A gentle guide for a clean, even burn
Wood wick candles are a little different from cotton wick candles and once you understand how they like to be treated, they’re a joy to burn.
A softly crackling flame, a wide melt pool, and a beautiful, even glow all come down to a few simple care habits. Nothing complicated, just small adjustments that make a big difference.
Before you light your candle
Before you light, take a moment to check the wick.
Your wood wick should be:
- Upright
- Free from loose, charred fragments
- No longer than around 5mm
If there’s any burnt wood left from a previous burn, gently snap it off or trim it away. This helps the wick light cleanly and prevents excessive smoke.
The importance of the first burn
The first burn is the most important one.
Allow your candle to burn long enough for the melted wax to reach the edges of the container - usually 2–3 hours, depending on the size. This helps prevent tunnelling and sets your candle up for an even burn for the rest of its life.
If you need to extinguish it sooner, that’s okay occasionally just try to give it a longer burn next time.
Lighting a wood wick
Wood wicks can take a moment to catch properly.
Hold the flame to the wick for a few seconds longer than you would with a cotton wick. Once lit, the flame should be steady and gently crackling. If it struggles to stay lit, the wick may need a quick trim or a longer initial burn to establish a strong flame.
During the burn
While your candle is burning:
- Keep it out of draughts
- Avoid moving it once lit
- Let it burn long enough to maintain an even melt pool
If the flame ever becomes too high or smoky, extinguish the candle, allow it to cool, trim the wick, and relight.
Extinguishing your candle
The cleanest way to extinguish a candle is to:
- Gently blow it out, or
- Use a candle snuffer
Once the candle has cooled, check the wick and remove any loose, charred pieces before your next burn.
Why wick care matters
A well-maintained wick means:
- A cleaner burn
- Better scent throw
- Less soot
- A longer-lasting candle
It also helps you get the most from refill candles, as the vessel and wick perform best when treated with care.
A final note
Wood wick candles aren’t high maintenance they’re just responsive. A little attention before each burn keeps them performing beautifully and makes the ritual of lighting your candle feel more intentional.
If you ever have questions about your candle, we’re always happy to help. Caring for your candle well means more calm moments, and fewer interruptions.
