frequently asked questions about the candle
There is a summary here of the most frequently put questions and replies.
Why shouldn't foreign matter (bits of matches, pieces of wick, flies and other insects) ever be in the liquid wax?
Foreign matter like this dirties the wax. The dirty wax clogs the wick. As a result, the wick cannot absorb. The foreign matter can catch fire; it thus acts as a second wick, causing the candle to disintegrate and thus become a hazard. This is especially true when the foreign matter is at the edge of the candle. The candle edge is breached and the candle keeps on running.
Why do candles occasionally drip?
Possible reasons are : over-warm room, draughts or tilted candle.
Why is it that candles of various tints drip quite a lot?
A high pigment share hinders the absorptive function of the wick. This can arise particularly with dark colours or fully dyed candles.
How can we stop the candle burning at a tilt and the liquid wax running out?
If a draught is pushing the flame to one side, either stop the draught or rotate the candle. Should, however, the wick bend over to one side, then gently straighten it when still warm.
Why is there always a piece left over of a pillar candle that doesn't burn and thus can be thought of as a loss?
Stumps cannot completely burn as they have a spiked hole at the bottom. The candle section of the spiked hole length stops burning since the wick here has no support, topples over and goes out.
Why do some candles burn with too short a flame?
This can happen when the wick is too thin or when impurities or dye clog up the wick's absorptive capacity.
What should be observed with flower arrangements, Christmas trees and chandeliers?
The candles should not be too near each other as otherwise they heat up too quickly and start either to drip or bend. Arranging candles one above the other causes the top candle to burn irregularly as a result of heat rising from the one below and it is inclined to bend. Candles are to be arranged on Christmas trees so that there is no combustible material (e.g. dry twigs) above them. A dry burning twig can quickly set the whole tree alight. To be on the safe side, you should always have a full bucket of water ready at the side of the tree. For flower arrangements, candles of the same type and length should preferably be used. Make sure there is no fire risk, in particular, here from serviettes and the like.
How far apart are burning candles to be placed?
10-15 cms would be a rule of thumb. However, pay attention to the individual heat emission which might have an effect on the next candle. Room temperature also has a role to play.
Some wicks develop swellings that look like knots at the tip when burning. What's the remedy here?
What we have here are carbon deposits which should be removed with a pair of special wick scissors. After all, these carbon deposits may contaminate the liquid wax and thus impair proper candle burning.
What's the best way of extinguishing candles?
Blow out the flame or extinguish using a candle snuffer. The best thing is to dip the burning wick into the liquid wax and then re-straighten.
Why do some candles simply go out?
Candles can go out on their own if the wick is not stable enough, tips over and drops into the liquid wax. It can also be caused by the wick clogging as a result of colour dyes or other impurities, when the wick has not sufficient suction and when no wax is being conveyed.
What should be done when the wick still glows strongly once the candle has been put out?
It is quite natural for the wick to glow a little afterwards. If it really glows strongly, then either dip the wick into the liquid wax or wet your fingers and pinch it.
How do you get rid of wax stains?
The best way to remove wax stains in fabrics is to place one or two sheets of blotting paper on the stain and iron over it. Keep repeating until the wax is absorbed. Dry cleaning will remove any remaining colour stain. Sometimes even cold works. Put some ice on the wax or place in the fridge. The low temperatures make the wax brittle and it can then be carefully removed. Candle holders or, for instance, glass receptacles can be placed in hot water to dissolve the wax.
Why do some candles splutter or crackle?
This is a sign that the wick has taken in moisture. Changed air humidity can cause this to happen, especially when a candle is kept outside overnight.
What should be heeded when using glass candlesticks for candles?
Glass candlesticks in which the candles – particularly the conical ones – are completely burned could crack from the heat. This can be avoided by extinguishing the candle before the flame reaches the upper edge of the candlestick nozzle. However, the best thing here is to use self-extinguishing candles. These candles put themselves out automatically before reaching the glass edge.
Can candles be kept for ever?
Candles generally can be kept for an unlimited period as long as they are properly stored. Always place long candles (taper candles, household candles, thin pillar candles etc.) flat when storing! Otherwise the effect of warmth can deform them.
High fat-content candles can give rise to the packaging (plastic film, paper, cardboard) becoming discoloured or soft. But this is of no significance at all for the candle itself.
Lighting a new candle
Place the wick upright when lighting a new candle.
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