Problem
Why does a candle soot?
Soot is most often the wick drawing too much fuel: a long tip, a thick size, a draft, or fragrance/dye beyond oil saturation. Trim the wick to ~5 mm, cut the draft and weigh the load.
First check: the trim
Leave the wick at about 5 mm before every burn. A long curled tip produces black smoke and sooty glass. If there is a mushroom (carbon lump), remove the tip; see the separate guide.
Wick and recipe
A wick that is thick for the inner diameter heats the glass and soots. Soya Wax 50 is oily, but a firmer wick is not always better; a burn test is essential. When the fragrance goes beyond 6–10%, the flame suffocates and soot increases. Limit granule dye to ~1%; do not use water-based/food coloring.
Environment
Windows, air conditioners and fans bend the flame and leave soot. Use a flat, draft-free surface. Do not burn for more than 4 hours in a single session; watch the glass temperature.
Soot: decision
| Observation | First move |
|---|---|
| Long flame / black smoke | 5 mm trim |
| Glass heats up, soot | One size thinner wick |
| Wick drowns in the wax | Lower the load, firm up the wick |
| Draft | Change the position |
FAQs
Doesn't soy wax soot?
The clean-burn claim holds with the right wick and load. The wrong size and too much fragrance make soy soot too.
How do I clean sooty glass?
Extinguish and let it cool. Wipe with a damp cloth; do not scrub while burning. If the soot is persistent, change the recipe.
Choose Materials From Stock
You can order the product groups in this guide by quantity from the Rufus Concept catalog.