What causes a scented candle to smell burnt?
A candle smells burnt when the wick is too long, the flame is too high, or the wax isn’t melting evenly. This can overheat the jar and burn the fragrance oils, leaving behind a harsh, smoky scent instead of the one you expected.
To avoid this, choose a properly wicked candle like those in our handmade candle collection, which are designed for clean, even burns.
How does wick length affect candle smell?
A wick that’s too long creates a larger flame, which burns hotter and faster. This leads to:
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Faster wax consumption
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Black soot on the jar
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A burnt smell due to overheating
Our luxury candles come with pre-trimmed wicks for optimal burning. Still, we recommend trimming the wick to ¼ inch before each use.
Can cheap materials make candles smell burnt?
Yes. Low-quality wax, synthetic fragrances, or metal-core wicks can cause incomplete combustion, which smells like smoke or burning. At Karessa Candles, we use clean-burning, eco-friendly wax and natural fragrance oils for a pure scent experience.
How do I fix a candle that smells burnt?
To fix it:
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Trim the wick and remove any burnt residue
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Let the candle burn long enough to melt the wax evenly across the top
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Avoid placing the candle in a drafty space
For best results, explore our candle jars that provide a controlled burn environment and help protect fragrance integrity.
How do Karessa Candles avoid this issue?
We ensure:
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Correct wick sizing
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Balanced wax-to-fragrance ratios
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Hand-poured quality control
Every candle in our collection is made to avoid common burn problems and deliver a long-lasting aroma without the burnt scent.
Can candle storage affect the scent?
Yes, improper storage in humid, hot, or dusty places can degrade the fragrance and affect how your candle burns. Keep your candles in a cool, dry place with the lid on—like our elegant candle jar designs.
