What Causes the Flame on a Candle to be Unusually Large?
Candles provide a soothing ambiance and pleasant aroma to any space. However, occasionally the flame may burn larger than expected, giving an alarming appearance. While a large flame can seem concerning, in most cases it's simply a result of the type of candle or environmental factors.
Wick Factors That Influence Flame Size
The wick is the most integral part of a candle when it comes to flame size. Wicks come in different thicknesses and materials, all of which affect how high the flame can grow:
- Thicker wicks allow more fuel to travel up to the flame, creating a larger fire.
- Cotton and paper wicks tend to produce larger flames than thinner, braided or flat wicks.
- Old or frayed wicks that are no longer uniform in shape may cause uneven, flaring flames.
If the wick is too thick for the candle container, the flame can get dangerously high. Always trim wicks to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to avoid excessively tall flames and soot buildup.
Fuel Composition Influences Flame Height
The makeup of wax and oils used in a candle affect how the fuel ignites and burns:
- Natural waxes like soy, palm and beeswax have a higher natural burn rate than paraffin wax, creating a more vibrant flame.
- Candles with a greater proportion of fragrance oils will also produce larger flames and burn faster.
- Blended waxes, like paraffin soy mixes, modulate burning to achieve an ideal flame height.
Higher quality candle waxes and oils ensure a controlled, steady flame. Cheap or old candles are more prone to flaring due to their inferior ingredients.
Environmental Factors Impacting Flame Height
The flame needs oxygen to burn, so environmental factors play a key role in flame performance:
- Drafts and wind can blow through an open window and cause the flame to swell and dance around.
- High altitude areas provide less dense air with fewer oxygen molecules available, making the flame climb higher while seeking fuel.
- Low humidity allows candles to burn hotter and faster, boosting flame height.
- Temperature impacts viscosity, with warmer conditions making the melted wax pool expand and the flame grow.
Candles burned in enclosed, drafty or warm environments may exhibit larger flames as a result. Moving away from drafts and opening a window can help normalize the burn.
When is a Large Candle Flame Problematic?
A flame that flares high occasionally from a draft or during the first lighting is no cause for concern. But consistent, abnormally large flames or those touching the sides of the container can indicate issues.
Soot Buildup
Large flames that produce thick black smoke and soot mean the wick is too large for the molten wax pool. The wick is overwhelmed, preventing full combustion. Trimming the wick before each use can help reduce heavy sooting.
Tunneling
If the wick is too small for the candle, it can tunnel down through the center of the wax. Tunnels focus the flame downwards, creating a tall centralized flame above. Wicks should be wide enough to melt the entire top layer of wax evenly as the candle burns.
Container Safety
An oversized flame can produce enough heat to crack or break glass containers. The candle wax itself can also get hot enough to melt through metal tins. Use heat-safe materials like ceramic and iron to avoid damage.
Fire Hazards
A flame that extends out and over the candle container is a serious fire threat. The excess fuel and high temperature increase the chance of igniting nearby objects. Never leave a rapidly spreading or flickering flame unattended.
How to Fix an Abnormally Large Candle Flame
Trim the Wick
Trimming the wick to 1⁄4 inch before lighting is the best way to control flame height. Only a tiny bit of the wick should initially ignite. This allows it to gradually melt outwards to the wax edges as the candle is burned. Avoid clipping the wick too short or it can extinguish the flame.
Use a Wick Dip
Wick dips help reshape and stiffen wicks prior to lighting. Coating the wick in the liquid wax solution reduces the initial flame surge. This allows the wick and wax pool to adapt to one another as the candle adjusts to burning.
Switch Container Material
Some candles burn better in heat-resistant containers like iron, tin or ceramic. Glass can trap heat against the wax, accelerating melting and enlarging the flame. Moving the candle to a metal holder can normalize an oversized flame.
Add a Candle Lampshade
Lampshades or hurricane vases limit oxygen flow to a large flame while still allowing light to emit. They also prevent drafts from impacting the flame. Add a glass lampshade over the candle to protect surfaces and diffusing the light if the flame is too high.
When to Extinguish a Candle with a Large Flame
Safety should be the top priority with candle flames. Extinguish a candle in any of these cases:
- The flame reaches higher than 1 inch above the jar opening or edges.
- You notice smoking, sooting or the wick mushrooming into a carbonized mass.
- The flame sputters and sparks, indicating unauthorized materials in the wax.
- The candle container feels very hot to the touch.
- The flame leans, flares outwards or touches container sides.
A calm, steady flame no higher than one inch that isn’t producing smoke is ideal. Seek professional guidance recreating a candle with consistent abnormal flames.
Use Extra Precautions with Large Candle Flames
When a candle flame grows too high, additional fire safety steps should be taken:
- Never leave the room and constantly watch the candle when lit.
- Keep the candle away from flammable materials like curtains or books.
- Place the candle on a protective, non-flammable surface.
- Have a snuffer, candle extinguisher or stopper ready to submerge the wick.
- Don't allow children or pets near the candle.
With proper precautions, even a taller than average candle flame can be managed safely. But when in doubt, extinguish the candle to prevent property damage or personal harm.
Achieving the Perfect Candle Flame Height
Use the Appropriate Wick
Select a wick gauge suitable for the candle diameter, wax type, and container material and shape. Custom wick guides can recommend the ideal width and composition.
Invest in Quality Candle-Making Ingredients
Professional-grade waxes, dyes, scents and wicks produce cleaner, longer burns. Cheap candles with inferior ingredients experience performance issues like flaring flames.
Allow the Wax Pool to Form
When candles are first lit, the wax pool takes time to completely liquefy. Burn candles for at least an hour initially so the wax can fully melt before extinguishing.
Practice Proper Candle Care
Trim wicks before each use, space candles apart, and keep wicks centered to prevent tunneling. This encourages even burning and ideal flame height.
Use Enclosed Candle Holders
Glass hurricanes, lampshades, and lanterns around a candle contain airflow and heat. This creates the tranquil
FAQs
Why did my candle develop a high flame after burning for a while?
As a candle burns down, more heat can become trapped in the glass container. This makes the wax pool hotter, melting more fuel and making the flame grow taller. Move the candle to a heat-safe container to help normalize an increasing flame height over time.
Can I fix a tunneled candle by trimming the wick?
If a candle has already tunneled, just trimming the existing wick won't fix it. The wick needs to be removed and replaced with a wider gauge wick to match the diameter of the melted wax pool. This will allow even burning and prevent tunneling.
Is it safe to burn a candle with a high flame?
A flame that reaches higher than 1 inch above the candle should be monitored closely and extinguished if it does not reduce in size. Large flames run the risk of igniting nearby objects, cracking glass containers, or making the metal holder too hot.
Why does my candle smoke and produce soot?
Thick black smoke and soot are signs of incomplete combustion. The wick is too large for the melting wax pool, becoming overwhelmed. Trim the wick shorter before each use to reduce smoke and residues.
Should I blow out a candle with a flaring flame?
Never blow out a candle, as this can send sparks and hot wax flying. Use a snuffer or candle extinguisher to smother the flame if it flares dangerously high or to the sides. Allow the wax to fully solidify before handling.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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