Cutting Down On Soot
As a new candle maker one of the biggest problems is finding the perfect blend of wax, fragrance oil, candle dye and wicks to create the perfect soot free candle. Truth be told though anything that has a flame or burns is going to produce soot even cooking on a gas stove. As a candle maker we try to prevent this soot as much as possible.
When you’re aiming for a soot free candle the biggest thing you need to remember is that each wick is specially designed for a certain type of candle. If you are using a zinc candle wick that is made for a 4 inch wide jar, but you are using it in a two inch wide jar you are going to have soot. On top of that you run the risk of an exploding container since the wick will burn much to hot for the type of jar you are using it in.
You will also want to make sure your customers know of to take care of their candles. Trimming wicks to the proper size which is ¼ inch from the top of a candle greatly reduces soot. If a candle wick is left burning to long it will produce soot on the jar. But it seems no matter how many warning labels and how loudly we speak of this issue their will be customers who just do not follow these rules of proper candle burning.
The only thing we can do to help prevent soot is to use self trimming wicks. With the use of wicks such as HTP, flat braid, and square braid to name a few we can help cut back on soot from a customer’s lack of trimming.
Now if we could only come up with something that would self extinguish a candle that burns 1 hour for every inch wide it is we would be almost virtually soot free. A properly made and burned candle will diminish the amount of soot a candle gives off to minimal amounts.
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