Sarah Brown
Candle wick mushrooming is a common issue that occurs when the wax of a candle does not burn fast enough to keep up with the wick, causing wax to melt into the wick and creating a buildup of carbon particles, resulting in a carbon ball or mushroom. This can cause the candle to burn inconsistently and may eventually make it difficult to relight. To prevent wick mushrooming, it is important to ensure that the wick is the correct size and type for the candle and that the candle is not burned for too long at a time. Additionally, trimming and curling the wick can help to reduce mushrooming.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wick size | Should be appropriately sized for the candle, not too big |
| Type of wick | Coreless wicks are better than zinc core wicks |
| Burn time | Should not be burned for more than 4 hours at a time |
| Wick angle | Should be bent at a gentle angle, not straight up |
| Wick material | Cord wicks are self-trimming |
| Wax type | Soya wax, paraffin waxes, or all-rounder ECO wax |
| Fragrance and coloring | Excess can cause mushrooming |
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What You'll Learn
Use the correct wick, wax, and fragrances
To prevent wick mushrooming, it's important to use the correct wick, wax, and fragrances.
Firstly, choosing the right wick is crucial. The wick should be properly sized for the candle, with a burn pool that matches the width or diameter of the candle. A common issue is when the wick is too big, causing more wax to be sent to the flame than it can handle, resulting in carbon buildup. To prevent this, opt for a wick that is appropriately sized for your candle's dimensions. Additionally, consider using a coreless wick, as it provides controlled curling over time, or a flat braided cotton wick, which is self-trimming and reduces mushrooming.
The type of wax used also plays a role in preventing mushrooming. Different types of wax require specific wicks. For example, soya wax pairs well with TCR wicks, while paraffin waxes work better with LX wicks. Choosing the right combination ensures optimal burning and reduces the likelihood of mushrooming.
Fragrances and colourants in the wax can also impact wick mushrooming. Added fragrances or colourants can increase the likelihood of carbon buildup, even if the wick is slightly curled. To mitigate this, consider using less fragrance or opting for natural fragrances that won't interfere with the burning process.
Finally, centering the wick during the candle-making process is essential. A centred wick ensures an even melt pool and consistent burning. Tools like wick sustainers, wick stickums, and centering tools can help keep the wick centred during the pouring and cooling processes, reducing the chances of mushrooming.
By carefully selecting the right wick, wax, and fragrances, and paying attention to the wick's positioning, you can significantly reduce the occurrence of wick mushrooming and enjoy your candles to the fullest.
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Avoid long burn times
One of the main causes of candle wick mushrooming is long burn times. To prevent wick mushrooming, it is recommended to avoid burning your candle for longer than four hours at a time.
Candle wick mushrooming occurs when the wax of the candle does not burn fast enough to keep up with the wick. This causes the wick to absorb the wax, resulting in a buildup of carbon particles on the wick, forming a "mushroom" shape. An oversized wick can also contribute to this issue by providing more wax to the flame than it can handle, leading to carbon buildup.
By limiting burn times to four hours or less, you can help prevent wick mushrooming. This is because shorter burn times reduce the amount of wax that melts and ensure that the wick can burn through the wax at a similar rate. It is also important to note that an oversized wick can lead to a larger flame that produces too much heat for the surface area of the candle. This can cause issues such as accelerated fragrance breakdown and sooting.
Additionally, it is recommended to use a wick that is properly sized for your candle. A wick that is too large for the candle can provide more wax to the flame than it can burn, resulting in carbon buildup and mushrooming. Choosing the right type of wick can also help prevent mushrooming. For example, coreless wicks provide a controlled curling of the wick, which can help prevent wax buildup. Flat braided cotton wicks are also considered "'self-trimming" and can reduce the likelihood of mushrooming.
By following these guidelines and avoiding long burn times, you can help prevent candle wick mushrooming and ensure a more enjoyable and consistent candle-burning experience.
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Keep the wick centred
Keeping the wick centred is an important step in preventing mushrooming. When the wick is centred, you get an even melt pool. To ensure the wick remains centred during the pouring process, use tools such as wick sustainers and wick stickums. These tools help keep the wick adhered to the bottom of the glass container.
Another tool that can be used is a wick centring tool, which ensures the wick stays straight and upright during the cooling process. These tools are available online.
The type of wick you use is also important. For example, coreless wicks provide a controlled curling of the wick over time as it burns, which helps prevent mushrooming. Flat braided cotton wicks are considered "self-trimming" and will also help reduce mushrooming.
For soya wax, TCR wicks are recommended, while LX wicks are better suited for paraffin waxes. If you're unsure, an ECO wick is a good all-rounder. To ensure your wick is the correct thickness for your container, refer to size charts and suggestions provided by candle suppliers.
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Curl the wick
Curling the wick of a candle is an effective way to prevent mushrooming. Mushrooming occurs when the wax of the candle does not burn fast enough to keep up with the wick, resulting in wax absorption and carbon buildup on the wick. This can cause the candle to burn inconsistently.
To curl the wick, use a metal object such as a wick dunker, tweezers, or even a metal spoon to gently bend the wick towards the side of the flame. The hottest part of the flame is actually the side, not the centre, so curling the wick ensures that the tip of the wick is in the hottest part of the flame, preventing the formation of a carbon ball or "mushroom cap".
It is important to note that the candle and wick should be fully cooled before attempting to curl the wick. Additionally, some types of wicks, such as coreless wicks, naturally provide controlled curling over time as they burn, which can help prevent mushrooming. Flat braided cotton wicks are also a good option as they are considered "self-trimming" and can help reduce mushrooming.
While curling the wick can be an effective solution, it may not always work, especially if there is a lot of added fragrance or colouring in the wax. In some cases, the wick may need to be trimmed in addition to being curled to completely eliminate mushrooming. Regularly trimming the wick before and after burning can help prevent carbon buildup and encourage proper combustion.
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Buy high-quality candles
While mushrooming may be aesthetically pleasing to some, it can indicate an issue with the candle's burning conditions and can be a fire hazard. The phenomenon is caused by a build-up of carbon on the wick, which creates a small, mushroom-shaped protrusion. This can be due to a variety of factors, including the type of wax, the size of the wick, and the length of time the candle is burned.
One way to prevent mushrooming is to buy high-quality candles. While it is convenient to purchase inexpensive candles from drug stores, mushrooming is more likely to occur with cheaper candles that are not designed to last long. High-quality candles made from natural materials are less likely to produce a mushroom-shaped head. They are designed to burn with consistency and last longer without mushrooming.
When choosing a high-quality candle, opt for those made with soy wax or beeswax, as these types of wax are less likely to produce mushrooms compared to paraffin wax, which is commonly used in mass-produced candles. Additionally, ensure that the wick is appropriately sized for the candle's diameter. A wick that is too large will burn too hot, leading to carbon build-up and mushrooming. Look for wicks that are bent at a gentle angle, as these are less likely to have any build-up. Cord wicks, for example, are considered "self-trimming" and are less likely to cause mushrooming.
It is also important to consider the burn time of the candle. Burning a candle for too long can increase the risk of wick mushrooming. Therefore, it is recommended to not leave a candle burning for more than four hours at a time. By choosing high-quality candles with the right type of wax, appropriately sized wicks, and managing their burn time, you can effectively reduce the likelihood of mushrooming and enhance your candle-burning experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Candle mushrooming is when the wax of the candle does not burn fast enough to keep up with the wick. This causes the wick to absorb the wax, creating a buildup of carbon particles on the wick, which can cause the candle to burn inconsistently.
Candle mushrooming is often caused by an incorrectly sized wick. A wick that is too big will provide more wax to the flame than it can handle, resulting in carbon buildup. Other causes include long burn times, incorrect wick material, and added fragrances or colouring in the wax.
To stop your candle from mushrooming, ensure you are using a high-quality candle with a wick that is properly sized for the candle. Avoid burning your candle for longer than four hours at a time. You can also try curling the wick to increase the length that a flame will last and trim the wick regularly to prevent mushrooming.
