We’ve all had that one moment when, after struggling to light the wick of a candle, you get a beautiful flame, only to find it smoking out and eventually extinguishing shortly after. We’ve all asked ourselves at some point, “why won’t my candle stay lit?” In this article, we will be exploring the underlying causes of this troubling issue, so that you can feel at ease the next time you are lighting a candle.
1. What Causes a Candle to Keep Going Out?
Candles are a popular source of light and ambience, but, frustratingly, they often keep going out on their own. Luckily, the simple solution is understanding the science behind this behavior.
As strange as it sounds, the key cause behind candles going out all the time is typically draft. Drafts represent any moving air, be it from an open door, a cracked window, or even an air conditioning vent. Any strong draft—even if it’s from just a single source—can carry the heat and air away from the flame, cooling it to its own detriment.
In addition to drafts, there are a few other factors which could cause your candle to go out. These include:
- A too-low wick, which can prevent the candle from getting the oxygen it needs to stay lit
- Exposure to direct sunlight, which can heat the candle and disrupt the flame
- A small room size, which doesn’t give the flame enough oxygen to grow and can cause it to become extinguished
The key to keeping your candle lit is to never leave it in a drafty situation or in direct sunlight. It’s also important to snuff out the flame when it becomes too low, as this can help to reduce the chances of it going out. With these simple steps, you can ensure your candle stays lit long enough for you to enjoy it—without the frustrations.
2. Investigating Possible Causes of Candle Extinguishing
In order to investigate the causes of a candle extinguishing, we need to look at the possible phenomena involved. Let’s break it down into 5 categories to address:
Air Flow – Any external movement of air towards or away from the flame will cause the wax to cool faster, which reduces or removes the heat source which allows the flame to remain lit.
Chemistry – A candle consists of wax, oil and an outside shell. If any one of these substances changes due to external elements, this can affect the burning process.
Temperature – Placing the candle in a cool area or a location exposed to strong draft air can cause it to extinguish quickly.
Intense Heat – Introducing a strong source of heat to the environment can quickly deplete some of the wax, resulting in the additional fuel needed to stay lit.
Pressure – Pressure can affect the chemical burning rate and prevent a correct flame from forming, meaning the candle is likely to extinguish if the pressure is either too high or too low.
By understanding the possible causes behind a candle extinguishing, you can adjust the environment and candle correctly to ensure it continues to burn. Try different approaches or changing the wax and wick to see which helps. No two candles are the same, so it’s a trial and error process to get it right.
3. How to Windproof Your Candle Flame
To Protect the Flame, it is important to consider windproofing your candle flame. Wind can quickly blow out a candle wick and the flame will have to be re-lit if that happens. Here’s how to protect it.
- Ensure that the candle is placed in an area that does not have an open window or other source of direct wind.
- If you do need to place the candle near a window, ensure that it is far enough away that the wind will not blow the flame out.
- Make sure that the flame itself is not too large. A bigger flame will flicker more, making it more vulnerable to the wind.
You can also use special candle shields if you need to place a candle near a window. These shields act as a barrier to the wind, allowing the flame to stay lit in even the gustiest of winds.
In addition, consider adding a little extra wax around the edge of the candle to strengthen the windproofing. This is especially useful if you have a candle in a jar or other container. The wax will act as a seal to protect the wick and help to keep the flame burning.
By following these tips on , you can make sure that you can enjoy your candles even in windy conditions.
4. Identifying the Right Wick Size for the Candle
To get the desired look, smell, and longevity out of a candle, selecting the right wick size is essential. There are a few different factors to consider when doing this, so let’s break them down and discuss each of them.
Wax: Different waxes tend to require different wick sizes. Beeswax candles, for instance, are generally better off with small wICKS, as they tend to burn hotter and longer than paraffin and soy waxes.
Container size: The size of your candle’s container will also make a difference in the wick size you select. A larger container will require a bigger wick, so as to capitalize on the potential of the greater volume of wax.
Scent: While unscented candles won’t require any special wick considerations, a scented candle is another story. The more scent you add, the bigger the wick should be, to ensure the candle reaches its full potential.
Burn time: Of course, you’ll also want to consider the intended burn time of your candle. Longer burn times require bigger wicks for an even burn and consistent flame.
To sum up: with careful consideration of the type of wax, size of your container, amount of scent, and intended burn time, you can select and trim the perfect wick size for your candle, and truly make it one-of-a-kind.
5. Examining the Appropriate Height of a Candle
The Wax Queen – Everyone knows the queen of the room is the most important piece of furniture, but have you ever thought about what makes this chair so regal? Luckily, we’ve got you covered!
There’s one component to the perfect Queen that’s often overlooked, but essential–the height of the candle. Too high or too low, and the room just won’t have the same impact. Follow these guidelines for finding the ideal measurement for your throne.
- Measure from the tabletop to the ceiling. This will help give you the estimate of the approximate height.
- Measure the size of the candle. Make sure the height of the candle is proportional to the width of the own to look right in the room.
- Check the scale of the furniture. If the candle is too big, it can make the room look unbalanced.
- Think about the atmosphere. Consider the mood you want to create in the space. Larger candles can provide a more dramatic atmosphere, while smaller ones can create a more cozy, romantic effect.
Once you’ve found the right ratio of height and size, you’ve got yourself a candle fit for a queen. All that’s left is to bask in the beauty of the perfect room accent.
6. Tips to Ensure Continuous Candle Burning
Having a candle burning continuously for a long time so can seem like a major challenge, especially when the heat of the flame causes wax to evaporate faster than expected. Here are some helpful tips to stop your candles from burning up too quickly, so that you can keep them burning, uninterrupted, for longer periods of time.
Choice of Candle
The first thing to consider when ensuring a long-lasting candle flame is to choose the right type of candle. Candles which are thick and heavy are ideal. Look for candles which have a good wax-to-wick ratio – the thicker the wax, the longer the flame will burn. Paraffin-based candles tend to burn longer than soy-based candles.
Wicks and Wick Trimming
Wick and trimming is a key component of ensuring a long-lasting flame. Keep the wicks of your candle trimmed to around 1/4 inch at all times. This will help to ensure the flame burns evenly. Also, choose a wide wick to create a bigger flame, as this will help to conserve wax and keep the candle burning for longer. The wider wick will also promote better air circulation, which helps the flame stay lit.
- Burn your candle for no more than 4 hours at a time.
- Inspect the candles before lighting to remove any dirt, dust, or debris.
- Avoid burning in a draughty room.
- Ensure the container is large enough to support the entire candle flame.
- If the candle starts to flicker, use a small fan to create a breeze around the candle.
By following these simple tips, you should be able to enjoy the pleasant glow of your candle for many hours at a time. Lastly, always make sure to never leave your candles unattended, and always set a timer to ensure maximum safety. With a bit of know-how, your candle burning experience will be a pleasant one!
7. Concluding Thoughts on Candle Lighting Solutions
Candle lighting solutions have been used in both industrial and residential applications for many centuries. From the most essential lighting equipment to the most advanced technology, there are a plethora of options to suit a variety of activities. Candle lighting offers a great range of advantages not only for safety and convenience, but also in providing a unique ambience to any room.
When considering a candle lighting solution, the first step is to choose a style that meets your needs and tastes. From traditional wax candles to modern flameless LED candles, there is a look for everyone. There are even flameless options available with remotes so that you can control your lighting from afar. For greater energy efficiency, solar-powered candles can be a great option.
Furthermore, selecting a candle flame size is an important step to determine how much light each candle will produce. For a shrill effect, a small flame will do the job. Similarly, a larger flame will offer a greater light output. Overall, both style and lighting size will combine to create the ideal atmosphere for any meeting, dinner or special event.
In conclusion, when selecting a candle lighting solution, there are a number of considerations to take into account. From traditional wax arrangements to more technical LED systems, the options are vast enough for everyone. Once you have chosen the best fitting solution for your needs, you can then set the scene for any occasion with the perfect light.
Having trouble lighting a candle? Don’t worry—there are easy solutions to the problem. With a few simple fixes, your candle can be burning brightly in no time. No need to fret over a flickering flame; with this guide you’ll never have to worry about why your candle won’t stay lit again.