The Importance of Wick Trimming
Proper wick maintenance is the secret to a clean, long-lasting candle. Here's everything you need to know about trimming your candle wicks.
Why Trim Your Wick?
- Prevents smoking and soot - A long wick creates a larger flame that produces black smoke
- Ensures even burning - Properly trimmed wicks burn at the right temperature
- Extends candle life - A controlled flame uses wax more efficiently
- Maintains fragrance quality - Prevents the fragrance from burning off too quickly
- Keeps the wax clean - Reduces carbon buildup in your candle
How to Trim Your Wick
The Golden Rule: Trim to 5mm (1/4 inch) before EVERY burn
- Wait for the wax to cool and harden completely - Never trim a wick while the candle is burning or the wax is liquid
- Use proper wick trimmers or scissors - Wick trimmers are designed to catch the trimmed piece, preventing it from falling into the wax
- Trim straight across - Keep the wick centered and cut evenly
- Remove the trimmed piece - Dispose of the wick trimmings; don't leave them in the wax
- Wipe away any debris - Use a tissue to remove any soot or carbon from the wax surface
What If You Forget to Trim?
If you notice your candle smoking, has a large flickering flame, or the wick is mushrooming, extinguish it immediately, let it cool, trim the wick, and relight.
Pro Tips
- Invest in a quality wick trimmer - they make the job easier and cleaner
- Set a reminder to trim before each burn until it becomes a habit
- If your wick is too short and won't light, carefully pour off some melted wax to expose more wick
A well-trimmed wick is a happy wick! Make it part of your candle ritual.