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There’s nothing more relaxing and luxurious than cozying up with a book (or Netflix series), lighting your favorite candle, and entering into total relaxation mode.
That said, you want to make sure you’re caring for your candles in a way that allows you to get the most use out of each and every one.
A crucial part of candle care involves caring for the candle wick. Just like the engine in your car, your candle is only as good as its wick. That’s why, in this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into candle wick care and answer some of the most pressing questions when it comes to maintaining your favorite scented candles.
Why Does Candle Wick Length Matter?
First things first — we need to set the record straight on what the wick is and why it matters.
A candle wick is the part of the candle that you actually light which delivers fuel to the flame. At Snif, all of our candle wicks are made from 100% cotton-fiber to ensure they perform well down to the last light.
Along with what the wick is made of, the length of the wick makes a big difference in terms of how well your candle works. Here are the three main reasons why wick length matters.
Flame Height
When the wick of a candle is too long, it can lead to a taller flame. This happens because a taller wick will provide more fuel (aka wax) for combustion. Although a tall flame might sound more dramatic, it can pose a threat in terms of fire safety — and, with a taller flame, you’ll burn through your candles faster.
Minimizes Soot
Soot refers to all the black residue that can collect on the sides of the candle container (and, in more extreme cases, on walls). Along with looking dirty and taking away from the aesthetic beauty of the candle, soot can be harmful to you when inhaled.
Scent Throw
Another reason wick length matters is that it greatly affects scent throw (this is just a fancy term for how fragrant your candle is). In terms of wick length and scent throw, it’s a bit of a Goldilocks situation. A wick that’s too short may not generate enough heat to emit a strong smell.
On the other hand, a wick that is too tall may generate so much heat that it causes the fragrance to evaporate too fast. For this reason, it’s important to always keep your wick trimmed to the ideal height.
How Long Should Your Candle Wick Be?
When it comes to the best length for a candle wick, the general rule of thumb says to keep it trimmed to about ¼ of an inch or 6 millimeters. This rule applies to the first time you light your candle and every time after.
What Happens If the Wick Is Too Short?
When the wicks on your candles are too short, they may not be able to generate enough heat. This leads to a weak scent throw because the flame isn’t getting enough fuel. It can also make it difficult or impossible to light your candle (a worst-case scenario, but one with a solution — more on this below).
What Happens If the Wick Is Too Long?
More often than not, candle wicks are left untrimmed and are too long. This can cause your candle to overheat, burning faster than it should, and the fragrance to evaporate more quickly than it should. It can also cause soot, smoke, and a fire hazard depending on where it’s placed and the size of the flame.
What Is the Best Way To Trim a Candle Wick?
Thankfully, trimming a candle wick is an easy process that you can do at home before you light your candles. Grab a wick trimmer, scissors, or nail clippers, and you’re ready to start trimming. Measure or guesstimate about ¼ of an inch and trim your wick down to this length.
It’s important to make sure to always do this before you light your candle — when it’s completely cool — and remove any debris or charred wick bits that may have fallen off during the trim. Another tip to keep in mind is to cut straight across rather than at an angle to make sure you get the most even burn possible.
In a perfect world, you should always trim your candle wick before you light it. However, if you forget, keep an eye on your candles. If they’re emitting lots of smoke or the flame seems higher than usual, then they’re ready for a trim.
What Are Some Candle Care Mistakes To Avoid?
As a candle-lover, there are a few mistakes that are easy to make, which can shorten the longevity of your candle and pose a fire hazard. In this section, we’ll take a look at the most common candle care mistakes and how to avoid them so that you can get the best burn possible every time.
Trimming the Wick Too Short
If you trim the wick too short and can no longer light your candle, don’t despair. Take a hair dryer or heat gun and melt the candle wax around the wick. Pour out the excess wax until you can see ¼ inch of wick, and you’re good to go!
Not Burning the Candle Long Enough
In an effort to get the most use out of your candle, you may only light it for short stints. However, you should ideally light your candles for around 2-3 hours at a time (or until the whole surface has melted) to avoid tunneling.
Improper Storage
Always make sure to store your candles in cool, dry places (ideally with a cover or lid). Sunlight can melt the wax, warp the shape of your candle, and cause the fragrance to evaporate. On the other hand, moisture can make a candle more difficult to light.
Caring for Your Burn
Now that you’re a candle care pro, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test! With one of the signature scented candles from Snif, like Guilty Pleasure or Vow Factor, you can set the mood, sit back, and relax, knowing your candles are as well taken care of as you are.
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