(Because No One Wants Their Ceiling Looking Like a Chimney)
We’ve all been there—you light a candle, expecting a cozy, flickering glow, and instead, it starts puffing out black smoke like it’s auditioning for a steam engine revival. Not the vibe. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back! Here’s how to keep your candles burning clean and soot-free so your walls (and lungs) stay happy.
1. Trim That Wick, Babe ✂️
Long wicks = bigger flames = more soot. A wick that’s too long gets wild and unruly, causing excessive smoke. The fix? Trim your wick to 1/4 inch before every burn. Yes, every single time. A wick trimmer makes it easy, but scissors work too—just don’t go Edward Scissorhands on it.
👉 Pro tip: If you’re feeling fancy, grab a wick trimmer.
2. Let It Burn… But Not Too Long ⏳
We get it—sometimes you just want that candle lit all day. But burning for more than 4 hours at a time can cause the wick to mushroom (a.k.a. form a weird, sooty blob on top). This leads to—you guessed it—black smoke. Instead, give your candle a break, let it cool, and relight it later.
3. Keep It Out of the Draft Zone 💨
Candles don’t love drama. If your candle is near an open window, fan, or AC vent, the flickering flame struggles to stay steady, leading to—you guessed it—soot. Find a cozy, wind-free spot to keep your candle burning clean and peacefully.
4. Clean Your Jar, Because Candles Deserve Self-Care Too 🛁
Notice black residue on the inside of your candle jar? That’s soot buildup, and it’s a sign your wick might be too long or your candle needs a trim. Wipe the jar clean with a dry paper towel before relighting to avoid extra smoky situations.
5. Use High-Quality Candles (Wink Wink 😉) 🕯️
Cheap candles with low-quality wax and fragrance oils tend to burn dirtier. Mrs. Frizz & Co. candles are made with premium, clean-burning ingredients—so if you want less soot, start with a better candle. Just saying.
6. Ditch the Blowout – Snuff It Instead 🚫💨
Blowing out your candle sends soot flying everywhere. Instead, use a candle snuffer or wick dipper to extinguish the flame gently. Bonus: It stops your room from smelling like burnt wick.
👉 Another Amazon link here for a snuffer, because you’re fancy like that.
Final Thoughts: Keep It Clean, Keep It Cozy
A little wick maintenance goes a long way! With these simple tricks, you can keep your candles burning beautifully, without the dreaded soot. So go forth, light up, and enjoy your candle without turning your home into a tiny smokehouse.