Troubleshooting Wick Mushrooming: A Guide for Candle Makers
Wick Mushrooming
I love the mushrooms, so what’s the problem? Your candle will burn unevenly, cadbon depositions may cause smoke and also spoil the wax once it falls off.
Wick mushrooming is a common issue faced by candle makers, where the wick forms a mushroom-like cap of carbon at the tip. This can lead to an uneven burn, excessive soot, and even safety hazards. We’ll explore the prime reasons behind wick mushrooming, how to avoid it, and provide practical solutions to ensure your candles burn beautifully every time.
What Causes Wick Mushrooming?
Wick mushrooming occurs when the wick absorbs more wax than it can burn, leading to a buildup of carbon particles. Here are the primary reasons behind this phenomenon:
- Incorrect Wick Size: Using a wick that is too large for the candle can cause it to draw up too much wax, resulting in mushrooming.
- Improper Wick Trimming: Not trimming the wick regularly can lead to an accumulation of carbon.
- High Fragrance Load: Excessive fragrance oils can contribute to incomplete combustion, causing mushrooming.
- Wax Type and Additives: Certain waxes and additives can affect how the wick burns, leading to mushrooming.
How to Avoid Wick Mushrooming
1. Trim the Wick Regularly
Regular wick trimming is crucial to prevent mushrooming. Trim the wick to about 1/4 inch before each burn. This helps maintain a clean, even flame and reduces the buildup of carbon. Check out this video  for a step-by-step guide. Check out the wick trimmers in store.
2. Choose the Correct Wick Size
Selecting the right wick size is essential. The wick should be appropriate for the diameter of the candle and the type of wax used. A wick that is too large will draw up too much wax, while a wick that is too small won’t burn efficiently. Refer to a wick size guide to find the perfect match for your candles. Browse wicks from amazon here or search your local nearby supply stores. Watch the video below to understand the difference and how to decide.Â
3. Balance Fragrance Load
Ensure that the fragrance load is within the recommended limits for your wax type. Overloading the candle with fragrance oils can lead to incomplete combustion and mushrooming. Aim for a balanced fragrance load to achieve a clean burn. Typically Soy wax takes 6~10% of FO load. If you want to put more than that, you have to add additives like stearic or vybar or coco wax. Too much oil and too less both causes poor scent throw. Too much fragrance oil also causes leeching on the top surface. Be careful about additives, dyes etc. You always do not need them.
4. Use High-Quality Wax and Additives
The type of wax and additives you use can impact the burning characteristics of your candle. This was the primary reason in my case, as I was using some bad-quality wax. Opt for high-quality waxes and additives that are known to burn cleanly and evenly. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for your candles.
Additional Tips
- Burn Candles for Shorter Periods: Avoid burning candles for more than 4 hours at a time. This helps maintain a stable flame and reduces the risk of mushrooming.
- Monitor Candle Performance: Keep an eye on how your candles burn. If you notice mushrooming, adjust the wick size or trim the wick more frequently.
- Store Candles Properly: Store candles in a cool, dry place to prevent the wax from softening and affecting the burn quality.
By understanding the causes of wick mushrooming and implementing these preventive measures, you can ensure your candles burn cleanly and efficiently. Regular wick trimming, choosing the correct wick size, balancing fragrance loads, and using high-quality materials are key to avoiding this common issue.Â
Happy candle-making!