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My Reward PointsWood wick candles emit a pleasant ambience as they crackle and flicker, but if you're unfamiliar with them, they can be challenging to ignite. Common concerns may arise when using a wooden wick candle, but these can be addressed in this blog post.
In this blog, we will discuss the common reasons why a wooden wick candle won't stay lit, how to cure a wooden wick candle that won't remain burning, and how to make your wooden wick burn longer.
5 Reasons Why Wood Wick Candle Won’t Stay Lit
A wood wick won't stay lit in a candle due to factors such as a short wick, poor quality, excess wax buildup, high fragrance load, and improper burning technique.
1. Wick is Too short.
A wood wick won’t stay lit if it's too short. The wick should be short enough to pull wax up but not too short, as too short may drown in wax, fail to catch, or burn with a low flame. Make it slightly longer than 1/8". Shorten as needed.
2. Quality of Wick
A low-wick quality can be a reason why a wood wick candle not staying lit. A wick that is overly long or has burned parts, in particular, might hinder the wax from reaching the flame, causing it to extinguish.
3. Excess Wax Buildup Around Wick
Heavy wax buildup around the wick can make a wood wick candle won’t stay lit or extinguish, as it "drowns" in the extra wax, resulting in a weak flame or a rapid burnout of the candle.
4. High Fragrance Load
A substantial scent load can cause a wood wick candle to burn out. Excessive scent might impair the wick's ability to burn and pull wax, potentially causing the candle to extinguish, resulting in the wood wick candle not staying lit.
5. Improper Burning Technique
A wood wick candle won't stay lit if not burned correctly due to factors such as excessively long wicks, burnt or brittle portions, or a "tunnelled" wick, which creates a tunnel around the wick.
How To Fix Wooden Wick That Won't Stay Lit?
If you find a wood wick candle that won't stay lit, trim the wick regularly, use the correct wick size, fix the candle drowning, and store the candles in a dry place.
1. Trim Wick Regularly
To achieve optimal burn results, trim the wick regularly to 1/8"-1/16" and burn the candle for 3-4 hours at a time. Use fingers to remove the top black parts, or use nail clippers to trim the wood further.
2. Correct Wick Size
Proper wick size is crucial for a wooden wick candle to burn effectively and stay lit, as a wick that is too long or too short may hinder wax from reaching the flame, causing extinguishment or uneven burning.
3. Fix Candle Drowning
A wood wick won't stay lit unless you fix the candle drowning issue. To prevent this, use a paper towel to sponge up excess wax, use an appropriate wick length, and blow out the candle before soaking the candle wax.
4. Store Candles At Dry Place
Wooden wick candles should be kept in a calm, dry environment. This procedure prevents wax from melting, protects the wick, and maintains the candle's quality. Additionally, storing them in a dry climate helps prevent tunneling and uneven burning.
How To Make Your Wooden Wick Burn Longer?
To prolong the lifespan of your wooden candle wick, burn the candle for 2–3 hours per session, use a wick trimmer, trim the wick before relighting, and maintain a steady flame.
1. Burn for 2–3 Hours Each Session
Burning a wooden candle for 2-3 hours can prolong its lifespan, as overheating can cause flame, soot, and extra heat. Allowing the candle to cool between burns minimizes uneven burning and evenly distributes wax melts.
2. Use A Wick Trimmer
Using a wick trimmer will allow a hardwood wick to burn longer and more efficiently. Proper trimming maintains a uniform burn, reduces soot, and prevents tunneling, all of which contribute to a candle that lasts longer.
3. Trim Wick Before Relighting
Trimming the wick of a hardwood candle before lighting can significantly enhance its burn time and efficiency. A small wick, typically 1/8 inch, ensures the flame properly reaches the wax, preventing overheating or extinguishment.
4. Keep Flame Steady
A steady flame can extend the burn time of a wooden wick candle. It allows the candle to burn evenly and minimizes problems like tunnelling (when the wax only melts in the centre), which can limit the candle's life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, recognizing the basic factors that impede a wooden wick candle from staying lit—such as wick length, quality, and burning techniques—can dramatically improve your candle experience. By providing correct care and maintenance, you may ensure a longer-lasting and more delightful burn, allowing you to experience the distinct ambience these candles give entirely.
FAQs
Why does my wooden wick keep going out after lighting?
A wooden wick burns out after each use due to charred portions and overly long wicks, preventing wax flow upward and preventing the flame from reaching the wax.
How long should I burn my wooden wick candle the first time?
Allow your wooden wick candle to burn for 2-3 hours to reach a full circle of melt, ensuring the top of the wax is completely melted before removing it.
How to fix a wick that won't light?
A wood wick won't stay lit due to its long length and flakiness. Cut short the wick, remove any burnt or flaky parts, and relight, making the wax reach the flame.
Can I use a toothpick as a candle wick?
Toothpicks are suitable for lighting small candles like tea candles, as they burn slower and last longer than matches, making them ideal for multiple candles with a single swipe.
