Wood Wick Candles 101: How to Properly Burn & Maintain Them

Wood wick candles offer a unique sensory experience with their soft crackling sound and beautiful, slow-burning flame. However, they require a bit more care than traditional cotton wick candles to ensure a clean, even burn. Learning how to properly light, burn, and maintain wood wick candles will help you maximize their lifespan and enjoy their cozy ambiance.

How to Properly Burn a Wood Wick Candle

1. Trim the Wick Before Each Burn

Wood wicks burn best when kept at ⅛ to ¼ inch in length. Unlike cotton wicks, they do not curl, so you’ll need to break off the charred tip before relighting.

How to Trim:

Use a wick trimmer, nail clippers, or even your fingers to remove the burnt wood.
Avoid leaving debris in the wax, as it can affect the burn quality.

2. Light the Wick Correctly

Wood wicks need a little extra time to catch and hold a flame compared to cotton wicks.

Tips for Lighting:

Hold the flame to the wick for 10-15 seconds to allow it to fully ignite.
If the wick extinguishes quickly, relight it a few times to build a steady flame.
Avoid using matches with short stems—longer lighters work best.

3. Allow a Full Melt Pool on the First Burn

A proper first burn sets the foundation for an even wax melt throughout the candle’s life.

Let the candle burn until the wax melts evenly across the surface, reaching the edges of the jar.
This can take 1-3 hours, depending on the candle’s size.
Extinguishing the candle too soon may cause tunneling, leading to wasted wax.

4. Keep the Wick Clean for an Even Burn

If your wood wick candle is struggling to stay lit, it might be clogged with soot or excess wax.

Fix This By:

Gently scraping off any burnt residue from the wick.
Ensuring no wax is covering the wick when relighting.

5. Burn in a Draft-Free Environment

Air movement from fans, vents, or open windows can cause uneven burning or even extinguish the flame. Always burn your wood wick candle in a stable, draft-free area.

Common Wood Wick Candle Issues & How to Fix Them

Candle Won’t Stay Lit

The wick may be too long—trim it to ⅛ inch and relight.
The wick may be too short—remove excess wax around it using a paper towel or a small spoon.
Let the flame burn for at least 10-15 seconds before letting go.

Uneven Burning or Tunneling

Make sure to burn the candle long enough to create a full melt pool.
If tunneling has started, use the foil method—wrap aluminum foil around the edges, leaving an opening at the top, and burn for an hour to even out the wax.

Excess Soot or Smoke

Trim the wick regularly to prevent a large, flickering flame.
Burn in a well-ventilated area, but avoid placing it directly in a draft.

Wood wick candles offer a unique, soothing experience when burned correctly. By following proper lighting, trimming, and burn time practices, you can enjoy their warm ambiance and gentle crackle for hours. With the right care, your wood wick candle will burn cleaner, last longer, and provide a more consistent fragrance throw.