How Do You Solve A Little To The Left Candle?

What is a ‘little to the left’ candle?

A ‘little to the left’ candle refers to a taper or pillar candle that is leaning or tilting to one side instead of standing straight up.

This happens for a few main reasons:

The wick may be off-center, causing the flame to burn unevenly and make the candle lean toward the hottest part of the flame. An off-center wick is often caused by the wick not being straight when the candle was poured.

The candle holder or surface may not be level, causing the candle to slowly lean as the wax melts. Vibrations from foot traffic or slamming doors can also gradually make a candle start to tilt if it is on an uneven surface.

If the candle wax was too warm when poured, it can create an uneven candle with one side thicker/heavier than the other, resulting in a leaning candle as it burns.

Finally, if the candle isn’t allowed to properly cure and stabilize after being poured, it may not develop an evenly distributed structure, creating a leaning candle when burnt.

Check the candle wick

The first step when dealing with a leaning candle flame is to check the wick and see if it is centered properly or not. An off-center wick that is leaning to one side can cause uneven burning and is the most common reason for a leaning flame.

Look down at the top of the candle when it is lit. Is the wick centered in the middle of the melted wax pool? Or does it seem to be off to one side, closer to the edge? If the wick is off-center, this imbalance is what causes it to lean and burn unevenly to one side.

According to candle expert Christina Maser, “An uncentered wick causes a candle to burn unevenly, leaving dark soot on one side of the glass. Aesthetically, it’s not very pretty, and it also poses potential fire risks” (Source).

So checking wick centering and fixing any imbalance is the first step to take when dealing with a leaning candle flame before moving on to other potential solutions.

Check the candle holder or surface

One of the most common causes of a leaning candle is an uneven or angled candle holder or surface. If the holder or surface is not completely flat and level, it can cause the candle to lean to one side as the wax melts. Some things to check:

• Ensure the candle holder or plate is placed on a flat, stable surface. An uneven table or shelf can cause the candle holder to tilt.
• Inspect the bottom of the candle holder. If it wobbles or rocks at all, this likely means it is uneven and needs to be replaced or stabilized.
• Try placing the candle holder on a different surface, like a table or shelf, to determine if the original location was uneven.
• For candlesticks and taper holders, check that the base is properly aligned and sits flat without rocking back and forth.
• Check around the candle holder for small items like pebbles or debris that could be propping one side up.
• Carefully bend or adjust any metal candle holders that are misshapen or bent.

If the candle leans consistently in one direction, the holder is likely angled or placed on an uneven surface. A stable, flat holder or base is essential for keeping candles straight while they burn.

Trim the wick

One of the most common reasons for a leaning candle is having a wick that is too long. As the candle burns, a long wick will produce a larger flame that melts the wax more quickly on one side, causing the candle to lean to that side. According to candle experts, wicks should be trimmed to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to prevent uneven burning.

The Harlem Candle Company recommends trimming wicks every 4 hours of burn time for optimal performance. They advise using scissors or a wick trimmer specifically designed for candles to neatly trim wicks without leaving ragged edges (source). Martha Stewart also suggests checking wicks before each lighting, as wicks may mushroom or bend as the candle burns down (source).

Trimming the wick to the proper height prevents it from dipping into the wax pool or protruding too far above. This helps curb issues like tunneling, sooting, and uneven melting that can make candles lean to one side.

Use proper candle holders

Using the right candle holder can help prevent candles from leaning to one side while burning. The material, size and shape of the holder all play a role.

Candle holders made from non-flammable materials like glass, metal or ceramic work better than more flammable options like wood or plastic. Materials like glass and metal dissipate heat well, helping the wax melt evenly.

The holder should be sized appropriately for the candle. Taper candles need a holder with a sturdy base to keep them upright. Vessel holders for jar or pillar candles should be 1-2 inches wider than the candle all around to allow proper air flow.

Avoid holders with sharp corners or narrow necks which can lead to uneven burning. Rounded, open holders work best for even melt. Taper holders should have a wide, flat base.

Candle followers are a tool that sits on top of a burning pillar or jar candle, pressing down on the melted wax to help maintain an even burn surface. These can be especially useful for preventing leaning in container candles.

Properly pairing the right holder shape and size with your candle can help prevent leaning, tunneling and uneven burning issues.

Pour candles at the proper temperature

One of the most common causes of a leaning candle is pouring the wax at too low of a temperature. Most wax types, including paraffin, soy, and beeswax, need to be poured between 150-160°F to adhere properly to the sides and bottom of the container or mold (1). If the wax is too cool when poured, it can start to solidify before evenly coating the container, leading to an uneven base that makes the candle prone to leaning as it burns.

According to experts, pillar candles made from paraffin wax will get the best results when poured above 180°F. Container candles typically require lower pour temperatures between 125-145°F (2). The ideal pouring temperature can vary slightly based on factors like your climate and the wax formula. If your candles are leaning, try experimenting by slowly increasing your pour temperature in 5-10 degree increments until you find the optimal range.

The most important thing is to avoid pouring wax that feels even slightly thickened or solidified. Maintaining wax at the proper pouring temperature ensures it flows smoothly into the container and adheres evenly for a centered, straight candle.

Allow candles to cure before burning

An important step for preventing candles from leaning is to allow ample curing time before lighting them. Curing refers to the process of allowing candles to rest undisturbed after being poured and cooled. This stabilization period is crucial because it allows the wax and fragrance oils to fully bind together.

According to Late Harvest Candle Co., curing is one key step to ensuring wonderfully strong scent in candles. They recommend at least 1-2 weeks of curing time before burning, as this allows the wax and fragrance to properly set up (source). Rushed or improper curing can lead to issues like diminished scent throw, inconsistent burn, and leaning or mushrooming of the candle.

Additionally, research shows that curing helps stabilize wax crystallization. As candles cool after pouring, the wax goes through molecular changes. Curing allows this process to fully complete, preventing future issues with wax expansion or contraction as the candle burns. Properly cured candles are less likely to bend, warp, or lean to one side (source).

So for straighter, better burning candles, patience is a virtue. Allow 1-2 weeks of curing before lighting, and reap the rewards of a properly stabilized wax and fragrance.

Store candles properly

Proper storage is key to maintaining your candles’ shape and ensuring they burn evenly. Heat and sunlight can warp candles over time, so it’s best to store them in a cool, dry place away from direct light. An ideal storage temperature is around 60-68°F.

For pillar or taper candles, store them upright in jars, canisters, or sturdy boxes so they don’t bend out of shape. You can use a candle holder or place padding at the bottom of containers to help candles stand upright. According to Supplies for Candles, storing pillar candles on their sides can cause them to warp or lose their shape.

Consider keeping candles in a closet, cabinet, or basement, which tend to be darker and more temperature-stable. Make sure storage containers are clean and have tight lids to prevent dust and pests from getting in.

When to stop burning a leaning candle

Burning a leaning candle can be dangerous, as the flame is no longer properly centered and the wax can pool unevenly. There are some key signs it is time to stop burning a leaning candle.

According to Creative Candles, if the candle leans so much that the flame touches the side of the container, stop burning immediately. The container can get dangerously hot. Allow the candle to stand upright until it cools and hardens again before attempting to re-light.

Additionally, if the wick is leaning substantially to one side, it’s time to stop burning, according to Candle Safety Tips. Trim the wick and allow the candle to rest upright until the wax resets before burning again. If the candle continues to lean with every burn, it likely has an air bubble and may need to be discarded.

Discard a leaning candle if the flame flares up far beyond the wick, which is a sign of unsafe burning conditions, advises Candle Safety Tips. It’s also time to throw the candle away if more than 1/2 inch of unmelted wax remains on one side, as the uneven burn cannot be corrected.

Lastly, if the lean worsens with each burn or makes you nervous, err on the side of safety and discontinue use of the candle, recommends Quora. An unevenly burning candle is unpredictable and poses risks.

When to ask for help or get a new candle

There are some instances when a leaning or tunneling candle is beyond salvaging. Here are signs that indicate it’s time to get a new candle:

The wick is completely covered in wax before finishing burning – This makes it impossible for the wick to draw up more wax. Attempting to dig out the wick often leads to breaking it.¹

The wax pool leans drastically to one side – If the wax pool leans more than about 1/4 inch from center, the uneven burn can’t be corrected.²

The glass or container is damaged – Things like cracks in glass containers mean the candle can’t burn properly and evenly. A damaged container also poses safety risks.

You’ve tried wick trimming and adjusting holders and the candle continues tunneling and leaning – After several attempts troubleshooting, some candles may be imperfectly made and can’t burn well.

In these cases, it’s best to stop burning the candle and replace it. Continuing to burn a severely tunneling or leaning candle risks wasted wax, damage, and potential fire hazards. If the candle is new, you may want to contact the manufacturer for a replacement.