How To Maintain Candles With Wooden Wicks
By Dawn, Founder of Tenfire
Wooden wick candles aren’t just beautiful—they’re a full sensory experience. The soft crackle, the clean flame, the warm aesthetic—it’s no wonder they’ve grown so popular in recent years. But they aren’t quite as “light and forget” as cotton-wicked candles.
As the founder of Tenfire, I’ve worked with both types of wicks, and I’ll tell you straight: wooden wicks need a little more attention. But the payoff is worth it.
This guide will show you how to maintain candles with wooden wicks, so you get a smooth, even burn every time—and keep that beautiful crackle going.
TL;DR – Wooden Wick Candle Care
- Keep the wick trimmed to 2–3mm before each burn
- Let it burn long enough to form a full melt pool (especially the first time)
- Don’t burn longer than 3–4 hours at once
- Protect the flame from draughts
- Be patient when lighting—it may take a few seconds to catch
Why Wooden Wick Candles Are So Popular
Wooden wicks aren’t just a trend. They offer a burn experience that’s quieter, more elegant, and more atmospheric than standard cotton wicks.
Benefits include:
- A soft crackling sound like a tiny fireplace
- A modern, clean look
- A broader flame and better melt pool in some containers
- Less soot (when properly trimmed)
They pair perfectly with natural waxes and minimalist jars—ideal for anyone who wants both performance and design.
How Wooden Wicks Work
Wooden wicks work differently than cotton ones. Instead of pulling wax up a braided fibre, wooden wicks pull wax through the flat surface of the wood. The flame burns across the top edge—almost like a matchstick.
This means:
- They must stay short
- The surface area matters more than depth
- They can burn out if the wood is too dry or too long
1. Trim the Wick to 2–3mm Before Each Burn
This is the single most important step. Wooden wicks perform best when they’re short—2 to 3mm.
If they’re too long, they’ll:
- Struggle to draw wax
- Create a large, flickering flame
- Burn unevenly
- Self-extinguish mid-burn
How to trim:
- Let the wick cool completely
- Pinch off the charred tip with your fingers
- Or use a wick trimmer or nail clippers
Never trim while the candle is hot or soft—wait until it’s reset.
2. Let It Burn to the Edges
On the first burn, let your wooden wick candle develop a full melt pool—that means the melted wax reaches all the way to the edges of the container.
Why this matters:
- Prevents tunnelling
- Sets the “wax memory” for future burns
- Maximises fragrance throw
3. Limit Each Burn to 3–4 Hours
Because wooden wicks burn hotter than cotton, you should avoid long burn sessions.
Max out at 3–4 hours per burn. This prevents:
- Wax overheating
- Wick burnout
- Excessive flame size
- Damage to the container or surface underneath
4. Avoid Draughty Areas
Wooden wicks are sensitive to airflow. Even a slight draught can:
- Cause the flame to flicker or lean
- Disrupt the melt pool
- Extinguish the flame entirely
Where not to burn:
- Beside windows
- Near fans or vents
- On slanted or uneven surfaces
5. Lighting a Wooden Wick Takes Patience
Wooden wicks can take a little longer to catch. Be patient—don’t give up after two seconds.
How to light:
- Hold the lighter or match to the wick for at least 5–10 seconds
- Tilt the jar slightly so the flame runs across the width of the wood
- Once lit, keep it upright and allow the flame to stabilise
Common Problems and Fixes
-
Wick won’t stay lit?
Trim it shorter
Pour off excess wax if it’s drowning
Light it from the corner, not the middle -
Flame too small?
Let it burn longer (it may self-correct)
Make sure the wick isn’t too short -
Tunnel forming?
Wrap foil around the container top with a small opening
Let it burn for 1–2 hours to fix the melt pool
Best Conditions for Wooden Wick Candles
To get the best out of wooden wick candles, consider the environment:
- Room temperature: 18–22°C (64–72°F)
- Burn time: Stick to 2–3 hour sessions
- Rest time: Let it cool completely before trimming or relighting
- Flat surface: Use a heatproof, level surface
What Makes Wooden Wicks Special
Beyond the maintenance, there’s a reason people love wooden wick candles:
- They sound like a mini fireplace
- The flame is wider and brighter
- They feel intentional—like something you slow down to enjoy
At Tenfire, we love wooden wicks for how they change the energy of a room. They make a candle feel more like a ritual, less like a product.
Final Thoughts from Dawn
Wooden wick candles need a bit of attention—but that’s part of their charm. When you take care of them, they reward you with a steady burn, a warm glow, and that beautiful, signature crackle.
If your wooden wick candle struggles, don’t toss it. Nine times out of ten, it just needs a trim or a clean relight.
Take your time. Light it with intention. And enjoy the kind of quiet luxury that only a wooden wick can offer.
Here’s to better burning,
Dawn
Founder, Tenfire
