What are Candle Wicks? From Cutting to Crackling

Candles are be a beautiful addition to any room in your home. What do you look for when shopping for candles? Do you consider their fragrance, colour, and shape? If so, you're similar to most customers. What you may not realise is that the type of candle wick is also essential when purchasing a candle.

The candle wick is an important part of any candle. It might look like a simple piece of string or wood, but it plays a major role in how your candle burns, smells and looks. The type of wick you choose-and how well you take care of it-can mean the difference between a clean, calming burn and a smokey, sooty mess.

This guide covers everything you need to know about wicks, trimming techniques, and the tools that help your candles perform at their best.

So let's begin, what is a Candle Wick?

A candle wick looks like string (most popular) sticking out of the top of the candle. This is the part that holds the flame when you light a candle. The wick draws melted wax up to the flame and keeps the candle burning. What many people don't understand is that a candle won't burn well without a properly functioning wick.

Wicks come in various materials, sizes, and shapes. Each one is designed to suit different types of candle vessels (jars). The right wick ensures your candle burns evenly and cleanly for the full life of the wax.

Types of Candle Wicks You Can Buy

Traditional Cotton Wicks

Cotton wicks are the most common and versatile. They're braided or knitted and are usually treated to improve burning and stability. A cotton wick may be treated with paraffin wax, which helps the wick burn evenly and prevents it from burning too quickly.

Cotton wicks are popular in both scented and unscented candles. They're the best choice for most container candles.

Crackling Candle Wick (Wood)

Crackling candle wicks, also called wooden wicks, are flat strips of wood. These wicks burn with a gentle crackle, reminiscent of wood burning in a fireplace.

These wicks have a modern, rustic look. They're typically found in more luxurious or artisan candles. They work best with soy or coconut wax blends.

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Candle Wick Care You Need to Understand

Caring for the wick is essential to get the most out of your candle. Proper wick care ensures a cleaner burn, a strong fragrance throw, and a longer life for your candle.

Understanding Your Candle Wick Material (Cotton Vs Wood)

Cotton wicks tend to burn with a smaller, consistent flame. On the other hand, wooden wicks produce a broader flame (Options vary from vertical or horizontal). Knowing what type of wick your candle has helps determine how to maintain it properly.

Ideal Length Before Lighting

So, how long should a candle wick be before you light it? Aim for about (¼ inch). This keeps the flame from growing too large. A flame that's too large can cause smoking and uneven burning. If you don't trim your wick, your candle may tunnel.

Wick Length vs. Candle Size

The size of your candle should match the size of the wick. Large candles need thick or dual wicks to burn the wax pool evening. Smaller candles do better with single, thin candle wicks.

Here's an example

🕯️ Wax Lyrical Lemon Medium Candle has (x1 single cotton wick)

🕯️ Owen Drew Mademoiselle Candle has (x1 wooden wick)

Top Tip! WoodWicks Ellipse Candles should not require a wick trim due to the nature of them. However, if the candle flame exceeds 25mm or the candle begins to produce a lot of smoke, you are required to trim the candle. Make sure you safely extinguish and wait for the wax to cool and gently break of the edges of the wick, with a cloth or napkin. Safely remove the wick trimmings from the candle before re-lighting.

WoodWicks Hourglass Candles wicks should be trimmed to 6mm each time you light them.

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How to Cut a Candle Wick Correctly

Trimming the wick keeps the flame under control and helps the candle burn longer. But how do you cut a candle wick correctly?

Here are the steps to follow:

✅ Extinguish the candle safely using a wick dipper or snuffer.

✅ Wait until the wax is cool and firm.

✅ Use a proper candle wick trimmer to make a clean suitable trim.

✅ Trim to 1/4 inch before every burn.

Remember, if you are buying a candle brand (like WoodWick Ellipse Range) and you are unsure how to trim your wick, always ask.

The Use of a Wick Trimmer

A wick trimmer is a specially designed tool to cut candle wicks to the right length. The trimmer reaches deep into containers, making trimming clean, safe, and effective.

Best Practices for Safety and Burn Quality

✅ Always trim a candle's wick before lighting it. (1/4) of an inch.

✅ Never leave a candle burning unattended.

✅ Avoid burning your candle for more than four hours at a time.

✅ Keep the wax pool free from debris.

If you want to learn more about candle care, take a look at our Candle Care Blog.

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Candle Wick Trimmers: Are They Worth It?

Yes, they are! A good trimmer not only makes it easier to care for a candle but also improves how your candle performs.

What They Are and How They Work

Candle wick trimmers are small tools with scissor-like shapes and curved blades. The curve in the blades allows the trimmer to catch the trimmed wick.

One excellent option is the WXY Wick Trimmer on our L'SAUVE® site. It's designed with both function and aesthetics in mind. This wick trimmer is perfect for trimming cotton and wooden wicks.

Alternatives to Wick Trimmers

Some people use scissors, nail clippers, or even their fingers to trim wicks. While these may work, they can cause uneven cuts or difficulty reaching down into candle vessels. This can damage the wick or leave it too long or too short.

It's essential to use a wick trimmer for safety and the proper performance of a candle.

If you also interested in learning more wax types, read our soy vs paraffin blog.

Frequently Asked Questions About Candle Wicks

How to Make a Candle Wick?

It's possible to make a wick by braiding three cotton strings tightly together. Next, dip the braid into melted wax. Let it completely dry before inserting it into a candle.

For Candle Wick tips and tricks, you can watch this Youtube Video.

What is a Candle Wick Made Of?

Wicks are usually made from braided cotton paper or wood. Some cotton wicks are coreless, while others have a paper or zinc core to provide structure and control the burn.

How Long Should a Candle Wick Be?

Your wick should always be about 5mm (¼ inch) before lighting. This small length ensures a safe, even flame that won't smoke or tunnel through your candle.

Wicks may seem like a tiny detail, but they have a big impact on a candle. Your candle will burn cleaner, last longer, and offer a more beautiful experience with the right wick and proper care.

Whether you're shopping for a crackling candle wick or choosing a candle wick trimmer, understanding your options helps make the most of every burn. So, the next time you strike a match, take a moment to appreciate the small but mighty candle wick at the centre of it all.

Remember, if you are buying a candle brand (like WoodWick Ellipse Range) and you are unsure about your wick, always ask.

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