Jessie Taylor
Candles are a great way to set a relaxing mood, but a flickering flame can be distracting and even dangerous. A small, natural flicker is normal, but a constantly flickering candle can be a fire hazard and affect its burn life. Candles flicker for a variety of reasons, from the size of the wick to external factors like wind and drafts. In some folk traditions, a flickering candle is also seen as a spiritual sign.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Normal amount of flickering | Small, natural flicker |
| Reasons for flickering | Wind or draughts, impurities in the wax, incorrect wick size, carbon build-up, moisture, dust, air movement, ventilation, quality of candle, temperature, humidity, proximity to fabrics |
| Effects of flickering | Higher flame, increased heat, quicker burn, potential fire hazard, trance-inducing, stress-inducing, black smoke, carbon build-up, wax tunnelling |
| Solutions to flickering | Trim wick to 0.5cm, use a lid, keep candle away from draughts, wipe with a dry cloth, use a wind-resistant candle holder, use a metal disc, switch to a smaller wick |
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Wind or draughts
To prevent flickering caused by wind or draughts, it is advisable to keep candles away from open windows, doors, air vents, or fans. Even the subtle movement of air caused by someone walking by or opening a door can cause a candle to flicker. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of potential sources of draughts and ensure proper ventilation in the room to minimise air currents.
Additionally, it is worth noting that the interplay of heat, air movement, and combustion dynamics also contributes to candle flickering. The subtle fluctuations in temperature and air density surrounding the flame create convection currents that influence the candle's behaviour. This results in fluctuations in the size and intensity of the flame, leading to flickering.
Candle placement plays a crucial role in minimising the impact of wind or draughts. Keeping candles in draft-free areas, such as away from windowsills or open spaces, can help reduce air movement around the flame. Using candle accessories, such as candle boxes, holders, or jars, can also provide protection from external air currents and create a more stable flame.
By understanding and addressing the factors that contribute to wind or draughts, you can create a calmer and more controlled environment for your candles, minimising flickering and enjoying a steadier and more relaxing flame.
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Incorrect wick size
While a small amount of flickering in a candle is normal, an excessively flickering candle can be a fire hazard and can affect the overall burn and life of the candle. One of the most common reasons for a candle to flicker is wind or drafts. If a draft is strong enough to move curtains or blinds, it can definitely affect a candle wick and flame.
Another common cause of flickering is an incorrectly sized wick. If the wick is too thick, the flame may be high and burn too hot. This can cause the candle to burn through its wax too quickly, leading to an uneven wax pool and tunnelling. If the wick is too thin, the candle may struggle to stay lit. In either case, the incorrect wick size can cause the flame to flicker.
To prevent wick issues, it is recommended to trim the wick after each burn to 0.5 cm. This helps to prevent mushrooming, which is a carbon build-up on a burned candle that can cause the flame to become irregular. It is also important to keep candles in a cool, dry, and dark place to prevent moisture and dust from collecting on the wick, which can also cause flickering.
By choosing high-quality candles with properly sized wicks, such as those from Stān dle Aromatic, users can minimize flickering and enjoy a smooth, consistent burn. Additionally, always placing burning candles in an environment with a stable temperature can help reduce the mixing of hot and cool air, which can contribute to the flickering effect.
In summary, while a small amount of flickering is normal, excessive flickering can be dangerous and impact the candle's burn and lifespan. Incorrect wick sizing is a common cause of flickering, but this can be mitigated by choosing high-quality candles, proper storage, and regular wick trimming.
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Carbon build-up
A small, natural flicker in any candle is normal and can even be appealing. However, if the flickering is excessive, it can be a sign of carbon build-up, also known as "mushrooming". This occurs when there is a build-up of unburned carbon particles, or soot, on the wick, causing the flame to become irregular and the candle to burn through wax too quickly.
To prevent carbon build-up, it is recommended to trim the wick to 0.5 cm after each burn and to keep the candle covered when not in use. Ensuring that the candle is burned in a well-ventilated area can also help to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be caused by the accumulation of candle emissions in enclosed spaces.
While a small amount of flickering is normal, excessive flickering can indicate that the candle is burning through wax too quickly, producing an uneven wax pool, or "tunnelling". This can be a fire hazard and can affect the overall burn time and life of the candle. Therefore, it is important to address carbon build-up and take steps to prevent it, such as keeping candles away from draughts and ensuring that wicks are properly trimmed.
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Impure wax
A small, natural flicker in any candle is normal and can even be appealing. However, when the flickering is excessive, it can become a potential fire hazard and affect the overall burn and life of the candle.
One of the biggest reasons for a candle to flicker is wind or drafts. If a draft is strong enough to move curtains or blinds, it can definitely affect a candle's wick and flame.
Another common cause of flickering is impure wax. This can occur when a candle is left unattended without a lid in a humid area, causing it to collect moisture and dust. The presence of moisture and dust in the wax can significantly affect the burn, resulting in flickering. To prevent this, it is recommended to keep the candle's lid on after each burn, once it has cooled down, to prevent dirt, dust, or grime from settling on the wax. Additionally, wiping the candle with a dry cloth after it has cooled can help remove any impurities and maintain the quality of the wax.
Candles with large wicks can also contribute to flickering. These candles burn through the wax too quickly, disrupting the balance between the wick and the wax. This imbalance leads to an uneven wax pool, causing the flame to flicker and the candle to burn faster than intended. Similarly, wicks that are too small can create an uneven wax pool and result in tunnelling, affecting the stability of the flame.
In summary, impure wax, caused by moisture and dust, is a significant factor in candle flickering. To mitigate this, proper storage, regular cleaning, and the use of lids can help maintain the purity of the wax and reduce flickering. Additionally, ensuring the correct wick size for the wax is crucial to prevent excessive flickering and maintain a stable flame.
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Lack of ventilation
A candle flame flickering can be caused by a variety of factors, one of the most common being wind or drafts. However, a lack of ventilation can also cause a candle to flicker.
When a candle burns, it consumes oxygen from the air and releases carbon dioxide, water vapour, and heat. In a poorly ventilated space, the oxygen levels can decrease, causing the candle to flicker as it struggles to find enough oxygen to sustain the flame. This can be particularly noticeable if the room is small or enclosed.
Additionally, inadequate ventilation can lead to a build-up of carbon dioxide, which can be harmful to humans. Burning candles release carcinogenic toxins, including benzene, toluene, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein, as well as soot. Inadequate ventilation can cause these pollutants to accumulate, potentially aggravating asthma, triggering allergy-like symptoms, or irritating the respiratory tract.
To prevent candle flickering due to poor ventilation, ensure that the room has adequate airflow. Open a window or door, or use a fan to increase air circulation. Avoid burning candles in small, enclosed spaces without proper ventilation.
It is also important to maintain the candle itself. Trim the wick to the recommended length of 0.5 cm, as a longer wick can cause the candle to flicker and produce more soot. Additionally, keep the wax clean by using a lid or covering when the candle is not in use, as dust and impurities in the wax can affect the stability of the flame.
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Frequently asked questions
A small, natural flicker in any candle is normal and can even be appealing. However, a candle that flickers too much can become a potential fire hazard and can affect the overall burn and life of the candle.
Wind or draughts are the most common reasons that candles flicker. Other reasons include the size of the wick, impurities in the wax, and the presence of moisture or dust.
To stop a candle from flickering, try to keep it away from draughts and ensure that the wick is trimmed to the appropriate size. Keep the candle away from moisture and dust, and burn it in a well-ventilated room.
