Introduction: There's something undeniably cozy and charming about the gentle crackle and warm glow of a wood wick candle. However, if you're new to wood wick candles or have struggled with them in the past, you might find that getting them to burn correctly can be a bit of a challenge. Fear not! In this blog, we'll guide you through the essential tips for starting and maintaining your wood wick candle's burn, ensuring a perfect glow every time.
1. The First Burn is Fundamental: The initial burn of a wood wick candle sets the stage for its future performance. When lighting it for the first time, allow the candle to burn long enough so that the wax melts across the entire surface, reaching the edges of the container. This process, known as achieving a full melt pool, prevents tunneling and ensures an even burn in subsequent uses. Typically, this means letting your candle burn for about one to two hours, depending on its size.
2. Keep Your Wick Trimmed: Before each burn, trim the wick to about 1/8 to 3/16 of an inch. This can be done using a wick trimmer or a pair of scissors. A properly trimmed wick ensures a cleaner, brighter burn and prevents the flame from becoming too large or producing smoke. Be careful not to trim it too short, though, as this might make it difficult to light.
3. Lighting the Wick: Wood wicks can be a bit more challenging to light than traditional cotton wicks. Hold the flame to the wick for approximately 20 seconds to ensure it catches. If you're using a lighter, a long, multipurpose lighter is usually more convenient and safer than a standard one.
4. Burn in a Safe Environment: Always burn your candle on a heat-resistant surface and away from drafts, pets, and children. Drafts can cause the candle to burn unevenly, leading to wasted wax and a reduced lifespan for your candle.
5. Avoid Short Burns: Try to avoid burning your wood wick candle for short periods (less than an hour). Short burns can cause tunneling since the wax doesn't get a chance to melt evenly across the surface.
6. Extinguish with Care: When putting out your wood wick candle, use a candle snuffer or gently blow out the flame. Do not use water to extinguish the candle, as this can cause the hot wax to splatter and will create lasting damage.
7. Monitor the Flame: If you notice the flame getting too low, it might be due to an overly long wick or excess debris in the candle. Extinguish the flame, let the candle cool, trim the wick, and remove any debris before relighting.
8. Know When to Say Goodbye: Lastly, when your candle has about 1/2 inch of wax left, it's time to stop using it. Continuing to burn past this point can be a safety hazard, as the container can get too hot.
Conclusion: Wood wick candles are a delightful addition to any home, offering not just light and fragrance but also an experience. By following these tips, you can enjoy the unique ambiance they provide to the fullest. Remember, each candle is a little different, so don't be afraid to experiment to find what works best for yours. Happy burning!