Why Do Candles Flicker? Causes & Fixes

Candle flame stability, a key indicator of candle performance, is often disrupted by various environmental and physical factors, leading many to ask: why do candles flicker? Air currents, a common cause, influence the convection process around the wick, affecting the consistent supply of fuel. The composition of candle wax, including paraffin wax blends, significantly impacts the evenness of the burn and, consequently, the steadiness of the flame. Even the length of the wick itself plays a critical role, as a wick that is too long can lead to an unstable and flickering flame due to excessive fuel delivery.

Understanding Candle Flicker: Causes and Solutions

A flickering candle flame, while often adding to ambiance, can also be a sign of underlying issues. Understanding why your candle flickers is the first step in preventing it and ensuring a clean, consistent burn. A structured approach to understanding this phenomenon is key to effectively diagnosing and resolving the problem.

To address "why do candles flicker", a thorough article should explore the various factors contributing to the flame’s instability. These factors can be broadly categorized into environmental, wick-related, and wax-related issues.

Environmental Factors Influencing Candle Flicker

The environment surrounding a candle has a significant impact on its burn. Even seemingly minor disturbances can trigger a flicker.

• Air Currents: This is the most common cause. Even a slight breeze, from an open window, a fan, or an air conditioning vent, can disrupt the flame, causing it to flicker. The air current pushes the flame, affecting the consistent flow of fuel to the combustion point.

• Drafts: Cold drafts entering a room can also impact the flame. As the cold air touches the warmer air around the candle, it can create turbulence that causes the flame to flicker.

• Location: Placing a candle near other objects can also affect its burn. For example, a candle positioned too close to a wall might experience changes in airflow as the heated air rises and interacts with the wall.

To easily remember these factors consider the table below:

Environmental Cause	Description
Air Currents	Breeze from windows, fans, or HVAC systems disrupts the flame.
Drafts	Cold air entering the room creates turbulence around the candle.
Location	Proximity to walls or other objects can influence airflow.

Wick-Related Issues Causing Flicker

The wick is the candle’s lifeline, drawing wax up to fuel the flame. Problems with the wick are a frequent cause of flickering.

1. Wick Size:

   • Too Small: A wick that’s too small struggles to melt enough wax to sustain a steady flame. This results in a weak, flickering flame that may even extinguish itself.
   • Too Large: Conversely, a wick that’s too large will consume too much wax, creating a large, unstable flame that flickers excessively and produces soot.

2. Wick Trim: An untrimmed wick becomes too long, leading to an uneven burn, excessive smoking, and flickering. The long wick becomes unstable and struggles to efficiently draw fuel up to the flame. Regularly trimming the wick to about ¼ inch is crucial.

3. Wick Position: If the wick isn’t centered, the candle will burn unevenly. This can cause flickering as the flame struggles to draw fuel from one side, leading to the other side burning inefficiently.

4. Wick Material: Some wick materials burn cleaner than others. Wicks that haven’t been properly treated, or are made from poor quality material, may produce more carbon, leading to flickering and soot.

Wax-Related Problems Leading to Flicker

The wax itself, its composition, and impurities within it can also contribute to a flickering flame.

• Wax Type: Different types of wax (paraffin, soy, beeswax) have different melting points and burn characteristics. Using the wrong wax for a particular wick size or candle container can lead to inefficient burning and flickering.

• Impurities: Dust, debris, or other foreign objects in the wax can interfere with the burning process. As the flame encounters these impurities, it can flicker and sputter.

• Uneven Melt Pool: An uneven melt pool can indicate that the wax isn’t melting evenly, potentially due to wick placement or drafts. This inconsistency in fuel delivery causes the flame to flicker.

Solutions and Preventative Measures

After identifying the causes for "why do candles flicker" it is appropriate to explore the solutions.

• Relocation: Move the candle to a location free from drafts and air currents. Experiment with different placements to find a stable environment.

• Wick Trimming: Regularly trim the wick to ¼ inch before each burn. This ensures a clean, even burn and minimizes flickering.

• Wick Centering: Use a wick centering device during candle making (if crafting your own candles) to ensure proper placement. If a commercially made candle has an off-center wick, consider returning it.

• Check Candle Size: Use the correct wick size. Candle makers need to test the candle before bulk production.

• Cleanliness: Keep the wax pool free from debris. Extinguish the candle and carefully remove any foreign objects that have fallen into the melted wax.

• Use a Candle Shade or Hurricane: These accessories can help protect the flame from drafts while also adding to the candle’s aesthetic.

• Improve Air Quality: Improve the air quality by using air purifiers or opening the window to allow fresh air to circulate around the room.

So, next time you’re enjoying the cozy ambiance of candlelight and notice that telltale flicker, you’ll be armed with the knowledge to troubleshoot! Whether it’s a draft, a wick that needs trimming, or something else entirely, understanding why do candles flicker can help you get back to enjoying that perfect, steady glow in no time. Happy burning!