My candle keeps going out - what to do?
A lit candle should give light and fragrance, not frustration. And yet... sometimes the wick goes out instead of burning. What then? Here are the most common causes and proven solutions - regardless of the type of candle.
1. Wick is too long or too short
The ideal wick length is about 3-5 mm. A flame that is too long will melt, and one that is too short may go out before it melts the wax. Solution: trim the wick with a trimmer before each lighting.
2. Wax floods the wick
Sometimes the wax dissolves unevenly and floods the wick, which has no power to burn. Solution: gently remove excess liquid wax with a spoon or chopstick.
3. Candle does not burn evenly
This is known as "tunneling". The flame creates a hole in the center, and wax remains around it. Solution: leave the candle lit until the top layer of wax is completely melted - especially on first use.
4. The candle stands in drag
Draught destabilizes the flame and can extinguish it. Solution: move the candle to a place free of air movement, for example, away from the window.
5. This is a candle with a wooden wick
Wooden wicks burn differently - they need time to ignite and may give only a small flame. Solution: make sure the wick is well trimmed and patiently light it for a few seconds.
If you have a candle with a wooden wick - read our guide dedicated only to this problem: What to do when a candle with a wooden wick goes out?
FAQ - frequently asked questions about fading candles
Why does my candle go out as soon as it is lit?
It could be a matter of too short a wick, too much wax in the pot, or a problem with air circulation.
Can I scrape the wax around the wick?
Yes, if the wick has been flooded - carefully remove excess wax, but do not scratch the glass or walls.
Can a poorly made candle keep going out?
Yes. Sometimes the problem is due to manufacturing errors, such as a wick that is too thick relative to the type of wax. It is then worth contacting the seller.
How to take care of a candle so that it does not go out?
Trim the wick regularly, don't blow it out and shorten the burn time - it really matters.