Why Is My Candle Flame So Small? (And the Simple Fix You Need to Know)
Why Is My Candle Flame So Small? (And the Simple Fix You Need to Know)
At IVEAGH, every candle is hand-poured with care, precision, and intention. That’s the beauty of small-batch craftsmanship, each piece is unique, just like the hands that made it. But with that personal touch comes a touch of natural variation.
One thing you might notice? On rare occasions, the wax may be poured slightly higher than usual. It’s not a flaw, it’s the mark of a human-made product. But it can affect how your candle burns, especially on the first light.
What Happens When the Wax is Poured a Bit High?
If the wax sits just a little higher around the wick, you may notice a smaller flame than expected. This is because the wick struggles to get enough oxygen to draw the melted wax up properly. But the good news? It’s a quick and easy fix.
The Tissue Trick: A Simple Fix for a Small Flame
Instead of reaching for a tool or poking at the wax (please don’t!), here’s what to do:
1. Light the Candle
Let it burn for a little while, enough for a small pool of wax to form around the wick.
2. Grab a Tissue
Take a plain tissue or paper towel and gently dip it into the melted wax, soaking up a small amount.
3. Let the Flame Recalibrate
By removing a bit of the excess wax, you’ll allow the wick to breathe, giving the flame more space to grow. You’ll notice the flame strengthen naturally in a matter of minutes.
What Not To Do: Never Dig Into the Wax
It might be tempting to carve out some wax around the wick to “help it along,” but this can damage the structural integrity of the candle, and even ruin it. Digging disrupts the wax-to-wick ratio and can cause more burn issues in the long run.
A Reminder of the Beauty in Handmade
Every IVEAGH candle is made by hand-poured slowly, carefully, and intentionally. That means each one will have its own small personality, and we wouldn’t want it any other way.
With a little care (and a touch of tissue), your candle will burn as beautifully as intended, bringing its full glow to your space, just as we designed.