Wood Wick Troubleshooting Guide

Wooden wicks create a beautiful, cozy ambiance, but they do require a little extra care. If you’re having trouble with your wick staying lit, follow these troubleshooting tips to get the best burn from your candle.

1. Is This Your First Burn?

The first burn is the most important! If your wooden wick won’t stay lit, check these factors:

  • Let the wax fully melt across the surface on the first burn (this can take 2-4 hours).
  • Ensure the wick is trimmed to about 1/8 inch before lighting. If it’s too long, it may not stay lit.
  • Keep away from drafts, as moving air can extinguish the flame.

2. Wick Won’t Stay Lit?

If your wick keeps going out, try these steps:

  • Trim the wick shorter. A long wick can cause the flame to be too weak.
  • Remove charred bits. Before relighting, gently break off any burnt wood with your fingers or a wick trimmer.
  • Tilt the candle slightly when lighting to help the flame catch onto fresh wood.

3. Candle Is Tunneling?

Tunneling happens when wax builds up around the wick, preventing a full melt pool. Here’s how to fix it:

  • On the first burn, always let the wax melt evenly across the surface.
  • If tunneling has already started, try the foil trick:
    1. Wrap aluminum foil around the top of the candle, leaving an opening at the center.
    2. Light the wick and let it burn for about an hour.
    3. The trapped heat should help melt the excess wax.

4. Wick Drowned in Wax?

If your wick has been buried in wax, try these solutions:

  • Use a paper towel to soak up excess melted wax around the wick.
  • Let the wax cool slightly, then use a toothpick or tweezers to prop the wick up.
  • If needed, carefully scrape away some wax to expose more of the wick.

5. Wick Is Too Short?

If the wick is too short and won’t stay lit, here’s what you can do:

How to Fix a Wick That’s Too Short

  • Clear Away Excess Wax
    • If the wick is buried in wax, use a paper towel to soak up some melted wax while the candle is still warm (but not hot).
    • You can also carefully scrape away hardened wax around the wick with a butter knife or toothpick to expose more of the wick.
  • Gently Remove Charred Bits
    • Before relighting, gently break off any burnt, ashy pieces from the wick with your fingers or a wick trimmer.
    • This helps the fresh wood catch fire more easily.
  • Relight at an Angle
    • When lighting, hold the flame to the base of the wick for a few seconds.
    • Tilting the candle slightly can also help the flame catch onto fresh wood.
  • Use a Heat Fix (As a Last Resort)
    • If the wick is still too short, you can carefully use a heat gun or hairdryer to melt the top layer of wax.
    • Pour out a small amount of melted wax to expose more of the wick.

 

Still Having Trouble?

We want you to enjoy every candle! If you've tried these steps and still need help, send us a message. We're happy to assist!