21 Candle Making Troubleshooting Ideas for Beginners 

Making candles is no piece of cake, especially if you’re a beginner. But after thoroughly going through this candle making troubleshooting guide, you’ll be able to tackle all the problems that come in the way of developing a perfect candle.

There can arise ‘n’ number of problems while creating candles yourself. Sometimes you might see bubbles in your melted wax or you’ll get worried discovering the tunnel inside your candle jar. In any scenario, it is important to be aware of the solutions so that your creation won’t suffer and go in vain.

In this guide, we’ll talk about common problems that can come across while developing a candle from scratch. 

Candle Making Troubleshooting

Whether you’re interested in a DIY candle-making project or looking forward to starting a venture, this guide will come in handy for you. Let’s start to discuss common candle making troubleshooting problems, one at a time:

1. Cracked Top Surface

 

 

Sometimes you might notice that your candle top has a crack at the top of its surface after setting. This can happen due to air bubbles being trapped inside the candle wax or faster pouring or freezing of the candles. Below we’ve discussed some solutions for this: 

Cracked Top Surface Troubleshooting

• Reheat Candle Wax: To smooth out the top surface of your candle, you can reheat the top by using a heat gun/hair dryer or blow torch. This smoothens the candle top and resets with the desired finishing.
• Set Wax At Warm Temperature: Temperature plays a key role in setting the candle appropriately. If your candle top has cracked, leave the container in a warm place for some time and then allow it to set at room temperature. 

2. Mushrooming Wick

Mushrooming wick occurs due to carbon buildup on the wick resulting from either of the following reasons:

• If the wick is too large for the container, 
• when the wick is absorbing too much fuel (wax + color dye + fragrance oil) or
• candle is burnt for too long 

 

 

This results in the accumulation of carbon in profusion, resulting in mushroom-like structures on the wick and more soot production. 

Mushrooming Wick Troubleshooting

• Trim The Wick 1/4 Inch Before Reuse: Trimming the wick ¼ every time before use is one of the best alternatives for reusing the candle and keeping its form intact. 
• Replace The Wick With A Shorter One: This method can be a little daunting because you have to reheat the wax and again transfer it into another container. But this time, you must use a shorter wick than the previous one for this candle making troubleshooting.
• Burn Candles For Maximum 4 Hours: Burning the candles for longer can also be a reason for depositing carbon on the wick. That’s why it is strongly recommended not to use the candle for more than 4 hours at one go.

3. Frosting

Frosting is the development of white crystals on the edges and top of the candle wax.

 

 

This happens due to wax’s natural tendency to return to its original state after cooling. Frosting arises more in the case of soy wax. Although this can blight the aesthetic appeal of your candle, it won’t harm its performance.

Frosting Troubleshooting

• Heat The Container Before Pouring: Preheating the candle containers can help avoid frosting and attain the desired color texture. Remember not to heat the containers beyond 100℉ (38℃).
• Use White Colored Wax: Be certain to use the wax with white color. This measure is more likely to subdue the effects of frosting.
• Don’t Use Vigorous Force While Mixing: Using too much force while mixing the wax solution can also speed up the crystallization and thus encourage frosting.
• Use Hard Wax: Certain waxes like soy wax are more prone to this issue, so it is recommended to use hard wax alternatives like beeswax.
• Wrap Decorative Sheets: Using decorative sheets to wrap the outside container will enhance the aesthetic appeal of your candle.
• Set Wax At Room Temperature: Another feasible solution for saving your candles from frosting is allowing them to set at normal room temperature. Ensure there is no way for any wind drafts to enter.

4. Fragrance Leaching (Oily Spots/Oily Wax)

If fragrance oil is seeping into your candle surface (or bottom), it means oil is separating from the wax creating an appearance as if your candle is sweating. This is possible in two scenarios; either the wax and fragrance oil haven’t bonded properly, or you added too much fragrance oil into the candle. In either case, your wax won’t completely set or might show tiny oily spots. This calls for a candle making troubleshooting solution for fragrance leaching.

 

 

Fragrance Leaching Troubleshooting

• Add Oil At 180-185℉ (82-85℃): Adding oil to the candle wax at an inappropriate temperature can result in undesirable oily spots on the candle surface. The ideal temperature at which oil should be incorporated for mixing into the wax is between 180-185℉ (82-85℃).
• Ensure Proper Binding: For proper binding of the fragrance oil and wax, it’s important to stir the mix for 2-5 minutes at a gentle pace. This allows the fragrance to bind completely without encouraging crystallization.
• Turn Off The Flame Before Adding Oil: If you add oil to the candle wax while the flame is on, overheating can cause the oil to not blend evenly. That’s why always ensure to turn off the flame once the wax reaches between 180-185℉ (82-85℃). Otherwise, your candle will lose its scent.
• Control Quantity Of Oil In Blend: Another possible solution for this issue is to control the quantity of oil used. Usually, 6%-8% of fragrance load is recommended in 100g of wax solution. Exceeding the fragrance load beyond this can result in leaching.

5. Sooting & Large Flames

No doubt a candle will produce smoke as it is lit. But if you observe abnormal smoke emitting out of your candle, it can be a sign of sooting. This usually happens when the wick size is too large considering the size of your candle container. Or if the fragrance load is more than the recommended percentage (i,e., 6-8 percent per 100g wax solution), which causes the flame to burn undissolved extra oil. 

 

 

Sooting/Large Flame Troubleshooting

• Trim The Wick: Since the problem behind smoke and soot is large wick size, you must trim the wick to make it smaller. This candle making troubleshooting trick can most probably resolve the issue.
• Try Another Wick Series: If trimming the wick isn’t working in your candle’s favor, switch to another wick series. Bear in mind that no wick series have an identical size even if the wick size number is the same. So you’ve to be thoughtful with that, and give a shot to some trials and errors.
• Make Candle With Less Fragrance Oil: Excess fragrance load also hampers the soot-free burning of your candle. So make a fresh candle with the right fragrance load. 

6. Cloudy/Milky Wax

Usually, as we melt candle wax, it turns somewhat translucent in appearance. However, there can be instances when your wax seems cloudy or milky after melting. Then you should know that it’s just either trapped air juggling to be released or moisture that is causing a little pop sound while melting. This can harm the overall elegance of your candle and make it inert to give the expected performance.

 

 

Cloudy wax, air bubbles, and bubbling effect all can be dealt with in the following ways:

Cloudy Wax Troubleshooting

• Heat The Wax Until It Reaches Nearly 185-187℉ (82-85℃): Cloudy wax turns into a glossy and transparent solution on heating between 185-187℉ (82-85℃). So keep a check on the melted wax temperature and avoid overheating. 
• Let The Air Bubbles Release: Keep your wax undisturbed and allow the air bubbles to release before you add in fragrance oil or pour it. Once the air bubbles are released, remember to bring the wax’s temperature back to the ideal temperature before adding oil and pouring. 
• Store Wax At A Cool & Dry Place: Once your candles are ready, keep them in a cool and dry place, not under direct sunlight. This way the moisture will evaporate and your candle performance won’t be affected.

7. Candle Wick Keeps Going Out

If your candle wick keeps on going out, chances are it’s either clogged with too many color dyes or glitter. It can also happen due to inappropriate wick size. Where a too-short wick can lead to its drowning and not staying lit, a long wick size makes it harder for the wax to melt for consumption. As a result, your candle wick keeps going out.

 

 

Wick Keeps Going Out Troubleshooting

• Add Right Quantity OF Dye: If using liquid color dye, refer to the prescribed quantity on the package or use 2-3 drops depending on the type of color you’re willing to give your candle.
• Make The Wick Size Right: Be certain to use the right wick size which is only attainable after a few trials and errors. However, it is usually recommended to keep the wick 1/4 inch (or 6mm) above the wax surface.

8. Off-Center Wick

Sometimes, a candle wick can shift aside from the center. Placing the wick at the center of the container is important for even heat distribution. However, if your wick is placed near one edge of the container, it can result in unmelted wax on the other side.

 

 

If the wick is placed on the extreme corner, it can also shatter the container. So here are the workarounds to resolve this issue:

Off-center Wick Troubleshooting

• Use A Wick Centering Tool: A wick centering tool can be a great candle making troubleshooting solution to place your wick right in the middle of your container. Different kinds of wick centering tools are available online, so you can pick one that you’re comfortable working with. Notably, using wick stickers with centering tools will offer maximum benefits.
• Use Wick Pin: If you’re willing to make freestanding candles, then using a wick pin is the best alternative. It provides the required support to your wick and can be used with a sealing rubber mold plug or sticky tack to seal the bottom end of the container. You’ll need to reheat the container, melt the wax, and then replace the wick inside the container using the tool.

9. Rough Candle Tops After Burning

Post-burn rough tops are a classic sign that a candle is made of pure soy wax without any additives. It’s just the crystallization and uneven cooling of soy wax that resulted in unsmooth tops. So there is nothing wrong on your part, although there are certain workarounds that might help. If you’re selling pure soy wax candles inform your customer about this natural behavior of soy wax or suggest a blend.

 

 

Rough Candle Tops After Burning Troubleshooting

• Use Heat Gun/Hair Dryer: Use a heat gun or hair dryer at a 6-inch distance from your candle surface. Then leave the candle to set and you’ll be able to see an even top when you lit it next time.
• Opt For Soy Wax Blends: This is another alternative for you if you don’t want your candle tops to go all bumpy. Since the top surface of soy wax candles has a higher chance of turning uneven, wax blends can resolve your concern.
• Use Wired Countertop Racks For Even Cooling: Using wired countertop racks allows the wax to cool evenly and can reduce the chances of post-burn rough tops. 

10. Little Or No Scent Throw 

 

 

If your candle has poor or no scent throw at all, it can be due to multiple reasons. It can happen because:

1. you added a very small quantity of fragrance oil
2. added scent at the wrong temperature, or
3. didn’t let the candle cure completely.

Although scent is a very subjective issue that depends on how strong or light a person wants, here are a few fixes for this. 

Little/Poor Scent Throw Troubleshooting

• Add More Fragrance Oil: One very obvious candle making troubleshooting resolution for this problem is to add more quantity of fragrance oil to the candle. For this, you’ll be required to remelt the wax and increase the quantity of oil. 
• Add Fragrance Oil At Right Temperature: The right temperature to add fragrance oil is between 180-185℉ (82-85℃) as it allows the scent to completely bind with the wax. Remember to take the wax off the heat before pouring the oil into it.
• Let Candle Cure Well Enough: At times if you won’t allow your candle to cure for long enough, the scent particles won’t disperse throughout the candle. That’s why you need to let your candle cure for 1-2 weeks ideally, however, if you require it sooner than that, ensure to let it cure for at least a few days before use.

11. Discoloration/Yellowing

With time, your candle’s color might change or fade. Usually, a substance called vanillin (found in fragrance oils) is responsible for the change of wax color to a brownish shade. Sunlight and artificial lights too can cause the loosening of candle color. To avoid this there are a few ways which are very effective in solving this issue, however, to some extent. 

 

 

Discoloration/Yellowing Troubleshooting

• Try Frosted/Ceramic Candle Jars/Containers: Frosted or ceramic candle jars/containers offer a different aesthetic appeal and are optimum for hiding color changes. Where the opaque look of frosted jars covers the candle, ceramic ones can be used to add a suitable color to your candle wax.
• Don’t Store Candles Under Sunlight/Direct Lights: Candle waxes are highly sensitive to heat and light. So when it comes to protecting its color, it’s best to keep them in a cool and dry area.
• Use UV Inhibitors: Investing in UV inhibitor powder can be of ultimate saviour if mixed with the wax melt solution. This absorbs the ultraviolet rays from the sun and safeguards it from discoloration. Since the chemical bond doesn’t get adversely affected, the candles are less likely to fade or turn yellow. 
• Mix With Some Other Color: One of the best candle making troubleshooting techniques to deal with discoloration is to mix another color to wax. This might give you another color than the desired one but will eventually save your candle appeal. You must research beforehand to see which colors work best together otherwise you can worsen the case.
• Avoid Adding Scents With High Vanillin Content: Since vanillin is responsible for the color change of wax, using fragrance oils with low or no vanillin can help maintain the color of your candle wax.

12. Candle Tunneling

 

 

If you’re seeing your candle melting down just from the center creating a tunnel in the jar, that’s what is called candle tunneling. This occurs for one of the following reasons:

• Too short candle wick
• Memory ring
• Extremely low outside temperature 

Any of this stops the candle on the edges from melting due to uneven heat distribution. This leads to the wastage of wax. However, this issue can easily get handled with the following candle making troubleshooting fixes: 

Tunneling Troubleshooting

• Use Aluminium Foil: With the help of aluminium foil, you can cover the edges of your candle container. But you just have to cover it like a side roof (leaving the center uncovered). This way you won’t stop the supply of oxygen to the flame and it’ll continue to burn as before. On the other hand, your candle will melt evenly from the edges and center in some time. 
• Heat Gun/Hair Dryer/Blow Torch: Heat gun, hair dryer or blow torch all can help you with unmelted candle wax at the edges of the container. Just blow the heat at the lowest speed setting.
• Buy Candle Toppers: These candle covers not only help the heat to distribute evenly to the candle wax but also enhance the its aesthetics.

13. Wet Spots

Whilst melting, the candle wax goes through enormous temperature changes and when it solidifies, it usually contracts and pulls away from the container/jar creating wet spots. They are quite common and can’t be completely avoided. Nevertheless, there are ways to minimize its effects. 

 

 

Wet Spots Troubleshooting

• Wash, Wipe, And Preheat Candle Containers: Washing your candle containers beforehand ensures the removal of dirt and debris. In addition, preheating the candle containers before pouring the candle wax into them can reduce the chances of getting wet spots. Be certain to wipe the container completely before preheating. Pop the candle container into the microwave or use a heat gun for a few minutes before pouring.
• Tap Containers On Countertop: Another method that you can use to temporarily eliminate wet spots is tapping the candle containers gently on the countertop. This will ensure there aren’t air bubbles left inside.
• Place Containers On Wire Rack Countertops: If your countertop surface where you’re keeping the candle containers is absorbing the heat from the container, wet spots can occur. So instead use a wire rack countertops which will not absorb the heat and let the wax solidify evenly.
• Avoid Aggressive Blending: If you are too aggressive while stirring or blending your color/oil into the wax, wet spots can occur. That’s why it is recommended to be a little gentle here.

It must be noted that wet spots cause no harm to the candle’s performance. Even high-priced premium candles can show some wet spots because they naturally occur with time. However, the above-mentioned solutions can help reduce them or temporarily avoid them.

14. Sinkholes

 

 

Have you ever noticed a lean well or dips on the top of your candle surface? This is called a sinkhole and is quite a typical problem that occurs due to one of the following reasons:

• trapped air inside the wax while melting or pouring, and
• uneven cooling of wax.

When the wax sets gradually, the trapped air releases and reaches the top creating a dip inside the candle. Sometimes when a part of candle wax solidifies faster than the other, it can result in a less deep void hole. To avoid this, try the following measures:

Sinkhole Troubleshooting

• Fill The Void Space: If you’ve some candle wax left, melt it and pour it into the void space to fill it. This will save your ruined candle.
• Pour Wax At Right Temperature: At what temperature you pour your candle wax into containers matters a lot when it comes to sinkhole candle making troubleshooting. Ensure that your melted wax isn’t too hot or too cold while pouring. The ideal pouring temperature is between 130-135℉ (54-57℃), however, it might change based on what type of wax or blend you’re using.
• Pick The Right Wax & Container: Certain candle waxes shrink more, increasing the chances of forming the dip. In addition, not all containers are designed for certain kinds of candles. Furthermore, the quality of the material used can also affect cooling temperature. That’s why you must be thoughtful of what wax and container you’re picking.
• Set Appropriate Cooling Environment: An appropriate cooling environment is what can help counter the problem of candle shrinking. This will assist in cooling the candle evenly but can be achieved after little trials and errors.

15. Wax Curdling

Are you bothered about the wax flakes appearing in your melted wax? This is called the curdling effect which happens due to the change of temperature of the wax on adding fragrance oil. It turns the melted wax, from a liquid to a solid state. Nevertheless, higher the wax temperature, the quicker it melts. 

Wax Curdling Troubleshooting

• Stir The Wax: There is nothing to fret about if your candle wax has curdled while melting. Simply stir the wax gently and you’ll see your curdled wax will turn back to normal in no time.
• Heat The Oil A Little Before Adding: Curdling happens due to varied temperatures of wax and fragrance oil, heating the oil a little before adding can help. But don’t overheat it. 

16. No Hot Throw

If your candle hasn’t spread its aroma into the air even after burning within 2 to 4 hours, it’s high time to discern some fault in either the candle wick, temperature, or fragrance oil concentration. 

 

 

No Hot Throw Fixes

• Use A Longer Wick: If your wick isn’t appropriate in size, it can create a tunnel in the jar. That’s why, the wick size should increase by 1 so as to create a modest aromatic experience.
• Keep Jar In a Well-Ventilated Space: Putting your jar in a well-ventilated place can help the soothing scents of your candle fill the entire room to its corners. 

17. Air Bubbles In Wax 

Have you ever noticed teensy-weensy air bubbles on your wax surface while pouring? If so, then you need to be extra cautious of either of the following reasons:

• Pouring wax too quickly 
• Wax temperature being too low while pouring
• Wet candle container

 

 

This is also called the bubbling effect in candles. But worry not, here are some solutions to this problem….. 

Solutions For Air Bubbles 

• Pour Wax Gradually: To start with pouring doesn’t mean transposing the melted wax into the container in one go. No! Any haste would make this process troublesome. So here the candle making troubleshooting idea is to simply pour the wax into the jars gradually. 
• Dry Containers Completely: Even a single droplet of water can ruin your candle making experience. That’s why ensure that the jars you’re using are dried entirely. 
• Pour The Wax At Right Temperature: Wax shouldn’t be poured at too high or too low a temperature. So this means you need to keep a close eye on the temperature and pour the wax into the jars once it reaches the adequate temperature after melting, which is, 54-57℃ (130-135℉). 
• Use Heat Gun: If you’ve already landed in this terrible trouble, then pick a heat gun and use it to melt the candle surface to make it smoother and subdue the air bubble. 
• Poke The Air Bubble: It’s an air bubble, and not a pimple, so you can poke it.  

18. Small Melt Pool 

This issue occurs more as a form of tunnelling, as the burning wick isn’t able to transform the whole candle wax into a melt pool evenly distributing the heat. Curious to know how this issue can be fixed? Well, read further to discover the solutions to this problem…..

 

 

Small Melt Pool Troubleshooting

• Take The Wick Out & Replace: One way to fix this candle making troubleshooting issue is excavating the wick from it after melting it. Then replace the wick, this time keeping it appropriate according to the candle size, not too short or not too long. 
• Cover it With Aluminium Foil: Cover the candle edges with aluminium foil to allow the candle to make an even melt pool. 

19. Dye Spots On Candle Surface  

Specks or dye spots on the candle surface are a sign of undissolved color dye in the wax. This can cause issues in emitting the final product as desired. 

Dye Spots Troubleshooting

• Stir The Wax Thoroughly: To resolve this candle making troubleshooting problem you need to allow the color block to fully melt and combine with the wax. In case you’re using a color dye, it also requires constant stirring throughout the heating process so as to disperse evenly into the solution. 
• Discard The Wax At The Bottom: Get shut of wax at the bottom while transferring it into jars because that has a higher chance of containing undissolved color dye/specks. 

20. Wax Caught Fire 

One of the most unwanted candle making troubleshooting issues occurs when you notice that your wax caught fire. Regardless of what type of candle you’re using taper candles or pillar candles, this can happen. That’s why you must not leave the candles forsaken. 

Wax Caught On Fire Solutions 

• Baking Soda: Simply put over the baking soda onto the burning wax to stop the fire inside the jar/container. Remember, water is never a good solution to subside candle fire. 
• Fire Extinguisher: It is for such instances that keeping a fire extinguisher handy is highly advised whenever working around candles. 

21. Wax Stuck In Mold 

Sometimes, it can be hard to get the candle out of the mold. In such cases, you might end up breaking the candle. So instead of forceful actions, use the following methods: 

Wax Stuck In Mold Solutions 

• Cool Down The Wax: If the wax isn’t coming out of the mold easily, cool it down by placing the mold in a refrigerator. Now what cooling does is shrink the candle wax and let it slide out of the mold easily. Remember to check the mold every 5 minutes to avoid any cracks in the candle. 
• Use Double-Boiler Method: Take a pan, fill half of it with water, and let it boil. Turn off the heat and place the container/jar into the pan. Wait a few minutes and see the wax melting gradually from the heat of water and use it to make wax melts or gifting candles. 
• Use Spray To Release Candle From The Mold: This is another way to resolve this issue – spraying the molds with releasing spray before pouring in the melted wax to set into it. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

(i) Why Do My Candles Crack When Setting?

Cracks appear on candle surface when they are poured at too cool a temperature, in cold containers, or left to set in a cool environment. This issue is most often seen in plant-based waxes. However, they can be fixed with a heat gun to make the surface smoother. Pouring wax at the right temperature and pre-heating the containers can also be very effective.  

(ii) Why Candle Wax Discoloration After Burning?

Discoloration in candle wax can happen due to exposure to UV rays or artificial lights. Some of the ways that can resolve discoloration in candles include– using UV inhibitors, storing candles in cool and dark places, and avoiding infusing Vanilin fragrances. 

(iii) Why Won’t My Homemade Candle Stay Lit?

This can happen if your wick is too long in size or charred. So trim the wick and clean the charred particles from it, this way the wick will burn well extracting the wax top-to-bottom. 

Wrapping Up

Without any doubt, candle making is an exquisite art and hobby to follow, however, certain issues might turn this pleasant experience into a downhaul. But there is no such issue that can not be resolved with a little care and effort whether in life or in the process of making handmade candles. So don’t kick the light of hope fretting over it.

This candle making troubleshooting guide aimed to serve as your bud in fixing Typical candle issues that you might be facing. Hope it helps!