Understanding Why Wicks Get Too Short
Sometimes during burning, a candle wick may become too short to relight properly. This typically happens if the wick is trimmed too much, drowns in melted wax, or curls and breaks off. If you’re using hand poured candles like those from Karessa Candles, you want to preserve their integrity by gently reviving the wick. Extending the wick is all about safety, patience, and technique. Unlike mass-produced varieties, our soy wax candles are made to burn clean and evenly, so handling the wick properly makes a big difference.
Remove Excess Wax Around the Wick
If the wick is buried under wax, the first step is to remove some of the surrounding wax using a butter knife or small spoon. Scrape slowly and gently until about ¼ inch of the wick is exposed. This method prevents tunneling and brings the flame back to life. For our luxury candle jars, this keeps the appearance neat while extending the candle's burn life. It’s a common step in effective candle maintenance, especially for deeper glass containers.
Use a Wick Dipper or Toothpick to Lift the Wick
In some cases, the wick is bent or sunken into the wax. Try gently pulling it upright with a metal tool like a wick dipper or even a toothpick. Be sure not to break the wick while doing so—coax it carefully upward. Bringing the wick above the wax line can often restore the flame. A strong, upright wick is key to clean burning candles, which not only burn brighter but help distribute fragrance more evenly.
Add a Small Wax Layer if the Wick Is Severed
If your wick is trimmed too short or broken, you can pour in a bit of melted wax from another eco-friendly candle to raise the surface and give the wick room to burn. Pour just enough to bring the top of the wick level with the wax. Once hardened, relight and watch the flame stabilize. This trick can make a huge difference when you’re trying to save long lasting candles from going to waste.
Avoid Improvising with Non-Candle Materials
Though tempting, avoid using makeshift items like matches or threads to create a new wick. These materials aren’t designed for burning in wax and could be hazardous. For our high-quality Karessa Candles, proper wick care helps maintain not just the beauty of the candle but also the aroma and safety of the burn.
Care Tips for Next Time
Once your wick is revived, maintain it by trimming it to about ¼ inch before every burn. This is the golden rule for candle longevity. Proper care ensures your candle burns evenly from top to bottom. Following these candle tips can prolong your candle’s life and give you more value, especially when you’re enjoying premium hand poured candles like ours.
