Why Are My Soy Wax Candles Sweating? Tips to Solve the Issue

Have you ever lit a soy wax candle, only to find that it’s sweating despite using much fragrance oil for a better scent throw? You’re not alone.

Many makers and customers have experienced this issue with their soy wax candles while burning. But why does it happen?

It’s not just soy wax that can sweat though – coconut wax and soy blend wax can also experience this issue due to their oil content.

Temperature swings can cause wet spots on the surface of the candle, especially if there isn’t enough heat to fully melt the wax.

Factors such as placement guide and wick series can affect whether or not your soy wax candles sweat. Adding fragrance to the wax can also contribute to this problem.

So let’s dive in and discover why your soy wax candles may be sweating and developing wet spots! These wet spots are caused by the heat generated from the melt pool, which is created when the fragrance oil is added to the wax.

What is sweating?

Sweating is a common issue that soy candle makers face. It occurs when wet spots or greasy film appear on the surface of a candle, making it look unattractive and reducing its overall quality.

Sweating happens due to heat changes during burning, causing excess fragrance oil to separate from the soy wax, leading to the formation of small droplets on the surface of the candle.

What can cause sweating?

Several factors, including heat and fragrance, can cause soy wax candles to sweat. Temperature swings can also contribute to sweating, as can pouring candles at higher temperatures than recommended, which can lead to an imbalance of oil and wax in the mixture.

Additionally, burning the candle for extended periods can create a larger melt pool, which may increase sweating.

Using too much fragrance oil or adding other additives like colorants can also result in sweating. These additives increase the overall oil content in the candle’s wax, making it more prone to sweating.

Excessive burning and heat can also contribute to sweating, as well as the formation of air bubbles and smoke.

How can I avoid sweating?

Fortunately, there are several ways you can help prevent soy wax candles from sweating due to heat and fragrance oil, which can also help reduce smoke:

Burning a candle for enough time

One way of preventing sweating is by burning your scented candle for long enough periods each time you light it. When you burn a candle for enough time, it creates a full melt pool that helps distribute heat evenly throughout the candle’s container.

This even distribution reduces temperature swings and prevents excess oil from separating from the wax.

Additionally, make sure the candle is burned in suitable containers to prevent smoke and ensure the surface area of the melt pool is sufficient to release the fragrance.

Using a heat gun

If your soy wax candle, with your favorite fragrance oil, has already started to sweat or develop frosting due to temperature swings, using a heat gun can help smooth out any imperfections on its surface.

A heat gun produces hot air that melts any excess wax on top of your candle and helps redistribute it evenly throughout. Ensure that the wick is trimmed to 1/4 inch before lighting to avoid smoke, and always use appropriate containers for burning candles.

Pouring candles at lower temperatures

Pouring your candles at lower temperatures than recommended is another way of preventing them from sweating. Lower heat temperatures ensure that there’s no separation between fragrance oil and wax during cooling since both components solidify simultaneously.

This process helps reduce the likelihood of sweating in your candles and also prevents air bubbles from forming in the melt pool.

Why are my soy candles sweating?

Soy candles have a high oil content which can cause sweating.

Soy wax, derived from soybean oil with a high oil content, is prone to sweating due to excess oil rising to the surface of the candle after cooling. This is especially common in larger candles or those with a higher fragrance load.

To minimize this issue, it is important to ensure that the heat source, such as the wick, is properly sized for the melt pool and that there are no air bubbles present in the wax.

One way to reduce sweating on the surface of your soy candles is to use a lower fragrance load. Fragrance oils contain their own oils, so using too much can contribute to sweating and air bubbles in the melt pool.

Avoiding over-pouring your candles can help reduce the amount of excess oil left in the wax, which can cause heat to build up and lead to uneven melting and a smaller surface area for the candle to burn.

It’s also important to note that not all soy waxes are created equal. Some fragrance oils can affect the sweating of candles, while heat and wick size can also play a role. Some soy wax formulations are specifically designed to help with these issues, reducing problems like frosting and cracking.

If you’re consistently experiencing issues with sweaty candles, it may be worth trying out different brands or formulations of soy wax that are formulated to better handle fragrance oils, heat, and wick size.

Fragrance oils can also contribute to candle sweating.

As mentioned earlier, fragrance oils contain their own oils which can contribute to candle sweating in coconut wax candles and soy blend wax.

However, it’s not just about how much fragrance you’re using – certain types of fragrances may be more prone to causing sweating than others in wax melts and leftover wax.

For example, citrus-based fragrances tend to be more volatile and can cause more issues with candle sweating than other types of scents. Similarly, floral fragrances may contain more essential oils which could contribute to sweatiness.

If you use coconut wax candles or wax melts made with a soy blend wax, you may have leftover wax that can be reused.

If you’re experiencing consistent issues with sweaty candles or wax melts despite adjusting your fragrance load and pouring technique, consider experimenting with different types of fragrances or speaking with your supplier for recommendations on less-sweat-prone scents.

Another option is to repurpose leftover wax by using it to make new candles or wax melts, or trying out coconut wax which has a higher melting point and can better withstand heat.

Soybean oil, the main ingredient in soy candles, is prone to sweating in certain conditions.

Beyond just being used for candle-making purposes, soybean oil is known for its moisturizing properties – but this property can also contribute to candle sweating in certain conditions such as high humidity or warmer temperatures.

Adding coconut wax to the blend can help reduce this issue while still providing a smooth burn.

Wax melts are a popular alternative to traditional candles and can be made with soybean and coconut wax blends, allowing for a longer-lasting fragrance experience. However, it’s important to note that excessive heat can cause the wax to melt too quickly and affect the scent throw.

To combat this issue, it’s important to store your candles in a cool, dry place in a container. Avoid storing them in areas with high humidity or temperature fluctuations, such as near windows or air conditioning units, as heat can melt the fragrance oil.

This can help preserve the scent of your candles for longer periods of time.

When burning your candles, try to avoid placing them in drafty areas where the air may cause the fragrance to dissipate too quickly. This can also affect the wick, making it harder to light and maintain a steady flame.

Keeping your candles in a still environment can help preserve their scent and ensure they burn evenly.

FAQs

Q: Can I still use my sweaty candles?

A: Yes! Sweating doesn’t affect the fragrance, wick quality or burn time of your candle. Simply wipe off any excess moisture before lighting it to help the air flow around the wick.

Q: Will using a different type of wax prevent sweating?

Not necessarily. All types of wax have their own unique properties that can affect how they react to temperature and humidity changes. However, some waxes may be less prone to sweating than others. Sweaty candles can be a result of high humidity, which can cause moisture buildup on candle surfaces and candle wicks. Additionally, the type of fragrance used in a candle can also impact its sweating potential.

Q: How do I know if my room has high humidity levels?

You can purchase an air hygrometer to measure the humidity in your room. Ideally, you want to keep the air fragrance between 40-60%. If you notice sweating candle due to high humidity, this device can help you regulate the moisture level.

Q: Can I use a hairdryer to remove moisture from my candles?

Q: Can I use a hairdryer to help solidify my candles? A: No, using a hairdryer can cause the wax to melt and deform. It’s best to let your candles solidify naturally or place them in the refrigerator for a few hours. Also, make sure to trim the wick before lighting your candle to ensure it burns evenly and releases its fragrance effectively.

Should I avoid making candles during humid weather?

It’s best to avoid making candles during humid weather if possible. However, if you must make candles during high humidity, try adding a small amount of stearic acid or beeswax to help prevent sweating. Additionally, consider using fragrance oils that are less likely to be affected by moisture in the air and choose a wick that is appropriate for the size of the candle.

Q: How do I store my soy wax flakes?

Store your soy wax flakes, fragrance, and wick in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources to prevent candle sweating.

Q: Can sweaty candles be fixed permanently?

Unfortunately, once a candle has sweated, it may continue to sweat even after wiping off the excess moisture. Proper storage and cooling techniques can help prevent sweaty candles. It’s also important to ensure that the air around the candle is well-circulated to avoid sweating. Additionally, choosing a candle with a high-quality wick and fragrance can also make a difference in reducing sweating.