Why does my candle keep going out on its own? The 5 most common causes (and how to fix them)

Lighting a candle is often a way to create a cozy atmosphere, relax, or fully enjoy a fragrance. So when the flame goes out on its own, for no apparent reason, the frustration is very real.

Good news: in the vast majority of cases, this problem has simple and easily correctable causes . It's neither a serious defect nor a "failed" spark plug, but rather imperfect combustion conditions.

In this article, we review the 5 most common reasons why a candle goes out on its own , as well as concrete solutions to restore a stable flame and fully enjoy your candle.

Cause #1: The wick is too short or submerged

One of the most frequent causes is what is known as a flooded wick . This means that the wick is surrounded by too much liquid wax. The flame then lacks oxygen, becomes weak, flickers… and then goes out.

This phenomenon often occurs when:

• the lock of hair is never cut again.
• The candle is extinguished too early and too often.
• You blow on it abruptly, which projects melted wax onto the wick.

The solutions

• Trim the wick to approximately 5 mm before each lighting.
• Gently remove excess wax around the wick using a small spoon or toothpick to allow it to "breathe".
• Avoid very short and repeated ignitions, which promote the gradual burial of the wick.

Cause #2: An air current that disturbs the flame

A flame needs stability to stay lit. Air currents make it flicker, produce black smoke, and eventually extinguish it.

The sources of drafts are sometimes subtle:

• window ajar,
• door that opens regularly,
• With the ventilation system or cooker hood in operation,
• fan or air conditioning,
• Frequent passage through a corridor.

The solutions

• Place the candle away from windows, doors and ventilation systems .
• Use a candle holder or a candle cover to protect the flame (without smothering it).
• Check that the candle is placed on a perfectly flat surface , so that the flame remains straight.

Cause #3: An incorrectly sized or poor quality drill bit

If the wick is too thin relative to the diameter of the candle , it won't produce enough heat. The wax will melt poorly, the flame will gradually shrink, and then eventually go out.

This could also be related to:

• a poorly centered lock of hair
• a poor quality wick,
• a poorly waxed lock of hair.

The solutions

• For a commercial candle: observe the warning signs (very small flame, wax that melts only in the center, frequent extinction).
• For candle makers: choose a wick suitable for the wax and the diameter of the container , and carry out burning tests.
• If you are a bit handy, it is sometimes possible to save a candle by repotting it with a new, suitable wick .
• At Ely's Candle, I use untreated cotton wicks that are adapted to their container, so you can enjoy an even burn without any hassle!

Cause #4: Poorly melted wax or “wax memory”

Wax has a memory of burning . If the first use is too short, the wax only melts in the center, leaving a solid rim on the sides. Over time, this rim forms a well around the wick.

The flame then becomes trapped, with little oxygen, which promotes its extinction.

The solutions

• During the first burn, let the candle burn until the entire surface of the wax is melted , from the center to the edges.
  
• For a candle that has already been hollowed out: use a foil collar to concentrate the heat and melt the wax on the sides.
  (See the article "Why is my candle tunneling?")
  
• You can also gently heat the surface with a hairdryer to even out the wax.
• Extend the burning times for large diameter candles.

Cause #5: Lack of oxygen or an unsuitable container

A flame needs oxygen to stay lit. Some very deep or narrow containers can restrict airflow, especially if the sides are high.

This can also happen if:

• a lid is put on too quickly.
• The candle holder is too closed.
• The flame is already weakened.

The solutions

• Never light a candle with its lid on or with a cover that is too tight.
• Opt for open containers or candle holders that allow good air circulation.
• Extinguish the candle gently (using a snuffer or lid placed after extinguishing) to preserve the wick and avoid black smoke.

Special case: the wooden drill bit, often more temperamental

Wooden wicks offer an attractive flame and a pleasant, gentle crackling sound, but they can be more demanding to use. If the wick is not properly maintained or if it is not sufficiently supplied with melted wax, the flame may struggle to maintain itself and may extinguish itself.

This problem often occurs when the wick is not sufficiently exposed, is too short, or the wax has not melted sufficiently around it during the first few uses.

The solutions:

• Cut the wooden wick to about 3–4 mm , perfectly straight, before each lighting.
• Ensure that the wax surface is well melted around the wick to feed it properly.
• When first lighting, let the candle burn long enough to avoid wax memory.
• If the flame struggles to catch, tilt the candle slightly for a few seconds after lighting to help the melted wax feed the wick.

A well-maintained wooden wick provides stable combustion and a warm ambiance, but it requires a little more attention than a conventional wick.

Quick checklist: what to check when a candle goes out?

Before giving up on your candle, review this checklist:

• Is the lock of hair long enough and well cut ?
• Is the candle protected from drafts ?
• Does the container allow air to circulate ?
• Does the wax melt across the entire surface ?
• Does the wick size seem appropriate for the diameter of the candle?

In conclusion

A candle that goes out on its own is not a disaster. In most cases, a few adjustments are all it takes to restore stable burning, a beautiful flame, and optimal fragrance diffusion.

Understanding how your candle works is also a way to extend its lifespan and fully appreciate the artisanal know-how behind each creation.