Wooden wicks are worth exploring if you’ve been looking for an alternative to your usual scented candle routine. Whether you’re drawn to the cozy crackle, the aesthetic appeal, or the variety of fragrances available, you might fall in love with this candle style.
The Appeal of Wooden Wick Candles
Wooden wick candles provide a twist on a traditional cotton wick setup. They feature a tiny sliver of wood as the wick rather than a braided piece of cotton. A wooden wick offers two significant differences than a traditional wick:
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A Gentle Crackle: One of the most common questions is, “Do wood wick candles crackle?” The answer is yes! Wooden wick candles often produce a soft crackling sound as they burn, creating a soothing ambiance similar to a fireplace. This auditory element can make a living room, bedroom, or bathroom feel more comforting, particularly during chilly evenings or times of relaxation.
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A Distinctive Flame: Wooden wicks typically feature a more expansive, low-burning flame. This broader flame looks beautiful and helps melt the wax evenly.
How to Burn a Wooden Wick Candle for the Best Experience
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Allow a Full Melt Pool to Form: On your first burn, let the candle melt across the entire surface before extinguishing it. This can take a few hours, depending on the candle’s size. A complete melt pool will help the wax burn evenly in future uses and minimize “tunneling.”
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Keep the Wick Trimmed: Trimming is not just for the initial light. After each burn, check the wick for any carbon buildup or blackened edges. A neat, short wick usually means a cleaner flame, less smoke, and a more consistent burn.
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Avoid Drafts: If your wooden wick candle is placed in a breezy spot, the flame might flicker excessively, leading to uneven melting or even wick issues. Find a calm nook for your candle to burn smoothly.
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Burn Within Sight: As with any candle, don’t leave a burning wood wick unattended. Wooden wicks are generally safe (more on that later), but an open flame should always have some supervision.
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Don’t Burn Too Long: Most candle makers recommend burning for no more than 3-4 hours at a time. Longer burns might risk overheating the container or scorching the wick.
Are Wooden Wick Candles Safe?
Safety is a key concern for anyone who brings an open flame into their home. Here’s what you need to know:
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Flame Size: Wooden wicks tend to produce a broader flame, which some might argue poses a slightly higher risk of coming in contact with the candle jar’s sides if the wick is not centered or the jar is too small. However, most reputable brands design containers with the correct wick size, minimizing this risk.
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Proper Wick Care: Keeping the wick trimmed is not just about aesthetics—it’s also about safety. An overly long wick can lead to a too-high flame, increasing the risk of sooting or overheating the container.
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Container Quality: One factor often overlooked is the quality of the candle container. A well-made jar or tin can withstand the heat of a wooden wick without cracking or breaking. This shouldn't be an issue if you purchase from a reputable brand.
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Never Burn Unattended: Regardless of wick type, never leave a candle burning without someone nearby. If you need to leave the room, it’s best to extinguish the candle and relight it when you return.
How to Fix a Wooden Wick Candle That Won’t Stay Lit
Sometimes, you’ll come across a stubborn wick that refuses to behave. If you’re wondering, “How to fix a wooden wick candle?” you’re not alone. Here are some troubleshooting pointers:
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Trim Off Charring: After a burn session, the tip of the wooden wick can become blackened and crumbly. Removing this charred material before relighting can help the flame reach fresh wood more efficiently.
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Check Wick Length: If the wick is too short, the flame might not get enough oxygen to sustain itself. The flame might gutter out or create smoke if it's too long. Aim for around 1/8 inch (3 mm).
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Relight with Patience: Sometimes, it’s simply a matter of relighting the candle for a bit longer. Hold the flame to the wick for 10-15 seconds to ensure the wood fully catches fire.
The Habersham Candle Touch
Here at Habersham Candle, we’re all about bringing a pleasant fragrance experience to every room. We carelessly craft candles that combine top-quality wax blends, carefully sourced fragrances, and wicks that burn smoothly. Our wooden wick collection aims to provide that gentle crackle and warm glow that many candle lovers cherish. Whether you’re drawn to comforting bakery notes, refreshing citrus, or classic floral scents, we have a candle that matches your taste.
