{"id":6316,"date":"2022-04-29T17:36:44","date_gmt":"2022-04-30T00:36:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/housefragrance.com\/?p=6316"},"modified":"2023-02-03T19:34:47","modified_gmt":"2023-02-04T03:34:47","slug":"why-is-my-candle-popping-and-crackling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/housefragrance.com\/why-is-my-candle-popping-and-crackling\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Is My Candle Popping and Crackling? (Quick Facts)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Unless you\u2019re burning a candle made with a wooden wick, popping and crackling noises are a sign that something is wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A candle might pop and crackle while burning for a number of reasons. Its wick might be too long or there might be excessive debris on top of the wax, both of which interfere with how the candle burns.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Continue reading to learn more about why candles can make these noises, how to address unsafe candle burning conditions, and how to avoid lighting candles that may burn irregularly.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Why<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Is It Normal for a Candle to Pop and Crackle?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When I first light a candle after trimming its wick, I can sometimes hear it crackle a few times. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Honestly, I\u2019m not sure of the cause, but it’s something that only lasts for a few seconds. In all likelihood, there is lint on top of the candle that I didn\u2019t see prior to lighting it. Since the noises don\u2019t persist, it doesn\u2019t become a problem.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

But if your candle makes popping and crackling noises for minutes or hours, this is not normal, and it needs to be addressed.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Causes a Candle to Pop and Crackle?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If your candle is consistently making these noises, it\u2019s best to troubleshoot without hesitation to make sure you\u2019re burning your candle safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are three main causes for these noises:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Wick type<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Wick length<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Dusty wax<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Let\u2019s explore these causes in more detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. Wick Type: Wooden Wicks<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Candles made with wooden wicks are the only ones that should<\/em><\/strong> pop and crackle. Companies like WoodWick Candle<\/a> create multi-sensory candles that remind you of a crackling wood burning fireplace.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Such candles burn safely and some even have a dancing flame, which would also pose caution if the wick weren\u2019t made of wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    So if you enjoy hearing the crackling sound, then you may want to learn more about WoodWick<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2. Wick Length: Cotton Wicks<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    But as I mentioned, these noises are  only a good thing if you\u2019re burning a candle with a wooden wick. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When burning candles made with cotton or other natural fiber wicks, the popping and crackling noises are unwelcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    With natural fiber wicks, their length is often the culprit. <\/strong>When a wick is too long, it can generate soot<\/a>, the flame can grow too high, and the wick can mushroom. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    An erratic flame can pop and crackle as it gets out of hand. If this is the case, you should immediately extinguish the flame.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Read more: W\u200bood Wicks vs. Cotton Wicks<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    3. Dirty Wax Surface<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    As I shared earlier, from time to time there\u2019s dust or lint on the surface of my candle that can be hard to see. This leads to popping or crackling noises, but only for a short time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When there\u2019s lots of debris<\/a>, like broken and charred matches, heavy dust, random small objects or particles on the surface of the candle, this is problematic. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You don\u2019t want to light a candle that\u2019s dusty or has anything on its surface but wax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Preventing Pops & Crackles When Burning Candles <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    If a candle burns irregularly, it may cause a fire. Jumping flames can creep up nearby curtains or other flammable items. Popping and crackling might seem like a loud nuisance, but these noises can also pose a fire hazard if not taken care of right away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Always Monitor Lit Candles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The first step at fire prevention is to never leave a lit candle unattended<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you light a candle, and then leave the room, you may not hear it popping or crackling.<\/strong> If you don\u2019t hear these noises, then you can\u2019t address the problem or prevent a fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Don’t light a candle if you don’t plan to stay nearby. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Proper Storage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    One of the best things you can do when your candle isn\u2019t burning is store it properly. Candles are best stored in a cool, dry place. Keep them away from extreme hot or cold temperatures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Next, it\u2019s ideal to keep them covered. If your candle comes with a lid, use it to protect your candle wax from dust and debris.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If a lid wasn\u2019t included, cut out a piece of cardboard or other material and lay it over the rim of your candle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Be Mindful of Debris<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    If you haven\u2019t covered your candles when not in use, all isn\u2019t lost. Before lighting your candle, simply take a lint-free cloth<\/a> that\u2019s slightly dampened with water and gently wipe the surface of the candle wax.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If your candle is made with soy and\/or coconut wax, make sure to wipe as lightly as possible. Both of these waxes are quite soft and can smudge or shift around in the cleaning process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Whatever you do, NEVER use alcohol to wipe the surface of your candle. It\u2019s highly flammable. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Keeping your candle covered also helps keep its fragrance strong<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Wick Maintenance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    In addition to storing your candle properly, you want to care for it by regularly trimming the wick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    After your candle has cooled, nip the wick using sharp scissors or a wick trimmer.<\/strong> As the wax height decreases, having a good wick trimmer on hand <\/a>simplifies this process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You\u2019re aiming for a wick that\u2019s no more than \u00bc inch (a little over half a centimeter) high. <\/strong>Keeping the wick trimmed prevents sooting and mushrooming when lit in the future, which in turn, prevents crackling and popping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Avoid Drafts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Flames grow high and become wild<\/a> if they\u2019re allowed to burn near a draft or ventilation system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It\u2019s best not to place a lit candle directly beneath your central cooling vent. The same is true if it\u2019s placed near an air conditioning unit or an open window on a windy day. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you notice that your candle is popping or crackling under these conditions, blow it out, carefully relocate it, and then light the wick again. If the jar is too hot, allow it to cool down before picking it up to move it.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It only takes a slight breeze to move papers or curtain panels as well. So by sitting your candle in a breeze-free zone, you\u2019re also engaging in fire prevention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Choose a Level Surface<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    It may seem to go without saying, but it also helps to make sure your candle is on an even table or shelf. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Similar to the last point, you want the flame\u2019s oxygen source to be as steady as possible. If the candle is tilted or in a spot where it might tip over, this can feed the flame, causing it to grow too large. An oversized flame only leads to problems. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Popping and crackling being the most minor issues in comparison to the greater devastation that might occur to your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Tools & Tips for Proper Candle Burning<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    When extinguishing a candle, blowing it out should usually be the last resort. Think about the lovely aroma that fills your space. And then consider what happens when you blow out the candle flame. That lovely fragrance becomes a little stenchy pretty quickly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Soon the smell of smoke snuffs out any sign that you\u2019d just burned a candle for three hours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Wick Maintenance Kit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
    \n\n \n \n
    \n\n \n
    \n \n \"Broadtech\n <\/a>\n\n <\/div>\n\n
    \n \n Broadtech Candle Wick Trimmer, Candle Snuffer and Wick Trimmer 3 in 1, Candle Accessory Set for Candle Lovers <\/a>\n
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