Home Garden

How do I Prevent Soot in Hurricane Lamps?

A hurricane lamp can be a fashionable way to bring some candlelight into a room, but the lamp can become an eyesore if it's coated in black, grimy soot. This can happen when something disturbs the candle flame and it releases dirty particles into the air.

Things You'll Need

  • Hurricane Lamp
  • Soap
  • Water
  • Towel
  • Candle
  • Lighter
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Instructions

  1. Keeping a Hurricane Lamp Soot-Free

    • 1
      A hurricane lamp can be soot-free if cleaned and handled properly.

      Scrub the inside of the hurricane lamp to make sure it is as clean as possible. Don't insert the candle until you have cleaned and dried the lamp. A soap and water solution and a dry towel should be sufficient.

    • 2
      Strong air flow from nearby vents can make a candle produce more soot.

      Place the lamp and candle in a safe location. The ideal place should be well-ventilated and protected from vents, drafts or other strong air currents. Strong irregular air flow can disturb the candle's flame and deposit more soot on the lamp.

    • 3
      A long kitchen lighter lets you light the candle cleanly and easily.

      Light the candle carefully. Use a long match or a long-nosed kitchen lighter to reach into the lamp and light the candle. Once you've lit it, slowly withdraw the match or lighter, taking care not to scorch the edges of the hurricane lamp.