How to properly burn a wood wick candle

How to Properly Burn a Wood Wick Candle

How to Properly Burn a Wood Wick Candle: A Complete Guide

 

There’s something undeniably magical about the soft crackle of a wood wick candle. The warm flicker, the gentle pop and sizzle—it's like having a tiny fireplace dancing in a jar. At Bayard Candle Company, we love the ambiance a wood wick candle brings. But to get the most out of your experience, proper burning is key.

Whether you're new to wood wicks or just want to make sure you're getting the longest, cleanest burn possible, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Why Wood Wicks Are Different

Wood wicks aren’t just beautiful—they burn differently than traditional cotton wicks. They tend to burn slower, create a wider flame, and offer a cozy, crackling sound. But unlike cotton wicks, they require a little more attention at the start to truly shine.

1. Trim Your Wick (Yes, Even the First Time)

Before you light your candle, trim the wood wick to about 1/8 inch to 3/16 inch. This is especially important for the first burn. A wick that’s too long won’t burn evenly and may cause the flame to extinguish itself.

💡 Pro Tip: You don’t need special tools—your fingers or nail clippers work just fine. Simply remove the charred bits before each burn. If you break off too much solid wood, just scrape out a little wax.

2. Let the Wax Pool Reach the Edges

For the first burn, allow the candle to melt all the way to the edges of the jar. This can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the size of your candle.

This step is crucial to prevent "tunneling," where wax builds up on the sides and shortens your candle's life.

3. Burn in 2–4 Hour Sessions

Wood wick candles perform best when burned for 2 to 4 hours at a time. This allows the wax to melt evenly and helps the wick maintain a steady flame. If you burn your candle too briefly, the wick might struggle to relight next time.

4. Keep It Clean

Before each burn, gently pinch or clip off any blackened, brittle parts of the wick. A clean, trimmed wick ensures a smooth and even flame. Leaving charred bits can lead to excess soot or cause the flame to sputter.

5. Light It Right

Wood wicks take a little more time to catch than cotton wicks. Hold your lighter to the wick for 10–15 seconds, letting the flame draw across the entire width. Be patient—once it gets going, the cozy crackle will be worth the wait.

6. Burn Responsibly

Always place your wood wick candle on a flat, heat-resistant surface away from drafts, pets, and children. Never leave a burning candle unattended. Once your candle has about ½ inch of wax remaining, it’s time to retire it—this prevents overheating the container. The cost of a new candle, outweighs the alternative, the cost of a potential fire. 

A Note on Bayard’s Wood Wick Candles

Our wood wick candles are hand-poured with natural soy wax and thoughtfully blended fragrances to create a clean, comforting burn. Each wick is chosen for the jar size and wax blend to ensure a satisfying experience from the first light to the final flicker.

We’ve designed our wood wick collection not just to smell beautiful—but to be beautiful. The soft crackle and ambient glow create a cozy atmosphere you’ll want to return to again and again.

In Summary: Wood Wick Candle Burning Checklist

  • ✅ Trim wick to 1/8" - 3/16" before each burn

  • ✅ Let wax pool reach the edges (especially on the first burn)

  • ✅ Burn 2–4 hours at a time

  • ✅ Pinch off charred bits before relighting

  • ✅ Light the full width of the wick with patience

  • ✅ Stop use with ½ inch of wax left

Ready to Experience the Glow?

Explore our premium wood wick candle collection and discover a new level of cozy. Whether you're gifting a friend or indulging in a moment of calm for yourself, there's a scent (and a crackle) waiting for you.

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