Why Is My Candle Flame So High?

Candles bring a special charm to any home, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Whether it’s for relaxation, romance, or simply enhancing the mood of a space, candles are beloved for their calming glow and pleasant scents. But what happens when your candle doesn’t burn as expected? If you’ve found yourself asking, “Why is my candle flame so high?” or noticed the wick burning down the middle, there are several reasons for this phenomenon—and solutions to fix it.

Before diving into the cause of a high candle flame, don’t forget to check out our new arrivals at Aarka Origins!). You might just find the perfect candle to complement your space.

Understanding How a Candle Burns

To comprehend why your candle flame might be too high, it's essential to first understand how a candle works. When you light a candle, the flame's heat melts the wax surrounding the wick. The wick, often made of braided cotton or other absorbent fibers, draws the melted wax up through capillary action, providing the fuel needed to sustain the flame.

A well-balanced wick ensures a steady, controlled burn, providing both light and fragrance. But when something goes wrong with the wick or the environment, it can cause an uneven burn, resulting in a high or erratic flame.

The Causes of a High Candle Flame

1. A Wick That’s Too Long

One of the most common reasons for a high candle flame is a wick that’s too long. A longer wick allows for more fuel to be drawn into the flame, which can cause the flame to grow tall, flicker excessively, or even produce smoke. A wick that's too long can also burn down the center of the candle faster, causing it to tunnel.

If you notice a high or flickering flame, the best fix is simple: trim the wick. You can easily manage this with a wick trimmer, a handy tool that ensures a safer and more controlled burn. For optimal performance, trim your candle wick to approximately ¼ inch before each use.

Tip: Remember to always trim the wick before lighting your candle. A well-maintained wick helps prevent excessive heat, keeps the flame at a safe level, and extends the life of your candle.

Shop our wick trimmer to ensure your candles burn beautifully every time.

2. Manufacturing Defects or Inappropriate Wick Size

In some cases, the flame might be too high due to a manufacturing issue, where the wick is too thick or too long for the size of the candle. This can result in an overactive flame that burns through the wax quickly. While this is less common, it does happen occasionally.

If you notice that your candle is burning too quickly or the flame is just too large to handle, it may be time to replace it with a candle that’s better suited for your needs. Aarka Origins offers beautifully crafted candles with properly sized wicks for a consistent and long-lasting burn, such as the The Misty Mountains Soy Candle, which uses natural ingredients to enhance your experience without the worry of a dangerous flame.

3. Excessive Drafts or Airflow

Another reason for a high flame could be drafts or excessive airflow in the room. When a candle is placed near windows, air vents, or fans, the movement of air can cause the flame to flicker and grow higher than usual. This increased airflow can also disrupt the balance of wax and fuel in the wick, resulting in an uneven burn and excess smoke.

If you notice this happening, simply relocate your candle to a more stable area away from drafts. Avoid placing candles near open windows or doors, fans, or other sources of airflow. Keeping your candles in an area with still air ensures that the flame remains steady and that the wax burns evenly.

4. Incorrect Candle Placement

Improper placement of your candle can also cause it to burn too quickly or excessively. A candle should never be placed in a location where it’s exposed to the wind or where it could be knocked over. Not only does this create a high flame, but it also increases the risk of fire hazards. Be mindful of the environment in which you place your candles.

Fixing a High Flame

Now that you know why your candle flame might be too high, here’s how you can fix it:

1. Trim the Wick: Regularly trimming the wick to ¼ inch is the most effective way to control the flame height and ensure a clean, safe burn.
2. Move the Candle: Ensure your candle is placed away from drafts, air vents, or fans to prevent it from flickering and burning too hot.
3. Choose the Right Candle: If the wick seems too thick or is burning too quickly, consider replacing your candle with one that’s better crafted. Aarka Origins offers candles like the The Haunted Carnival Soy Candle that burn at the perfect temperature and provide long-lasting, safe illumination.

Why Does My Candle Smoke?

Excessive smoke from a candle can be frustrating and even harmful to the air quality in your home. If you’ve already trimmed your wick but still notice smoke, a draft is likely to blame. A rush of air can cause the wick to burn inconsistently, drawing in too much wax and fueling an unstable flame.

To reduce candle smoking:

• Avoid drafts: Keep your candle away from windy spots like windows or vents.
• Ensure the wick is properly trimmed: A wick that’s too long or too short can also cause inconsistent burning, leading to smoke.

If you’re looking for a candle that provides a smokeless, clean burn, check out our Witchy Bakery Service Soy Candle. It's crafted to offer a stable burn with a delightful fragrance.

Candle Wick Issues: Short vs. Long Wick

While a long wick can cause your candle flame to burn too high, a short wick can also lead to its own set of issues. A wick that is too short may struggle to draw enough wax to sustain the flame, leading to difficulty lighting the candle, or if it does burn, it may produce a weak and inconsistent flame.

How to Fix a Short Wick

If your candle’s wick is too short and it won’t light properly, there are a few things you can do:

1. Melt the Wax Around the Wick: If the wick is buried under wax, use a heat gun to gently melt the surrounding wax and expose the wick.
2. Remove Excess Wax: If the wax has built up too high around the wick, carefully remove some of it to allow the wick to be fully exposed. This will help the flame catch and burn more evenly.

If you can light the candle but the flame is still weak, you may need to let it burn for a while to ensure that enough wax melts to fuel the wick. Keep an eye on the candle as it burns to make sure it doesn’t extinguish prematurely.

The Importance of a Properly Sized Wick

The key takeaway here is the importance of a properly sized wick for your candle. Too long a wick can lead to a large, dangerous flame, while too short a wick can prevent the candle from burning effectively. The balance is crucial to ensure your candle burns steadily, safely, and efficiently.

When in doubt, always opt for high-quality candles from a trusted brand like Aarka Origins, where we use the right wick sizes for every candle to ensure a perfect burn. For example, our Through the Wardrobe Soy Candle features a carefully chosen wick to give you a beautiful, controlled flame.

What to Do If Your Candle Is Tunneling

Tunneling is another issue that can result in excessive flame height. This happens when a candle burns down the middle, leaving the sides of the wax intact. This can lead to an uneven burn, waste wax, and a potentially higher flame.

How to Fix Candle Tunneling

To prevent tunneling, you should allow the candle to burn long enough to melt the wax across the entire surface the first time you light it. Aim for at least 2 hours of burn time on the first use. This will ensure the wax pool reaches the edges of the candle, preventing tunneling and promoting an even burn in the future.

If tunneling has already occurred, use a heat gun or hairdryer to gently melt the sides of the candle and create an even surface. If you have a favorite candle like The Pumpkin Latte Corner Soy Candle, make sure to follow the proper burn time for optimal use!

Maintaining Candle Safety

Candles are an enjoyable and soothing part of home decor, but it’s crucial to practice proper safety when burning them. A candle that burns too high, smokes excessively, or isn’t properly trimmed can present fire hazards and pose risks to your indoor air quality.

Here are some quick safety tips to keep in mind when using candles:

1. Trim the Wick: Always trim your candle wick to about ¼ inch before lighting it to prevent an overly high flame and smoke.
2. Place Candles in a Safe Location: Keep candles away from drafts, open windows, and flammable materials to ensure they burn steadily and safely.
3. Never Leave a Candle Unattended: Always supervise a burning candle, and make sure to extinguish it properly when you’re done.
4. Use a Proper Candle Holder: Ensure your candle is placed in a stable, heat-resistant holder to avoid any accidents.

If you're looking for the perfect candle to burn safely and effectively, look no further than our premium collection of scented soy candles. For instance, the Trail of Breadcrumbs Soy Candle is designed to provide hours of safe and soothing illumination, making it the perfect addition to your home.

The Takeaway: Keep Your Candle Burning Bright

The next time you find yourself wondering, “Why is my candle flame so high?” remember that the key lies in maintaining a proper wick size, positioning your candle in a stable location, and trimming the wick regularly. By doing so, you can ensure your candle burns safely, efficiently, and beautifully every time.

At Aarka Origins, we believe that candles should not only smell amazing but also offer a clean and controlled burn. That’s why we craft each candle with care, using high-quality soy wax, natural fragrances, and the right wick sizes to ensure a steady, delightful burn. Whether you're lighting a Witchy Bakery Service Soy Candle for a cozy evening or a March Family Christmas Soy Candle to celebrate the holiday season, you can trust that our candles will enhance your environment with the perfect ambiance.

Don’t forget to explore our full collection of literary-inspired candles and let their magical fragrances transport you to another world. Shop now at Aarka Origins for candles that offer more than just light—they offer an experience.