Where Does The Wax Go When You Burn a Candle?
Written by: Elegantsy Home Fragrance |October 23, 2025 | Time to read: 3 minutes
Picture yourself breathing in the calming scent of a high-end candle. As you inhale deeply, your entire body relaxes. You look at the candle's flame, noticing how it shimmers off the amber edge of the glass jar. Your attention then shifts to the wax.
Magically, the candle wax slowly melts into a glowing pool that seems to shrink with each passing hour.
Curious about where all that wax disappears to? Don't worry, we'll explore the science behind this enchanting process in this article!
SO WHERE DOES ALL OF THAT CANDLE WAX GO?
Burning a candle involves the transformation of solid wax into carbon dioxide and water vapor, which are released into the air. This process is known as a combustion reaction, where fuel reacts with oxygen to produce heat, light, and an oxide compound.
During the combustion reaction of a candle, the hydrogen and carbon atoms in the wax (hydrocarbons) are heated when the wick is lit, causing the wax to melt. The wick absorbs the liquid wax, allowing it to be drawn up into the flame.
In the intense heat of the flame, the hydrogen and carbon molecules vaporize and combine with oxygen from the air to form carbon dioxide and water vapor. This reaction releases energy in the form of heat and light.
Approximately 25% of the energy produced in this combustion process is emitted as heat from the flame, sustaining the candle burning process until either the fuel source, known as candle wax, is depleted or the heat dissipates.
WHAT CAUSES CANDLES TO PRODUCE SMOKE & SOOT?
During the process of burning a clean candle, there is no need to be concerned about inhaling carbon dioxide or water molecules from vaporized wax. However, it is important to be mindful of preventing the production of smoke and soot.
Smoke and soot are byproducts of incomplete combustion, consisting of carbon particles in a chalk-like black form. In a proper combustion reaction, candle wax should melt at a rate that sustains the flame evenly. Yet, in cases of incomplete combustion, an imbalance occurs where the wax is consumed faster than it can be burned, resulting in the creation of smoke and soot.
It is common for a candle to require a brief period to establish a stable combustion state after being lit. You may observe the flame flickering or stuttering for a few minutes before settling into a consistent burning pattern.
HOW TO AVOID CANDLE SOOT
1. Choose High-Quality Wax Candles
When selecting candles, opt for those crafted from premium wax like our natural and soy-based candles at Elegantsy Home Fragrance Store. These candles have a lower melting point and burn more cleanly compared to those made with paraffin.
2. Regularly Trim Candle Wicks
Maintain the optimal burn of your candles by trimming the wick regularly. A longer wick can result in a larger, hotter flame that disrupts the combustion process, leading to faster wax melting, increased fuel, and excess soot production.
3. Use a Candle Snuffer to Extinguish Flames
Instead of blowing out candles which may produce smoke and soot, consider using a candle snuffer for a cleaner extinguishing process. This approach helps to protect the wick and prevent damage.
4. Keep Candles Away from Drafts
To ensure a steady burn, place candles in draft-free areas. Airflow can cause the flame to flicker and impact the burn of your candle.
Thank you for taking the time to read! Understanding the science behind candles and where the wax goes can enhance the magic and enjoyment of burning your favorite candle. Hope this knowledge enriches your next candle-burning experience! 💫🕯️