel” forming in the wax, leaving wasted wax around the edges. This happens when the candle doesn’t burn long enough to melt the entire top layer evenly.
How to fix it:
Always allow your candle to burn until the entire surface is melted (usually about 1-2 hours). This helps prevent tunneling and ensures you get the most out of your candle. On your first burn especially, make sure the wax pool reaches the edges of the jar.
3. Leaving the Candle Burning Too Long
What happens:
You get lost in a book, or maybe you just forgot the candle was lit. Burning a candle for more than four hours can lead to overheating, which may cause the wick to mushroom or the container to crack.
How to fix it:
Stick to a maximum burn time of four hours. If you want to extend the glow, take a break, let the wax cool, trim the wick, and relight as needed. A candle snuffer is a great tool to safely extinguish the flame.
4. Burning in a Drafty Area
What happens:
If your candle’s flame is dancing wildly or flickering too much, it’s likely sitting in a drafty spot. Drafts from open windows, air vents, or even frequent movement can lead to uneven burning and excess soot.
How to fix it:
Place your candle in a stable, draft-free location to ensure a steady flame and efficient burn. If you love the idea of a candle near your open window, just wait until the breeze dies down.
5. Not Storing Candles Properly
What happens:
When left in direct sunlight or exposed to dust, candles can discolor, lose their scent, or collect grime that affects how cleanly they burn.
How to fix it:
Store candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If your candle came with a lid, use it to preserve the fragrance and protect the wax from dust.
Creating a Mindful Candle Ritual
Now that you know how to avoid these common pitfalls, why not take your candle experience one step further? Incorporating sustainable candles into your self-care routine can transform an ordinary evening into a soothing ritual.
Try this:
- Set the mood – Dim the lights, put on calming music, and choose a candle scent that matches your mood.
- Engage your senses – As you light your candle, take a deep breath in, appreciating the warm glow and soft fragrance.
- Be present – Let go of any distractions, whether by journaling, meditating, or simply resting.
- Reflect & reset – Before extinguishing the flame, take a moment of gratitude for the stillness and warmth the candle brought into your space.
By making small, intentional choices, you can fill your home with comfort while staying aligned with your eco-friendly values. Looking for a new favorite sustainable candle? Explore our thoughtfully crafted collection here.
FAQs
1. How do I know if my candle is made from sustainable materials?
Look for candles made from natural waxes like soy, coconut, or beeswax, with cotton or wooden wicks. Avoid paraffin-based candles, as they release harmful chemicals when burned.
2. What’s the cleanest way to extinguish a candle?
Using a snuffer or gently dipping the wick into the melted wax using a wick dipper minimizes smoke and keeps your flame controlled. Blowing out a candle can cause unnecessary soot and wax splatter.
3. How can I remove leftover wax from a candle jar?
Place the jar in the freezer for a few hours, then use a spoon to pop out any remaining wax. Wash with warm, soapy water and repurpose the jar for storage or small plants.
4. Is it safe to burn candles every day?
Yes, as long as you’re using non-toxic, sustainable candles and following proper burn practices. Opt for candles free from paraffin, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances to ensure you're not exposing yourself to harmful chemicals.
5. Why does my candle lose its scent over time?
Exposure to air, heat, and light can weaken a candle’s fragrance. Keep your candles stored with a lid in a cool, dry place to maintain their scent longer.
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