Sign in
Register now
My Reward PointsHave you ever purchased a fresh new candle only to have its glass container turn black and smoky? There is a quick and easy solution to avoid those unattractive smoke stains: Always keep the wick trimmed. Have you ever purchased a fresh new candle only to have its glass container turn black and smoky?
There is a solution to avoid those unattractive smoke stains, and it is quite simple: always trim the wick. After cutting your candle wick to the proper size, you'll find that the air and walls around you are cleaner, your candles are burning longer, and they're still filling your house with delightful scents. So, let's have a look at the facts behind candlewick trimming.
Why Trim Candle Wick
Trimming the candle wick to ¼ inch will help you avoid problems such as black soot, too-tall flames, black marks on glass candle holders, and wax that burns too rapidly. The wick is a coiled cotton string that feeds wax (fuel) to the flame.
If the wick is too long, it may provide too much fuel to the flame too rapidly, resulting in excess smoke and soot. On the other hand, a properly sized wick will produce an even, steady burn, allowing you to enjoy the light and smell for hours.
When Should You Trim Candle Wick
While your candle is burning, you may notice that the flame is too high. If your candle flame is larger than 1/2 inch and emits a lot of smoke and soot spikes, it's certainly time to examine the wick height.
Extinguish your candle right away since it will not only spew unpleasant soot into your home but its tall flame should also be tamed for safety concerns.
4 Methods of Trimming Candle Wicks
Trimming your candle wick is easy, but it may be messy. We've got a few tricks up our sleeves and a few possibilities for you to think about while you cut your wicks.
- Candle Wick Trimmer: Equipment known as a Wick Trimmer exists to keep your fingers and your arms free of soot and wax by keeping them out of your candle containers. They work great on wooden wicks as well as cotton wicks.
- Pinching by Finger: Because we have candles in almost every corner and cranny of our house, these can be reached by pinching the wick debris out of the candles with my fingers.
- Nail Clippers: We also use toenail clippers for tougher wicks, such as wood or difficult-to-reach candle wicks. They appear to have the appropriate broad width, they're less frail and don't have the curve of fingernail clippers.
- Scissors: When cutting wicks, a nice sharp pair of scissors might come in handy; just be sure to remove the clipped wick debris from the candle wax. Scissors perform well with basic cotton wicks and less well with wood wicks.
How To Trim Candle Wick
Candle wick trimming is a simple process. Consider keeping a trash bin and a paper towel nearby for wick debris disposal and wiping your hands and utensils. Never cut a warm/on-fire wick or dispose of smoking or hot wick debris in trash baskets.
1. Cotton Candle Wick Trimming: To trim candle wicks, use a pair of tiny scissors or a wick trimmer to cut each cotton wick carefully. Trim wicks when they're at room temperature for the best results and safety. For example, allow the wick to cool before cutting it if you forget to trim it before burning your candle.
In addition to cutting the wicks, you should remove any debris that has accumulated on the wax before lighting your candles, as this will help them burn properly. In certain circumstances, this entails removing trimmings that have fallen onto the wax when the wick has been chopped. Remember that it's time to change your candles when approximately a 1/2 inch of wax is left in the jar.
2. Wooden Candle Wick Trimming: A simple pair of scissors may quickly cut a wooden wick, even candles, in containers such as glass jars or votives. However, the wooden wick might become difficult to reach after a few uses. One method is to use toenail clippers to reach the wick. You may also utilize wick trimmers designed particularly for difficult-to-reach wooden wicks.
Conclusion
Many people are unaware of the need to trim the wick, and you may now assist in educating them. Untrimmed wicks burn large, dangerously, and extremely hot.
They also leave a lot of soot and a burned candle jar behind. Instead, check out VedaOils for high-quality candle making supplies that will make manufacturing candles a breeze.
