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If you have ever noticed or specifically used soy based candles in your home, you may have seen tiny droplets of moisture collecting on the top.This may sound funny, but we may wonder if the candle is sweating.
While as amusing as it sounds, there’s a scientific reason behind your candle sweating and specific solutions can help fix this phenomenon. In this blog, we will understand candle sweating and its causes, preventions, and solutions in detail. So, let’s dive in.
Causes of Candle Sweating
First, we will begin by discussing factors contributing to candle sweating. There are some common reasons behind candle sweating, and we will discuss each of them in this section.
Factors contributing to candle sweating:
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Composition of wax (e.g. soy wax)
One of the leading causes that could be responsible for candle sweating is the composition of the wax itself. Candles made of soy wax are more prone to this phenomenon. As the temperature changes, soy wax begins to separate oil or moisture, which causes candle sweating.
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Environmental conditions (humidity, temperature)
Another common cause of candle sweating could be due to environmental conditions. The temperature and humidity levels can cause an increase in moisture on your candle and lead to oil separating from the wax. As a result, you may see tiny droplets around your candle.
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Container material and design
Container material and design also can cause candle sweating as there can be containers made from material that can cause uneven heating to the candle. So, this uneven heating and poor design or ventilation can increase the likelihood of sweating.
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Wick type and size
The type and size of a candle wick play a massive role in candle performance. So, different wick types and sizes can cause differences in burning and flickering. This can result in an imbalance in moisture, resulting in candle sweating.
Effects of Candle Sweating
Candle sweating occurs when moisture collects on a candle. It can happen in any candle but is mainly seen in soy based candles. Although candle sweating is a minor issue and does not impact the candle’s integrity, it does affect the candle’s aesthetics and a little bit on performance. So, this is why addressing the issue of salvaging your candle burning experience is mandatory. Sweaty candles create a more significant, unpredictable flame that poses a fire risk. Moreover, the excess oils can also cause the candles to burn faster, increasing the risk of overheating if you put them in a container or stand.
Understanding Soy Wax Candle Sweating
Candle sweating occurs when moisture accumulates around or on the candle. Soy wax candles are more prone to candle sweating because they are sensitive to extreme temperature changes. This can cause the natural oils to separate from the wax, leaving the pools of oil we see on the top, which we acknowledge as candle sweating.
In addition, soy wax candles also contain a large concentration of fragrance oils, which can exaggerate the sweating issue. That’s because there might be chances that the oils might not have adequately bound with the wax. When you compare soy wax with other candle wax alternatives like beeswax, palm wax, or paraffin wax, you will probably find that they are less prone to sweating. In Particular, they work well in moderate temperature fluctuations. Soy wax candles are more prone to candle sweating because of their low melting point and sensitivity to temperature fluctuations.
Preventing Candle Sweating
Tips and strategies to minimize candle sweating:
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Proper wick selection and trimming
You must trim the wick of your candle to about ¼ inch before to help reduce sweating. This is because larger wicks create a larger flame, which causes the wax to melt unevenly, ultimately leading to candle sweating. So, regularly trim your candle wick to enjoy a controlled burn of your candle.
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Container choice and preparation
Always be particular about the choice of candle container and its preparation. Invest in candles made of paraffin wax and high quality wicks. Moreover, containers that can withstand temperature fluctuations should always be chosen and do not get overheated very quickly.
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Controlling environmental conditions
Another way to prevent candle sweating is by controlling the environmental conditions. Keep the room temperature idea where your candles are burning, if possible. You can use a humid dehumidifier to maintain the room's moisture levels and reduce the chances of candle sweating.
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Quality of ingredients and manufacturing process
Always buy quality ingredients and follow the proper manufacturing process to make your candles. Invest in ingredients supplied by top manufacturers that assure you a clean and safe candle burning experience.
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Avoid too much Fragrance Oil.
As we mentioned before, fragrance oils also cause candle sweating. Hence, it's always better not to use too much fragrance oil if you are crafting candles alone to avoid the candle sweating issue.
Solutions for Sweaty Candles
Remedies for addressing existing candle sweating issues:
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Proper storage and handling
Always store your candles in a cool and dry place. Keep the room temperature low on humidity levels and prevent moisture from accumulating in the environment.
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Techniques for drying out sweaty candles
If you want to dry the sweaty candles, place them in refrigerators for a few hours or blot the surface with a paper towel to remove excess oil.
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Re-pouring or re-wicking options
You can also re-pour or wick your candles to effectively address and reduce candle sweating and ensure a long-lasting candle.
Conclusion
In conclusion, candle sweating is a phenomenon that many soy wax candle owners experience. But now that you know everything about this phenomenon, you can overcome it using these preventive measures and enhance your candle-burning experience. So, next time you see your candle sweating, you probably know what to do or how to overcome it.
