1. My wood wick is not staying lit.
To take care of wood wick candles and ensure they burn properly, follow these steps:
1. Trim the Wick: Before lighting the candle, trim the wood wick to about 1/8 to 1/4 inch (3-6 mm) above the candle’s surface. This helps prevent excessive smoking and ensures an even burn.
2. Burn Time: When you first light a wood wick candle, allow it to burn long enough for the entire surface to melt evenly. This process can take up to two hours. This prevents tunneling, where only the center burns down, leaving wax on the sides.
3. Keep it Clean: Remove any debris or charred wood from the candle’s surface before relighting. You can use a wick trimmer, nail clippers, or even cuticle cutters.
4. Burn in a Draft-Free Area: Ensure the candle is placed in a draft-free area to prevent uneven burning and soot buildup.
5. Avoid Overburning: Don’t burn the candle for more than 4 hours at a time. Excessive burning can cause the wood wick to become too long, leading to a larger flame and potential safety hazards.
6. Extinguish Safely: When extinguishing the candle, use a snuffer or gently blow it out. Avoid blowing it out forcefully to prevent hot wax from splattering.
7. Trim Again: After each burn and once the candle has cooled, check and trim the wood wick again if necessary.
8. Candle Maintenance: Periodically check for any signs of mushrooming at the tip of the wood wick. If you notice a mushroom shape forming, trim it to prevent excessive smoke and maintain a clean burn.
9. Store Properly: When not in use, store your wood wick candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve their quality.
10. Enjoy Safely: Always place your candle on a heat-resistant surface, away from flammable materials, and never leave a burning candle unattended.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your wood wick candles burn evenly and safely, providing you with a pleasant and long-lasting fragrance experience.