A candle’s flame is a small ecosystem. It breathes, feeds, and adjusts to the space around it. When we speak about “good burn quality,” we’re really talking about balance — between wax, wick, and air. Two of the simplest factors to manage are wick trimming and airflow. They sound minor, but together they determine whether your candle burns neatly or struggles from the start.
Every wick draws melted wax upward to sustain its flame. If the wick is too long, it draws too much fuel and the flame grows wild, producing soot. If too short, it drowns in its own pool. Finding the middle ground keeps the flame bright but gentle. At Bathwick Candleworks we trim all wicks to roughly five millimetres before testing. That short length gives a calm, vertical flame that melts the surface evenly without smoke.
Trimming before each burn also prevents mushrooming — the small carbon bulb that forms on the tip of a long wick. Left uncut, it makes the flame flicker and releases excess residue. Use small scissors or dedicated wick trimmers. Cut while the wax is cold so stray particles can be removed easily. Discard trimmed bits; even tiny fragments can reignite if left in the melt pool.
Always trim when the candle has fully cooled. Trying to adjust the wick in warm wax can break its anchor or tilt it off-centre. If that happens, the candle may begin to burn unevenly. After trimming, check that the wick still stands straight. Press gently if needed to re-align it before lighting.
Candles do not thrive in constant movement. Air currents bend the flame, creating lopsided melt pools and incomplete burns. Even mild drafts from open doors or heating vents can cause tunnelling or black residue on glass. Place candles at least half a metre away from active air sources. The flame should move subtly, not dance.
However, complete stillness isn’t ideal either. A completely enclosed space can trap heat and shorten the candle’s life. Aim for quiet ventilation — enough to refresh the air but not to disturb the flame. We often say a steady flame should “breathe but not wander.”
When lighting more than one candle in a room, space them about twenty centimetres apart. Flames placed too closely affect each other’s oxygen supply and heat pattern. This can make both burn unevenly. In display windows or narrow shelves, consider using one at a time or stagger their height so air can move freely between them.
You’ll know airflow is unbalanced if you see leaning flames, uneven wax edges, or dark marks on the glass. Sometimes the scent feels weaker — not because the candle lacks fragrance, but because turbulent air carries it away too fast. Simply moving the candle to a quieter corner often restores balance without any other fix.
If soot does appear, wait for the candle to cool and wipe the inside of the jar with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid water or cleaners; residue can affect future burns. The goal isn’t to keep the jar spotless but to maintain a clear path for light.
If your flame keeps flickering despite trimming and repositioning, the problem may lie in the room rather than the candle. Close windows slightly, move fans, or shift the candle higher. In our workshop tests, even subtle drafts from floor gaps changed burn results. The candle tells you what it needs through its movement — it’s worth watching.
Trim, light, watch, rest, repeat. Those four steps keep your candle in its best form. Candles don’t require expertise, only small consistent habits. When airflow and wick length align, the flame stays centred and quiet, the wax melts evenly, and the scent unfolds naturally.