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Candle Troubleshooting Guide : How to Fix Common Issues
There’s nothing quite as satisfying as crafting your own candle – pouring the wax, choosing the perfect wick, and adding your favourite fragrance. But what happens when things don’t go as planned? Maybe your candle won’t burn properly, the fragrance is weak, or the wax doesn’t behave as expected. If you've ever faced these common candle-making challenges, don’t worry – you’re not alone!
This Candle Troubleshooting Guide is designed to help you diagnose and resolve typical candle-making problems. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced maker, the solutions provided in this guide will ensure your candles burn evenly, release a strong, delightful scent, and perform beautifully every time. Keep reading for expert tips on how to troubleshoot and fix issues with wax consistency, wick selection, and fragrance throw.
With this Candle Troubleshooting Guide, you’ll learn how to make adjustments for a flawless candle-making process. Say goodbye to burning issues, weak scents, and uneven wax – our Candle Troubleshooting Guide ensures you create the perfect candle every time! You’ll be well on your way to crafting candles that shine, smell great, and burn just as you’ve imagined!
Problem #1: My Candle Is Tunnelling!
What’s Happening?
Your candle burns straight down the centre leaving a thick ring of unmelted wax around the edges. Instead of an even burn, you’re left with wasted wax and a frustrated candle user.
Why Does It Happen?
The first burn was too short.
The wick is too small for the candle size.
Excess fragrance oil or dye is clogging the wick, preventing a proper melt pool.
How to Fix It:
✔ Always allow your candle to burn long enough on the first burn to reach the edges of the container (1-4 hours, depending on the size of your candle container).
✔ Use a larger wick if tunneling persists.
✔ Check your fragrance oil and dye usage - too much can affect how the wax melts.
Problem #2: My Candle Has No Hot Throw (No Smell When Burning!)
What’s Happening?
Your candle smells amazing when it’s cold, but when you light it, the scent seems to disappear.
Why Does It Happen?
Not enough fragrance oil was used.
The wax wasn’t heated or poured at the optimal temperature.
The wick isn’t getting hot enough to fully melt the wax and release the scent.
How to Fix It:
✔ Ensure you're using the correct fragrance oil load for your wax type (soy wax holds 6-10% fragrance oil).
✔ Use high-quality, professional-grade fragrance oils specifically designed for candles.
✔ Try a larger wick to create a deeper melt pool and release more fragrance.
Problem #3: My Candle Wick Keeps Going Out
What’s Happening?
You light the candle, but the flame dies out within seconds or minutes.
Why Does It Happen?
The wick is too small.
Too much fragrance oil or dye is clogging the wick.
The wick was trimmed too short.
How to Fix It:
✔ Use a larger wick size.
✔ Let your candle cure properly for at least 24-48 hours before burning so the fragrance oil can bind with the wax.
✔ If the wick is too short, gently melt the wax around it and carefully lift the wick with tweezers.
Problem #4: My Candle Is Smoking and Producing Soot
What’s Happening?
Your candle is producing black smoke and leaving soot marks on the container.
Why Does It Happen?
The wick is too large.
The candle is burning in a draughty area.
Too much fragrance oil or dye is being used.
How to Fix It:
✔ Use a smaller wick.
✔ Trim the wick to ¼ inch before each burn to prevent excess carbon buildup.
✔ Move the candle away from fans, open windows, or air vents.
✔ Check your fragrance oil percentage and ensure it’s within recommended limits.
Problem #5: My Candle Has Wet Spots on the Jar
What’s Happening?
Your candle has patches where the wax has pulled away from the container, creating an uneven appearance.
Why Does It Happen?
The wax cooled too quickly.
The container was too cold when the wax was poured.
How to Fix It:
✔ Warm your containers before pouring the wax.
✔ Pour at a slightly higher temperature to help the wax adhere properly.
✔ Allow the candle to cool in a warm (not cold) room for a slower, more even setting.
Problem #6: My Candle Is Sweating (Fragrance Oil Pooling on Top)
What’s Happening?
You notice tiny beads of fragrance oil on the surface of your candle, almost like the wax is "sweating."
Why Does It Happen?
Too much fragrance oil was used.
The candle was stored in a hot environment.
The wax and fragrance oil weren’t mixed properly.
How to Fix It:
✔ Reduce the amount of fragrance oil if you’re exceeding the recommended percentage.
✔ Stir the fragrance oil thoroughly into the wax at the correct temperature.
✔ Store candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Problem #7: My Candle Has Frosting (White Crystals on the Wax Surface)
What’s Happening?
Your soy or natural wax candle has developed a frosty, white appearance over time.
Why Does It Happen?
Frosting is a natural characteristic of soy wax as it crystallises over time.
The wax cooled too quickly after pouring.
How to Fix It:
✔ Pour at a slightly higher temperature and allow the candle to cool slowly.
✔ Use a fragrance oil that blends well with soy wax to reduce frosting.
✔ Embrace the natural look! Frosting doesn’t affect performance - it’s just an aesthetic issue.
Final Thoughts: Mastering the Art of Candle Making
Candle-making is a fun, creative process, but it comes with a learning curve. Even experienced makers run into occasional problems, but with the right Candle Troubleshooting Guide, you can quickly diagnose and fix common issues.
If you're struggling with your candles, remember:
✅ Always test different wick sizes.
✅ Use high-quality, professional-grade fragrance oils specifically designed for candles.
✅ Follow recommended fragrance loads and mixing temperatures.
✅ Be patient - small tweaks can make a big difference!
At House of Scent, we provide premium fragrance oils that are carefully formulated for candles, wax melts, and home fragrance products. Whether you need strong hot throw scents, allergen declarations, or expert advice, we’ve got you covered!
Ready to create the perfect candle? Browse our range of high-quality fragrance oils and start experimenting today!
