FAQ: My candle has weak hot throw or cold throw - what should I do?
We get this question all the time! If your candle’s hot throw (HT) or cold throw (CT) is struggling, don’t panic - this is one of the most common challenges new and experienced makers face.
The good news? 99% of the time, it comes down to just a few core variables.
Here’s a simple troubleshooting guide to help you diagnose what’s going on and get your candle performing beautifully.
1. Check your wick size
Your wick controls the entire burn system - flame height, melt pool, heat, and throw.
If the wick is too small:
• Weak hot throw
• Small melt pool
• Low flame or drowning
→ Try wicking up 1–2 sizes
If the wick is too large:
• Big flame
• Sooting
• Burning too hot
• Melt pool too deep
• HT disappears because it’s burning off too fast
→ Try wicking down 1–2 sizes
2. Check your fragrance load (more ≠ stronger!)
A super common misconception is that adding more fragrance automatically increases throw.
Most waxes perform best around 8% (always check your wax instructions).
Too much FO:
• Wick gets clogged
• Weak or inconsistent HT
• Flame struggles
• Sweating or wet spots
Too little FO:
• Scent can’t disperse properly
• Weak HT + CT
Try testing:
• 6%
• 8%
• 10% (if your wax allows it)
For dense, heavy oils (like gourmands), less can actually throw better.
3. Test in the right-size room (expectations matter!)
This is one of the top mistakes we see! A small candle cannot fill a huge room. Honestly - even a super big candle most likely won’t fill an entire room.
General guidelines:
• 4–9 oz → small bathroom
• 10–14 oz → small/medium room
• 16+ oz → medium room
Open-concept spaces often require:
• Multiple candles
• Or multiple fragrance product types
Many “weak HT” issues are really testing environment issues.
4. Use the correct testing method (most makers don’t!)
If you sit in the room with a burning candle, your nose “shuts off” from olfactory fatigue - the candle may be throwing well, but you won’t smell it.
Correct testing method:
- Place candle in the appropriate room
- Light it
- Leave the room
- Close the door
- Re-enter every 1–2 hours to evaluate
- Note HT strength and wick behavior
This is the exact testing method we use at MWFC - and it makes a HUGE difference in correctly assessing your candles performance!
5. Double-check your pour temps & process
Incorrect handling can weaken CT + HT regardless of wick or fragrance.
Follow your wax recommendations for:
• Melt temperature
• Add-FO temperature
• Pour temperature
• Stir time
• Cooling environment
• Cure time
Some waxes (especially coconut or soy blends) are very temperature sensitive.
6. Remember: your candle is a system
Wick + wax + FO + vessel = the whole performance.
If one variable is off, everything is off.
If you’re stuck, try testing:
• A wick size up
• A wick size down
• A different FO load
One small shift often fixes everything. Document your results - it helps you narrow down what your system needs and saves hours of guesswork.
Weak HT or CT doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong - it just means one variable needs adjusting. Candle making is incredibly rewarding, but it is a science. You’ll find your perfect combo faster than you think.
Our community group is a great place to learn and get help further!! 💛
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