What should I do if my candle gets too hot or shows signs of overheating?Updated 3 months ago
What should I do if my candle gets too hot or shows signs of overheating?
Candles naturally generate heat while burning — but there are a few signs to watch for that tell you it's time to give your candle a rest. Here's what to do and what to look out for.
What to Do If Your Candle Overheats
If your candle becomes excessively hot or shows any signs of overheating:
- Extinguish the candle immediately
- Allow it to cool completely before relighting
- Once cooled, trim the wick to 5mm before your next burn
- Check for any damage to the glass before relighting — if cracking is visible, do not relight
Signs Your Candle May Be Overheating
Keep an eye out for any of the following during your burn:
Sign | What It Means |
|---|---|
Glass feels extremely hot to touch | Candle has been burning too long or wick is too long |
Flame is unusually large or unstable | Wick needs trimming or there's a draft nearby |
Excessive soot or smoke | Wick is too long or airflow is affecting the flame |
Wick "mushrooming" at the tip | Wick needs to be trimmed before the next burn |
Candle burning too rapidly | Burning time exceeded or wick needs attention |
Wick shifting position or appearing loose | Discontinue use and contact our team |
Cracking or stress visible in the glass | Do not relight — contact our team |
Common Causes of Overheating
Most overheating issues come down to one of the following:
- Burning for longer than the recommended time — we recommend a maximum of 4 hours continuously
- Not trimming the wick to 5mm before each burn
- Drafts or airflow near the candle affecting the flame
- Burning near heat sources or direct sunlight
Prevention Tips
A little care goes a long way in keeping your IKOU candle performing beautifully:
- Always burn for 2–3 hours at a time — never exceed 4 hours continuously
- Trim your wick to 5mm before every single burn
- Place your candle on a stable, flat, heat-resistant surface away from drafts
- Never leave a burning candle unattended
- Keep away from children and pets
See What is the recommended burn time for candles? for our full candle care guide.
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