How to Get the Most from Your Wood Wick Candle
Why Wood Wick Candles Are Special
Our Signature Collection Jar Candles feature natural wood wicks that crackle softly as they burn — like a mini fireplace in your home. That cozy sound is one reason our customers love them, but wood wicks do behave a little differently from cotton wicks. Follow these tips to get the most out of every burn.
1. Always Trim the Wick Before Every Burn
Before you light your candle — every single time — trim the wood wick to about 1/8 inch (3mm). A wick that's too long will produce a large, flickering flame and excess soot. Use a wick trimmer, nail clippers, or even your fingers to snap off the charred tip. This is the single most impactful thing you can do for a clean, even burn.
2. The First Burn Sets the Stage
The very first time you light your candle, let it burn until the entire top layer of wax has melted to the edges of the jar. This is called achieving a full melt pool and it's crucial — skipping this step can cause tunneling, where the candle burns straight down the center, wasting all that beautiful wax on the sides. For our Signature jars, this typically takes 2–3 hours on the first burn.
3. Keep Burns to 3–4 Hours at a Time
Burning your candle for longer than 4 hours can cause the wick to "mushroom" and the wax to overheat. After 4 hours, extinguish the flame, let it cool completely, trim the wick, and relight when you're ready. This extends your candle's life and keeps the fragrance throw strong.
4. Why Is My Wood Wick Struggling to Stay Lit?
This is the most common question we get! If your wood wick won't stay lit, it's almost always because the wick is too long or has too much char buildup on the tip. Extinguish the flame, let the wax cool, and trim the wick shorter than you think you need to — then try again. A shorter wick draws wax up more efficiently.
5. Keep It Away from Drafts
Wood wicks produce a lower, wider flame than cotton wicks, which makes them more sensitive to air movement. Keep your candle away from fans, open windows, and AC vents for an even burn and consistent scent throw.
6. Stop Burning When 1/2 Inch of Wax Remains
Always discontinue use when there's about half an inch of wax left at the bottom. Burning past this point can overheat the jar and damage the surface it's resting on. Our jars are beautiful — repurpose yours as a succulent planter or a small storage vessel once it's done!
Find out how to clean your jar to repurpose it here!
Shop Our Signature Wood Wick Collection
Ready to experience the crackle? Browse our handcrafted Signature Collection Jar Candles — each one poured in small batches with premium soy wax and hand-selected fragrance oils.