How to Avoid Soot in Candles - Tips to Ensure Your Candle Burns Cleanly.
A few minutes of safety precaution can keep your candles burning safely and cleanly. A wick that's too long can cause a candle to burn more quickly and unevenly, which increases the risk of fire. If you’ve noticed that your candles are burning more quickly than usual, consider if it may be because the wick is too long. Here’s how to trim them for safe and happy candles.

How to Trim a Candle Wick
Use a candle trimmer or scissors to cut the wick 1/4 of an inch from the top of the candle
Light your trimmed, shorter wick and enjoy!
Candle Safety Tips
The National Fire Protection Association recommends the following safety tips to ensure your candle burns cleanly:
Keep candles away from anything flammable.
Keep them in a well-ventilated area.
Place candles on a nonflammable surface, such as wood or metal, not paper or flammable objects.
Keep any combustible material at least three feet away from the flame of an unattended candle.
Don’t use candles if you’ve been drinking alcohol or taking drugs.
Blow out the candle when leaving the room or going to sleep.
Replace any worn wick before lighting your candle. A wick that's too long or too thick can cause a candle to burn more quickly and unevenly, which increases the risk of fire.
Soot and ash in candles is due to improper burning and can be hazardous to your health. Trimming the wick and following a few safety tips will ensure that your candles burn cleanly and safely.