How to Care for Candle Wicks for a Clean and Even Burn

Proper wick care is essential to getting the most out of your candles. Learn how to trim, clean, and maintain both cotton and wooden wicks for a longer-lasting, clean-burning experience.

Wick Trimming Guidelines for Perfect Burns

Cotton Wick Care

• Trim to 1/4 inch before each burn to prevent:
  • Excessive soot.
  • Uneven melting or tunneling of the wax.

Wooden Wick Care

• Trim to 1/8 inch to ensure clean combustion and optimal performance.
• Longer wooden wicks can cause incomplete burns, creating soot or inconsistent flames.

Troubleshooting Common Wick Issues

Curled Wicks

• If your wick forms an upside-down "U" shape after cooling, use wick trimmers to remove the top of the curl.
• Pro Tip: If both sides light when curled, one will naturally extinguish as the wax softens, ensuring even burning.

Short Wicks

• If the wick is trimmed too short and won’t light:
  • Use a fine-point tool (like a toothpick) to carefully carve a 1/8-inch moat around the wick.
  • This exposes more of the wick, making it easier to relight.

How to Clean and Maintain Wicks

Wooden Wick Maintenance

• Use angled wick trimmers for precision when trimming accessible wicks.
• For deeply recessed wicks:
  • Wait until the wax hardens and the vessel cools.
  • Gently break off the charred portion with your fingers.

Preventing Debris in Your Candle

• Always avoid leaving wick trimmings or debris on the wax surface:
  • Debris can discolor the wax and affect scent performance.
  • To remove debris, turn the candle upside down over a trash can and shake gently. Most residue will fall out without affecting the candle.

Why Proper Wick Care Matters

Caring for your candle wicks ensures:

• Cleaner, soot-free burns for a healthier home.
• Optimal fragrance diffusion for a better scent experience.
• Longer-lasting candles, maximizing your investment in high-quality coconut-soy wax products.