If a candle smokes, crackles, burns with too bright a flame, or burns unevenly, it is most often not the wax to blame, but the unruly wick. It is responsible for delivering melted wax to the flame, and the wrong length of the wick can turn a cozy evening into a fire hazard.
Why It’s Important to Trim the Wick
When the wick is too long, the flame rises higher and starts to flicker. The candle begins to smoke, excess wax burns away, and a deep pit forms in the center. The recommended wick length above the wax level is 6 millimeters. This way, the flame will be compact, stable, and the wax will be used more economically.
How to Trim a Candle Wick
Before each lighting, use a trimmer or scissors (for braided wicks). The cut should be even — this affects the intensity and purity of the flame. Wooden wicks should be snapped off with your fingers after the candle has completely cooled.
If the wick is too short and the candle goes out, melt a little wax, remove any remnants around the wick, and free the thread or wooden wick using a sharp object.
Regardless of the type, whether it’s a wooden wick or a thread, regular trimming is key to a beautiful, safe, and economical candle burn.
