Why Candles Burn Black Smoke? Clean Candle Tips by The Candle Suite

Why Do Candles Burn With Black Smoke? A Simple Guide From The Candle Suite

Hello!
I'm Mil, owner of The Candle Suite, and today I want to talk about something many of you have probably noticed but may not know why it happens—black smoke from candles.

If you've ever lit a candle and seen a trail of dark smoke rise from the flame, you're not alone. I’m here to break it all down in a simple and informative way. We'll cover why there is soot from candles and why they burn with black smoke, the difference between soy wax and paraffin wax, and why the wick really matters more than you might think

Why Does a Candle Burn with Black Smoke?

Black smoke, or soot, usually means your candle isn’t burning cleanly. This can happen for a few reasons:

• The type of wax used

• The quality and size of the wick

• Airflow or drafts around the candle

• Whether or not the wick has been trimmed

When a candle burns, it pulls wax up through the wick and turns it into vapour, which fuels the flame. If the balance is off—too much fuel (wax), too little oxygen, or too long a wick—you get incomplete combustion. That’s what causes that smoky, sooty trail you see.

Soy Wax vs. Paraffin Wax—What’s the Difference?

At The Candle Suite, we only use 100% soy wax for a good reason. And here's why:

🔹 Soy Wax:

• Made from natural soybeans

• Burns clean with little to no black smoke

• Non-toxic and safe for your home and family

• Biodegradable and eco-friendly

• Burns slower and longer

🔹 Paraffin Wax:

• A by-product of petroleum

• More likely to produce black smoke and soot

• Can release toxic chemicals like benzene and toluene when burned

• Burns faster, which means your candle doesn’t last as long

So, if you're seeing black smoke from a candle, and it's made with paraffin, that could be the root of the problem.

The Role of Wicks—Yes, It Matters!

The wick is just as important as the wax when it comes to how clean your candle burns. Here’s what to keep in mind when it comes to wick importance:

✂️ Wick Size:

• If the wick is too thick or too long, it draws too much wax, causing an oversized flame and black smoke.
• If it’s too thin, the flame can flicker out or tunnel.

🔥 Wick Material:

• At The Candle Suite, we use cotton wicks or wood wicks that are lead-free and designed to work perfectly with soy wax.
• Some cheap candles use metal-core wicks, which can contribute to smoke and even release heavy metals.

🧼 Trim Your Wick:

One of the easiest ways to avoid black smoke is to trim your wick to 1/4 inch before each burn. It makes a huge difference in how clean and even your candle burns.

Final Thoughts: How to Avoid Black Smoke from Your Candles

Here’s a quick checklist to keep your candle experience clean and cosy and how to avoid smoke from candles:

✅ Choose soy wax candles over paraffin
✅ Look for cotton or wood wicks, not metal
✅ Always trim your wick before lighting
✅ Keep your candle away from drafts
✅ Burn your candle for 2-4 hours max at a time to prevent mushrooming

At The Candle Suite, I handcraft each candle with high-quality soy wax and carefully chosen wicks to give you a beautiful, clean-burning candle every time. No black smoke, no toxins—just pure, relaxing vibes.

Want to Try a Clean-Burning Candle?

Browse our latest collection and discover the difference a well-made candle makes and get non-toxic candle tips. Your lungs (and your walls!) will thank you.

With love and light,
Mil
Owner, The Candle Suite