Why Does My Candle Glass Turn Black?

Updated on November 23, 2022

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Why Does The Glass Of My Candle Turn Black?

A glass candle turns black due to the issue of soot build-up. Soot is created during the burning process and collects inside the glass container. Over time, the soot builds up until it becomes visible. You can prevent soot buildup by buying a candle with very few additives in the wax.

There are several other biggest reasons as well which are listed below:

What Causes The Blackening Of Candle Glass?

What Causes The Blackening Of Candle Glass?

Candle types vary from tall and narrow to short and wide. There are also candles made out of wax, paraffin, soybean oil, palm oil, beeswax, etc. Each type of candle produces a unique scent and burns at a different rate. Here is a brief of some of the causes of the blackening of candle glass:

Wax Contains Too Many Additives

Candles are made out of wax, which is typically composed of paraffin wax and beeswax. Paraffin candle wax is a petroleum product that is derived from crude oil. Beeswax is a natural substance found in honeybees' nests. Both of these substances are mixed together to form a solid material called paraffin wax.

Paraffin wax is commonly added to candles to give them a long burning life. However, there are times when too much paraffin wax is added to a candle. This causes the candle to become dark and smoky.

This is especially true if the candle is being made at home. You may notice that your homemade jar candles tend to smoke after only a short time. This is because the wax contains too many additives. These additives in candles include fragrances, colorants, preservatives, and stabilizers.

Wick Size And Length

Candles come in all shapes and sizes. But there is one common factor among all candles: the wick. Choose the optimal size for the wick otherwise, it will produce too much carbon resulting in the blackening of the glass.

There are natural and synthetic wicks available in different forms and sizes. Natural wicks are made out of plant fibers, whereas synthetic wicks are made out of plastic. Both work well, but natural wicks tend to produce less black smoke and smell than synthetic ones.

Another problem that occurs with candles is that the wick burns too quickly. If this happens, then the candle will start dripping wax down the sides of the glass.

Wick Material

Amateur Candle makers should pay close attention to the material that they use to make their wicks. Some wick materials are known to make more smoke than others. Cotton tends to make less smoke than zinc or tin cording.

While there are tons of different types of coring materials, the two most common ones are cotton and paper. Paper cording tends to make less smoke, whereas cotton cording tends to make more smoke.

You may think that using a waxed wick will reduce the amount of soot produced by your candle, but that isn't necessarily true. Waxed wicks actually make more smoke than uncoated wicks.

To avoid the accumulation of soot than necessary, try using a cored wick instead of a waxed wick. You'll find that cored wicks tend to make less smoke than waxed wicks.

Lack of Airflow

Candles are very sensitive to airflow. A candle that doesn't receive enough airflow will tend to burn more wax and release more carbon atoms. These extra carbon atoms will eventually form soot on the glass container of your candle.

To avoid this problem, try placing your candle in a draft-free location. You may also consider using a diffuser to reduce the amount of airflow around your candle.

A candle that doesn't receive sufficient airflow will tend to burn less wax and release fewer carbon atoms. As a result, it won't form any soot at all. However, if your candle runs out of fuel, it will start burning more wax and releasing more carbon atoms. Eventually, this will lead to soot formation.

How Do You Keep Candle Glass From Becoming Black?

How Do You Keep Candle Glass From Becoming Black?

Let’s get started by looking at some of the things you can do to prevent your beautiful candle jar from becoming black from soot.

Make Use Of High-quality Candles

Candle makers spend a lot of time trying to figure out how to keep candles burning longer. One of the best ways to reduce candle soot production is to buy a high-quality candle.

A high-quality candle won't have any additives that could potentially clog the candle wick, and it'll have a cotton core that won't let wax build up inside the glass candle container.

Every Time, Melt The Entire Top Of Your Candle

Burning your favorite candle until the entire top is liquid wax will help prevent memory rings from developing in your candle. Memory ring formation occurs when the wax hardens around the wick and prevents oxygen from reaching the flame. As a result, the candle flame dies out and the candle burns inefficiently.

Memory rings can cause problems with your candle. For instance, they can reduce the efficiency of your candle and lead to excessive soot production. You should try to avoid memory rings whenever possible.

Maintain And Trim The Wick Of Your Candle

Candles are great for creating ambiance, but if you want to keep your candles burning longer, you'll want to make sure that you maintain and trim the wick of your luxury candle. Candles burn at a rate of approximately 3 inches per hour, so if you leave your candle unattended for too long, it may not last very long.

To avoid this problem, simply trim the wick down every couple of weeks. Doing so will reduce the risk of your candle becoming too tall and producing more soot than usual, and it will also extend the life of your candle.

What Is The Best Way To Clean Black Candle Glass?

Black candle glass is usually caused by soot buildup inside the container. You can easily clean it with a damp paper towel, cloth, or rag soaked in soapy water. However, if the soot doesn't come off after several attempts, try using a mixture of vinegar and warm water.

Vinegar breaks down and loosens any soot that's stuck to the surface. Warm water washes away any remaining residue. Once the glass is cleaned, let it air dry completely before lighting the candle to maintain an elegant, well-crafted candle jar.

Why Would You Want To Prevent The Blackening Of Your Candle Jar? Is It Harmful?

Candle makers don't recommend cleaning your candle jars. Instead, they suggest using a wax sealant to protect against soot buildup. Wax seals the glass container, preventing dust particles from getting inside and causing discoloration.

Smell is one of the human senses which can flow through the whole body. I am the Founder of NeoCandle.com where we talk all about scented candles. Known as Candace the Candle Girl, I know pretty much all there is to know about scented candles. I make and sell them on Etsy and Ebay - so be sure to ask if you have any burning questions :) (pun intended ;) )

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