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5 Common Homemade Candle Making Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

If you’re new to candle making, you’ve probably encountered problems like soot, holes in the middle of the candle, or a lack of scent persistence. In this post, we will examine 5 common mistakes in homemade candle making and provide solutions for each.

1. Using inappropriate essential oils

Some people use regular perfumes or body oils to scent their candles. These materials are not suitable for flame and will burn.

• Solution: Only use essential oils specifically for candle making that have an appropriate flash point.

2. Wrong temperature when adding essential oil

If you add essential oil to paraffin at too high or too low a temperature, the scent will be lost or will not diffuse well.

• Suitable temperature: between 60 and 70 degrees Celsius

3. Using an improper wick

A large or small wick will cause the flame to be too high or too low and the candle will not burn properly.

• Guide: Consider the diameter of the candle container and the type of wax and choose the appropriate wick.

4. Crack or hole in the middle of the candle

This problem usually occurs due to the rapid cooling of the spark plug surface.

• Solution: Keep the candle at room temperature and avoid pouring hot paraffin onto a cold surface.

5. Sooting a candle

Soot is usually caused by an improper wick or impurities in the raw materials.

• Solution: Use refined paraffin and a standard wick. Before each lighting, trim the wick a little.

Conclusion

Small mistakes can ruin the final result of candle making. By following the tips we mentioned, you can make more professional candles.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my candle have bubbles?

Stirring too much or pouring the paraffin too quickly can cause bubbles. After pouring the candle, gently shake the surface to release the bubbles.

My candle doesn’t smell, what’s the problem?

Either the amount of essential oil was low, or it was added at the wrong temperature. Use essential oils specifically for candle making and observe the temperature.