The Wick Continues to Burn Briefly After Extinguishing
When you blow out a candle, the wick doesn't immediately cool down. For a few seconds, it continues to smolder, releasing carbon particles into the air. This often creates a slightly burnt or smoky scent. However, with eco-friendly candles like ours at Karessa Candles, the scent is much softer because the wick is made from clean-burning cotton and the wax from soy.
Residual Wax Fumes Are Released
That post-burn smell also comes from residual wax vaporizing from the still-warm pool of wax. In premium soy wax candles, these fumes often carry a subtle note of the original fragrance, while lower-quality candles might smell more chemical or sharp. Choosing hand poured candles with high-grade oils ensures the post-burn aroma remains pleasant.
Burnt Fragrance Oil Lingers
In scented candles, the fragrance oils can break down when exposed to high heat, especially if the wick is too long or burning unevenly. This can lead to a burnt scent that lingers after you extinguish the flame. Using luxury candle jars with properly centered wicks and balanced wax-to-oil ratios helps reduce this effect.
The Jar Traps Scented Smoke
In candles housed in jars, especially tightly enclosed luxury candle jars, the smoke from the extinguished flame can get temporarily trapped and swirl with the candle's natural aroma. This creates a unique "after-smell" that’s a blend of burnt wick and remaining fragrance. With Karessa Candles, that scent often feels warm and comforting rather than acrid or unpleasant.
How to Reduce the Smell After Blowing Out a Candle
If the after-smell bothers you, use a candle snuffer instead of blowing out the flame. This minimizes smoke and preserves the clean aroma of your home fragrance environment. Trimming the wick before each use also helps prevent excessive soot and burnt smells, especially in our best scented candles made for longer, cleaner burns.
