Why Is My Candle Sputtering?

What is candle sputtering?

Candle sputtering is when a burning candle produces crackling, spitting, hissing, or popping sounds, accompanied by an uneven flame. The candle wax may bubble and even spatter small bits of melted wax within a few inches of the flame. Candles that have multiple wicks may have some wicks that sputter while other wicks burn normally.

This phenomenon, sometimes called candle “dancing,” happens when the wick is unable to draw up wax fast enough to keep pace with the flame. The wick chars and doesn’t burn smoothly, causing wax around the wick to boil and spit (“sputtering candle – Pesquisa do TikTok,” TikTok). The candle can’t vaporize wax quickly enough, so melted wax bubbles up around the wick. The flame becomes unstable and may flicker or change shapes. Burning candles should generally have a steady, tapered flame.

Sputtering occurs when there is an improper wax-to-wick ratio. The wick may be too small for the amount of wax it needs to burn. Environmental factors like drafts can also cause sputtering. Fixing the issues that lead to sputtering can help candles burn correctly with a calm, even flame.

Wick Issues

One of the most common reasons for candle sputtering is that the wick is too short, not centered properly, or the wrong size for the candle. This source explains that if the wick is too short, it can cause the flame to be extinguished by the melted wax pool. The wick needs to be long enough to keep the flame burning above the melted wax. A short wick results in the flame being drowned in the wax.

An off-center wick may also lead to sputtering. If the wick is not centered properly in the wax, the flame can tilt and become unstable. This uneven burning can cause the wax to pool higher on one side, bringing the wick down into the wax and extinguishing the flame. Properly centering the wick allows for an even burn and consistent melting of the wax pool.

Using the wrong size wick for the particular candle can also lead to sputtering issues. The wick must be proportional to the size of the candle diameter and wax composition. An oversized wick can get too hot, while an undersized wick does not allow the wax to melt properly. Referring to the manufacturer’s guidelines on wick sizing can prevent many sputtering problems.

Wax issues

One common cause of candle sputtering is low quality or improper wax. Certain types of waxes, like paraffin, are more prone to issues than higher quality waxes like soy or beeswax.

If the wax is too soft, it can melt and pool too quickly, overwhelming the wick and causing sputtering and an uneven burn. This often happens with low quality paraffin candles. Switching to a harder soy or beeswax can help.

Wax pooling, where wax melts into a liquid pool instead of vaporizing, can also lead to sputtering. This happens when the wax is too soft or the wick is too thin. Try using a thicker wick or harder wax (Source).

In general, higher quality waxes like soy and beeswax will have fewer sputtering issues than cheaper paraffin waxes. But any wax can sputter if the quality is poor or the wax specifications don’t match the wick and candle design.

Container Issues

One of the most common causes of candle sputtering is the container the candle is in. If the container is too small, narrow, or exposed to drafts, it can lead to an unstable flame.

Drafts in particular are a major cause of sputtering. According to The Flaming Candle, you should move candles away from vents, windows, doors or any other sources of drafts. Air currents disrupt the flame and cause it to sputter.

Containers that are too small or narrow don’t allow proper air circulation around the flame. According to PartyLite, the container should be large enough for the candle size to prevent sputtering. Wider containers provide more oxygen to feed the flame.

Choosing an appropriately sized candle holder that protects from drafts will help prevent sputtering from container issues.

Environmental factors

Certain environmental conditions can cause candle sputtering. High altitude, low barometric pressure, and high humidity are three key factors that can lead to sputtering.

At high altitudes, the lower air pressure means lower oxygen levels. Since candle flames need oxygen to burn properly, the flame can start to sputter and smoke at high elevations. According to a source, candles may not burn as brightly or steadily above 3,000 feet in elevation https://kalamazoocandle.com/blogs/learn-about-candles/candle-sweating.

Similarly, low barometric pressure from weather events like storms can decrease oxygen availability and make candle flames sputter. The lower pressure changes the air-fuel dynamics inside the flame.

High humidity introduces moisture into the air, which can be drawn into the candle wax and wick. This moisture causes the wick to curl and distort, preventing smooth wax capillary action. It also makes the wax softer, allowing the wick to bend over into the melt pool. High humidity is a common cause of candle sputtering. Keeping candles away from humid areas like bathrooms may help reduce sputtering https://www.partylite.com/our-community/post/why-do-my-candles-flicker-and-how-can-i-fix-it.

Improper Burning

One of the most common causes of candle sputtering and tunneling is improper burning techniques. Specifically when a candle burns for too long or too hot, it can create issues. According to the Harlem Candle Company, “Candle tunneling happens when a candle is burnt for too long at once” [1]. When a candle burns for several hours nonstop, it focuses the heat on melting wax directly above the wick. This causes the wax around the edges and sides to remain unmelted, creating a tunnel shape.

Additionally, burning a candle too hot by leaving the flame too high can lead to sputtering. As Armatage Candle Company explains, “If the flame is too high it will liquefy the wax pool at a faster rate than ideal” [2]. This rapid melting around the wick prevents the rest of the wax from pooling properly, resulting in uneven burning and tunneling.

To prevent improper burning, it’s recommended to keep each burn session to 1-2 hours and trim wicks to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to maintain a lower flame height. This will allow for more controlled, even melting and burning.

Dust and debris

If your candle is sputtering or crackling, it could be due to dust and debris in your environment. A dusty room or bugs and pests can cause issues with your candle’s burn.

As your candle melts, tiny specks of dust and debris in the air can get caught in the melted wax. When the candle continues to burn, these particles of dust then ignite, causing the wax to crackle and pop. The hot air from the flame can also draw dust and bugs towards the candle.

To avoid issues with dust, be sure to burn your candle in a clean environment. Wipe down surfaces around the candle holder regularly and vacuum dust that may accumulate nearby. Avoid burning candles in rooms prone to dust like basements or attics. You can also purchase candles with lids or hurricane lamps to help protect the flame from attracting dust and bugs.

Additionally, trim your wick to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to promote an even burn. This helps prevent dust from clinging directly to the wick where it is more likely to ignite and crackle (Cite source: https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/g1cmv/when_my_candle_is_lit_why_does_dust_caught_in_the/). With a little preventative maintenance, you can avoid the crackling caused by environmental dust.

Old Candles

Just like food, candles also have an expiration date. The main ingredients in candles are wax and fragrance oils. Over time, these ingredients can start to degrade, causing issues like sputtering when the candle is burned. Some signs that a candle is too old and expiring include:

Candles typically have a shelf life of 1-2 years if stored properly. Heat, light, and oxygen will shorten the lifespan. Storing candles in a cool, dark place can help prolong freshness. But even in ideal conditions, the fragrance oils and wax can start to naturally break down over time. Old candles may lose their scent throw or burn unevenly.

Wicks in old candles can also become brittle or off-center. As the wax melts down, the wick has less support and is more prone to issues like sputtering. The wax itself may become dried out or separated into layers. This can prevent the wax from pooling properly as the candle burns, leading to poor performance.

Bottom line – if your candle is over a year or two old, the natural aging of the wax and wicks can lead to sputtering issues. Fresher candles stored properly will burn cleaner and more evenly. If your candle is sputtering and you’ve had it for a long time, it may be a sign it’s expired and time to replace it.

Fixing sputtering

If your candle is sputtering, there are a few things you can try to fix the issue:

Trim the wick – Use scissors or nail clippers to trim the wick to 1⁄4 inch before lighting. This will help the wick burn evenly and prevent excess smoke and sputtering [1].

Move drafts – Make sure the candle is not placed near vents, fans, or open windows where drafts can disrupt the flame. Move the candle away from air currents to prevent sputtering [2].

Use a proper container – Use a candle holder or container that is non-flammable and allows adequate air flow around the flame. Containers that are too small or restrictive can lead to sputtering. Choose an appropriate size holder for the candle [3].

When to get a new candle

There comes a point when a candle becomes unfixable and it’s best to retire it for safety reasons. Signs that indicate it’s time to get a new candle include:

The wick is completely blackened and will not light. This is a major fire hazard and means the wick can no longer draw up wax to fuel the flame properly. At this point it is not safe to continue using the candle.

The wax pool is very uneven or concave in shape. This makes it difficult for the wick to burn evenly and poses a fire risk. Deep wells in the wax can cause the flame to get out of control.

Thick carbon build up or mushrooming at the tip of the wick. Excessive soot and carbon on the wick impedes the capillary action needed for a steady burn. It’s a warning sign the candle needs replacing.

The glass container is damaged, cracked or broken. Compromised containers pose a hazard as they weaken structurally near an open flame. It’s important to discard any candles in containers that are no longer sound.

The wax becomes gritty. Candles that seem grainy or crystallized often have wicks that curl and smoke instead of burning cleanly. At this point it is safer to get a fresh candle.

Tunneling and sinking of the wax pool. If large areas of unmelted wax remain while the center pool sinks deeply, airflow to the flame is reduced. This can lead to uncontrolled burning, making it time to replace the candle.

If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s best to retire the candle and get a new one for optimal safety and performance.