Why do candles flicker: understanding flame behavior

So…you've set the table for a chill night. Soft music, delicious food, and the warm glow of candles... except…one candle is acting up.  Instead of a gentle glow, the flame sputters and flickers, casting strobe-like shadows that are more headache-inducing than romantic. 

Well…this is called the flickering effect. It can be mild, nonstop, and if in excess, the flame may struggle to stay lit. If this has happened to you, you aren’t alone. Candle flickering is common and easy to address. But why do candles flicker? Let’s dive in to find out why and discover a few applicable fixes.

What does it mean when a candle flickers?

A little flickering is perfectly natural. It's often caused by the subtle, unseen currents of air that gently stir around the flame. Think of it as the candle breathing. These tiny disturbances – changes in air pressure, rising heat, even the subtle flow of melted wax – can all play a role. Usually, as the top wax melts, it gets drawn up the wick and fuels the flame. When this happens, it leads to inconsistent burning. It then creates candle flame dancing and an unstable glow. 

The mild dance of a candle flame is beautiful and normal. However, if the flame moves too much, it can be a red flag. Flickering may indicate drafts, wick issues, or impurities in the wax. Moreover, in rare cases, excessive candle flickering can become a fire hazard if not addressed timely.

Why do candles flicker? Top 10 reasons unveiled

There are a number of factors that can trigger candles to flicker. Here are the 10 common causes:

1. 1. Airflow in the room

   Changes or disturbances in the airflow inside a room are common causes of flickering. For example, ceiling fans circulating air in the room, air flowing into open windows, or even people walking. All these trigger movements in air currents. This blows the flame uncontrollably, hence the flickering candle effect. The solution is to find a calmer spot for your candle, away from the direct path of these air currents.  

   2. Capillary action in the wick

   Capillary action is another likely reason for candle flickering. It happens if the wax melts and draws up the wick, which feeds the flame with fuel, leading to a bigger flame. If this process is uneven, the candle flame can flicker. A quick fix for this is to use a high-quality, properly sized wick for a smooth burn.

   3. Hot flame gases mixing with cooler air

   Once you light up your candle, the flame burns and releases hot air. The hot air rises and mixes with cooler air in the room. This mixing can cause contraction and density shifts, hence the candle flickering effect. Although it is usually harmless, you should address it before it is in excess. To fix it, always place burning candles in an environment with a stable temperature. 

   4. Wax impurities

   Low-quality candles may contain various impurities in their wax. These may include dirt, debris, or synthetic additives, which may disrupt even burning. If this is the cause, you may not be able to fix it. Instead, go for premium-quality candles. The best candles built with care using natural soy wax are from Stān dle aromatic candles. 

   5. Uneven wax pool

   Ever seen a candle burn kinda... wonky? Like, instead of a nice, even pool of melted wax across the top, you get this lopsided mess? This happens when your candle doesn’t burn or melt evenly. If you don’t fix it early, it can cause the candle flickering effect. To address the issue, just make sure you let the whole top layer melt completely before you blow it out.

   6. Moisture in the wax

   If there is water trapped in a candle wax, it may create a sputtering, flickering flame. Usually, this happens due to poor storage conditions with exposure to humidity. We recommend you always prioritize proper candle storage. The best conditions to preserve a candle’s original qualities should be a cool, dry, and dark place. Also, avoid lighting dump candles.  

   7. Too large or too small of a wick

   Incorrect wick sizes may lead to the candle flickering effect. For example, if the wick is too thick, the flame may be high and burns too hot. If it is too thin, the candle may struggle to remain lit. Either way, incorrect wick size may cause the flame to flicker. If you notice this, then it is recommended to find candles with the right wick sizes for their diameter. At Stān dle aromatic candles, quality is a priority. You will always find candles with perfect wick sizes for a smooth burn. 

   8. Dirty or damaged wick

   A dirty or damaged candle wick is another likely cause for the flickering flame. You should always check if the wick has excessive carbon buildup or is damaged in any way. Moreover, you should also be trimming the wick to about ¼ inch before each use. This will help prevent your candle from mushrooming and soot buildup.

   9. Burning the candle too close to an object

   The flickering effect is likely to happen if a burning candle is placed near an object. This can be a wall, a decor piece, or an enclosed space. The flame produces heat and the heat may be reflected by the object’s surface and disrupt the flow of air. It will cause flickering, which you can address by always burning your candles in an area with proper ventilation. 

   10. Improper burning technique

   Blowing out a candle too forcefully can cause smoking and wick damage. Also, once you light up your candle, you shouldn’t let it burn for longer than 4 hours. This makes the wick unstable and can be the reason for flickering on your next candle use. Instead, you should extinguish candles gently using a snuffer and follow the recommended burn time.

   Best scented candle for a perfect flame: shop at Stān dle

   Are you looking for a candle that offers a clean, beautiful burn with minimal flickering? You should trust Stān dle aromatic candles. The handcrafted candles are designed to burn with a clean, steady flame and come in a concrete container. We use natural materials for wax and wicks and infuse the candles with premium signature fragrances. You should try one to enjoy the following: 

   Key features 

   • 100% natural candle materials: Stān dle candles are made using natural pure soy wax, and the wick is natural cotton. They burn clean, making the candles sustainable.

   • Unique scented candle flavors: All Stān dle aromatic candles are infused with extraordinary fragrance oils sourced from premium-quality ingredients. 

   • 40 to 60 hours burn time: With Stān dle candles, you enjoy impressive burn time and extended periods of candle use. 

   • Concrete candle vessels: Stān dle candles embrace simplicity and are housed in timeless containers that complement your decor. 

Top Stān dle Aromatic candles

If you want scented candles that offer serenity and tranquility, shop Stān dle candles. Below are a few of the aromatic candles in our collection:  

1. Sandalure 18

This scented candle by Stān dle embodies quite luxury and is ideal for autumn and winter. Its design invites indulgence with its rich, spiced top notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pepper. It also balances floral freshness and deep aromatic spice through geranium and clove. The base notes are sandalwood, patchouli, and vanilla. 

 

 

2. Lavendure 21

This is another Stān dle aromatic candle that reflects strength and simplicity, making it suitable for all seasons. Its harmonious blend begins with invigorating top notes of black currant, lemon, and orange, introducing a vibrant citrus zest. The heart reveals calming lavender, eucalyptus leaf, and fir needle for herbal freshness and tranquility. This scent concludes with grounding base notes of amber and oakmoss, providing an earthy, resinous depth.

How to prevent or fix candles from excessive flickering?

If the candle flickering effect annoys you, here are some quick ways to prevent or fix it. 

• Choose high-quality candles: Cheap candles with low-grade wax or poorly designed wicks are more likely to flicker. Invest in premium, well-made candles, such as Stān dle aromatic candles, for a better burn.

• Keep candles away from drafts: Avoid placing burning candles near fans, windows, air vents, or frequently opened doors. It will help to reduce airflow interference.

• Trim the wick always before lighting: A long wick can cause high, flickering flames. Always trim to 1/4 inch to ensure a steady, and easy-to-control burn.

• Follow the recommended burn time: Let the candle burn long enough (about 1 hour) to create an even wax pool. Also, avoid burning it for more than 4 hours at a time.

• Extinguish if the flickering is excess: If a candle starts flickering too much, safely extinguish it, trim the wick, and relight it after cooling.

FAQs

1. How do you stop a candle from flickering?
You can prevent or stop the flickering candle effect in many DIY ways. First, you can place it away from air vents, drafts, or fans. Secondly, you can trim the wick to a ¼ inch every time you want to light it up. 

And if your candles are low-quality, you should opt for premium ones on your next purchase. Opt for Stān dle aromatic candles. They are made with well-balanced wax and wicks for a steady flame. And in case the candle still flickers, try repositioning it in a more stable, wind-free area.

2. What does it mean when a candle flickers then stops?
A flickering candle that eventually stabilizes usually indicates that an external air disturbance affected the flame but later settled. It can also suggest that the wick was initially too long or unevenly burning but corrected itself. In spiritual beliefs, some interpret flickering as a sign of energy or messages. But scientifically, it is often due to airflow or wick conditions. For minimal flickering, you should choose Stān dle aromatic candles. They feature a premium build to offer a disturbance-free glow. 

3. Why is my candle flame so high and flickering when there is no wind?
An overly long wick is the likely reason for a tall, flickering candle flame. If this happens, the flame tends to consume more wax and oxygen. Another likely reason is impurities in the wax or wick, which causes inconsistent burning. For you to ensure a steady, controlled flame, it is best to trim the wick size to ¼ inch. Also, you should opt for clean-burning candles like Stān dle scented candles and avoid low-quality candles. 

4. Is candle flickering bad?
A mildly flickering candle is normal, but excessive flickering isn’t. It can indicate problems like an untrimmed wick, air disturbances, or low-quality wax. Constant flickering may produce more soot, cause uneven melting, or create a fire hazard. To ensure safety and longevity, always monitor your candle’s burn behavior. Also, always get premium-quality candles like Stān dle aromatic candles. They burn steadily with an even burn and flame. 

5. How much should a candle flicker?
Minimal flickering with a steady flame is usually acceptable. However, if you notice constant jumping and sputtering, it is best if you adjust the wick or change the candle location. A clean, efficient candle burn always has a stable, calm flame with occasional flickers. For candles with minimal flickering, you should check out the collection at Stān dle aromatic candles. We have the best fragrances for all moods, and our candles last for extended periods. 

6. How to tell if a candle is burning improperly?
You can tell that a candle is burning improperly using various signs. First, if the flame is too high, there is excessive flickering, or the flame is producing black soot. Candle tunneling (wax melting unevenly around the wick) is also an indicator of improper burning. Other signs include a drowning wick that struggles to stay lit or wax pooling too fast. Regular wick trimming and using high-quality candles like Stān dle candles can help prevent these issues.