Maddie James
Candles are a great way to fill your home with a pleasant aroma and create a cozy ambiance. However, you may have noticed that your candle jars sometimes turn black or brown. This is typically caused by candle soot, which is the result of incomplete combustion when the flame melting the wax and the rate of wax fueling the flame are imbalanced. To prevent your candles from turning brown or black, there are several simple habits you can adopt. Firstly, choose high-quality candles made with natural waxes that burn cleaner, such as soy wax or coconut wax. Avoid candles with excessive fragrance oils or additives, as these can affect the combustion process and lead to increased soot production. Additionally, maintain proper wick length by regularly trimming the wick to about a quarter of an inch before each burn. Ensure your candles are away from drafts, as a flickering flame caused by inconsistent combustion can also produce more soot. Finally, when extinguishing your candles, avoid blowing them out, as this releases soot-containing smoke. Instead, use a lid, a candle snuffer, or simply let the candle burn out naturally.
How to stop candles from turning brown:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of wax | Opt for soy wax, beeswax, or vegetable-wax candles. Paraffin wax candles are known to produce more soot. |
| Wick length | Keep the wick trimmed to ¼ inch before each burn to limit sooting and mushrooming. |
| Candle extinguishing | Avoid blowing out the flame as this releases soot. Use a lid or a candle snuffer to extinguish the flame instead. |
| Placement | Keep candles away from drafts to avoid an uneven flame that produces more soot. |
| Fragrance oils | Avoid fragrance oils that contain vanillin, an organic compound found in vanilla, as this can cause candles to turn brown. |
| Temperature | Keep the room where your candles are curing at a consistent warm temperature to prevent wet spots. |
| Surface | Place candles on a wire rack instead of a solid surface to prevent the candle from setting unevenly. |
| Wax blend | Use a softer wax or blend one into your harder wax to make it less likely to contract and pull away from the glass. |
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What You'll Learn
Avoid fragrance oils with vanillin
Candle discoloration is often specific to the individual fragrance oil that was used, although not all fragrances will cause discoloration. A common synthetic component that is well known for discolouring candles is vanillin. Vanillin is an organic compound that is found in vanilla and makes up 80% of its flavour. Natural vanilla/vanillin is scarce and expensive, so scientists have found a way to synthesise it in a laboratory for a much lower cost. Vanillin is used in many fragrance oils because it is a nice complement to other ingredients. It adds a lovely, sweet, and warm element to a scent. Unfortunately, oxidation causes vanillin to take on a beige-to-brown colour when exposed to light and oxygen. Over time, your candle will darken in colour because of this. The only way to stop this from happening is to use fragrance oils that have little to no vanillin in them.
Vanillin is a common additive in fragrance oils, and it is often added to enhance the scent of the oil. While vanillin can make a fragrance oil smell sweeter and more appealing, it can also cause the oil to turn brown over time. This is because vanillin is sensitive to light and oxygen, and when exposed to these elements, it undergoes a chemical reaction that results in discolouration. This discolouration can then be transferred to the candle wax, causing it to turn brown.
Fragrance oils that contain vanillin are often derived from vanilla and can be synthetic or natural. Natural vanilla/vanillin is rare and expensive, so most fragrance oils that contain vanillin use the synthetic version. This synthetic vanillin is created in a laboratory and is designed to mimic the scent and properties of natural vanillin as closely as possible. However, the synthetic version is more susceptible to discolouration than its natural counterpart.
To avoid your candles from turning brown, it is important to choose fragrance oils that do not contain vanillin. This may require some research and experimentation, as not all fragrance oils are created equal. Some oils may contain small amounts of vanillin, while others may be completely free of it. It's also important to note that even if a fragrance oil does not contain vanillin, it may still cause discolouration due to other ingredients or additives.
When choosing a fragrance oil for candle making, it is important to consider the potential for discolouration. If you are concerned about your candles turning brown, it is best to avoid fragrance oils that contain vanillin. However, it's worth noting that vanillin is not the only ingredient that can cause discolouration, and other factors such as wax type and storage conditions can also play a role. Ultimately, the best way to prevent discolouration is to experiment with different ingredients and storage methods to find what works best for your candles.
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Choose high-quality candles
While candle discoloration is often specific to the individual fragrance oil used, it can also be caused by the type of wax. For example, soy wax is known to discolour over time, while paraffin wax candles are known to produce more black smoke and soot compared to soy wax, beeswax, and vegetable-wax candles.
Candle wax turning brown can be caused by fragrance oils containing vanilla, which will cause yellowing or browning when exposed to sunlight. Natural ingredients such as cinnamon and citrus can also add colour to your candles. A common synthetic component that discolours candles is vanillin, an organic compound found in vanilla. Oxidation causes vanillin to turn beige to brown when exposed to light and oxygen.
To avoid candle discolouration, opt for high-quality candles made from well-made wax that burns cleaner than cheap alternatives. For example, Sweet U Candles uses high-quality soy wax that burns cleaner than cheap paraffin candles. If you're making your own candles, use all-natural waxes and purchase good-quality candles. Check out Aluminate Life, where every hand-poured candle is made with a proprietary all-natural coconut wax blend.
To summarise, choosing high-quality candles made from well-made wax can help prevent candle discolouration. Look for candles without colourants or fragrances added to the wax, as these can affect the combustion process and cause discolouration. Opt for natural waxes and purchase from reputable brands that use high-quality ingredients. By investing in high-quality candles, you can not only prevent discolouration but also enjoy a cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing burning experience.
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Trim wicks regularly
While candles turning brown is usually harmless and mostly a cosmetic issue, it can be a sign of excess soot production. Soot is a powdery black substance made of tiny carbon particles released from the flame during incomplete combustion. This happens when there is too much wax for the wick and flame to consume, causing the flame to flicker.
Trimming wicks regularly is an effective way to limit sooting and mushrooming. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Trim the wick: Before lighting a candle, ensure the wick is trimmed to 1/4 inch (0.635 cm). This helps maintain a consistent flame size and prevents the wick from burning too quickly or catching fire.
- Use the right tools: A wick trimmer is ideal, but if you don't have one, nail clippers or scissors can also do the job.
- Frequency: For container candles, trim the wick after each use. For jarred or votive candles, trim them every few burns until the wick reaches about 1 inch (2.54 cm) in length.
- Safety: Always ensure the candle is extinguished before trimming the wick. This prevents any risk of accidentally igniting the trimmed wick remnants.
- Storage: Keep trimmed wick remnants away from the candle to avoid debris falling into the wax.
By regularly trimming your candle wicks, you can help reduce soot buildup and enjoy a cleaner burning experience.
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Avoid drafts
A flickering flame is a sign of inconsistent combustion, which can lead to the production of soot. Drafts from windows, doorways, or vents can cause the flame to flicker, increasing the likelihood of soot accumulating on the jar. This is because a flickering flame will draw oil up the wick at an inconsistent rate, sometimes too much and sometimes too little. When there is too much oil drawn into the wick and then the flame shrinks, not all of it gets burned and the excess turns into soot.
To avoid this, keep your candles away from drafts. Close windows and doors and avoid placing candles near vents or fans. If you are unable to avoid drafts, consider using candles with containers or open tops, which will allow the hot wax to drip down their sides rather than onto furniture and walls. Alternatively, place a candle snuffer over the candle when it is not in use.
It is also important to keep candles on low surfaces such as tables or mantels, rather than high surfaces like bookshelves or cabinets, where they are more likely to drip wax onto flammable materials below.
By following these tips, you can help prevent your candles from turning black due to soot accumulation and maintain their appearance and performance.
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Use softer wax
While candle discoloration is common and does not impact the performance of the candle, it can be undesirable for candle makers. One way to prevent this is by using softer waxes, such as coconut wax or softer paraffin waxes. These waxes are less likely to contract and pull away from the sides of the jar, which can cause wet spots and an uneven appearance. By opting for softer waxes, you can maintain the cosmetic appeal of your candles while also reducing the likelihood of discolouration.
Soft waxes, such as coconut wax, are known for their resistance to discolouration. They are less prone to the effects of temperature changes, which can cause harder waxes to contract and create unsightly marks. Coconut wax, in particular, has a higher melting point than other waxes, which means it is less likely to be affected by temperature fluctuations and subsequent discolouration. This wax is also a popular choice for those seeking a more sustainable option, as it is a natural by-product with a lower environmental impact.
Additionally, softer waxes tend to have a slower burn rate, which can contribute to their reduced discolouration. The slower burn rate means that the wax takes longer to reach the same level of liquefaction as harder waxes. As a result, the colour of the wax has more time to remain consistent, and you are less likely to notice any discolouration during the burning process. This slower burn rate can also contribute to a longer-lasting candle, providing both aesthetic and functional benefits.
Another benefit of using softer waxes is their blendability. They can be easily blended with harder waxes to create a custom wax blend that suits your specific needs. For example, if you prefer the hardness of soy wax but want to reduce discolouration, you can blend it with a softer wax like coconut wax. This custom blend allows you to maintain the structural integrity of your candle while taking advantage of the discolouration-resistant properties of softer waxes.
Furthermore, softer waxes often have a more subtle fragrance, which can be desirable if you want to avoid strong scents. Their softer scent can also contribute to a more gradual release of fragrance as the candle burns, creating a more consistent and long-lasting aroma. This is especially beneficial if you plan to add fragrance oils, as the softer wax will complement and enhance the scent without overwhelming it.
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Frequently asked questions
Candles can turn brown due to oxidation caused by fragrance oils with vanillin in them coming into contact with light and oxygen.
To prevent your candles from turning brown, use fragrance oils with little to no vanillin.
Yes, another way to prevent candles from turning brown is to avoid exposing them to light and oxygen.
