Why Does My Candle Make Black Smoke? Causes and Solutions

Lighting a candle and seeing black smoke coming from it can be cause for concern. This smoke, often a sign of incomplete combustion, can spoil the atmosphere and cause soot deposits on walls and ceilings. Fortunately, there are simple explanations and solutions to avoid this problem. Here's why your candle is making black smoke and how to fix it.

Causes of Black Smoke

1. Wick Too Long

One of the most common causes of black smoke is a wick that is too long. When the wick exceeds 5-7mm, it may not burn properly, producing black smoke.

2. Windy Environment

A draft or breeze can disrupt the candle flame, causing uneven burning and black smoke. Fans, open windows and air conditioning can be the cause.

3. Impurities in Wax

The quality of the wax plays a crucial role. Waxes of poor quality or containing impurities, such as dyes or additives, may produce black smoke when burned.

4. Poor Quality Wick

Wicks of poor quality or poorly suited to the candle wax can also cause black smoke. A bit that is too thick or made with inappropriate materials can cause this problem.

5. External Contaminants

Dust and debris accumulated on the wick or surface of the candle can cause uneven burning and the production of black smoke.

6. Candle Burned Too Long

Leaving a candle burning for too long can also cause black smoke. Prolonged burning can result in a wick that is too long and a flame that is too high, causing excessive smoke.

Solutions to Avoid Black Smoke

1. Cut the Wick

Trim the wick to approximately 5mm before each use. Use a wick trimmer or scissors to maintain optimal length, ensuring a clean, even burn.

2. Place the Candle in a Protected Place

Avoid placing your candle in windy areas. Choose a location away from drafts to ensure a stable flame.

3. Use High Quality Candles

Opt for candles made from high-quality wax, such as soy wax. Our Coton Corail candles, for example, are made with soy wax, which burns cleaner and produces less soot.

4. Choosing Candles with Appropriate Wicks

Make sure the candles you buy have good quality wicks, suitable for the type of wax used. Lead-free cotton wicks are ideal for a clean burn.

5. Clean the Candle Surface

Before lighting your candle, check for dust or debris on the wick or wax surface. Clean gently if necessary.

6. Limit Burning Duration

Do not leave a candle burning for more than 3 to 4 hours at a time. Turn it off, let it cool, then turn it back on if necessary. This will help avoid too long a wick and too high a flame, thereby reducing black smoke.

Why Choose Coral Cotton Candles?

At Coton Corail, we are committed to offering high quality candles, made in Quebec, using natural soy wax. Our candles are designed to burn cleanly and evenly, minimizing the production of black smoke and soot.

To discover our range of candles and learn more about our manufacturing practices, visit our site Coton Corail. With our candles, you can enjoy a soothing atmosphere without the drawbacks of black smoke.