Start by Removing the Old Wick Carefully
If you’ve burned a candle down to the base and the wick has disappeared or broken off, don’t toss it just yet. Start by gently removing any leftover wick using tweezers or a spoon. You may also need to dig out a bit of wax around the old wick to free it entirely. When working with hand poured candles from Karessa Candles, you'll find the wax is soft and soy-based, making this process smoother and safer.
Clear the Jar and Prepare the Base
Before you insert a new wick, ensure the jar is clean. Remove any charred wick residue, glue dots, or leftover metal tabs. A clean base is important for proper adhesion of your new wick. Karessa’s luxury candle jars are sturdy and reusable, which makes them perfect for wick replacement and DIY candle projects. If any wax remains, melt it down and pour it into a heat-safe container to reuse later.
Choose the Right Wick and Position It Well
Choosing a new wick depends on the candle size and wax type. For soy wax candles like those from Karessa, cotton or wooden wicks work beautifully and offer a clean burning candle experience. Once you’ve selected a wick, attach it to the base using a glue dot or wick sticker. Center it properly to ensure an even burn. Use a pencil or wick holder to keep it upright while you repour the wax.
Melt and Refill with Wax
Once your new wick is in place, gently melt your leftover wax or fresh soy wax and pour it into the jar, being careful not to disturb the wick’s position. Let the candle sit undisturbed for several hours until fully set. Reusing wax is not only cost-effective, but also supports eco-friendly candles practices. Adding a new wick can revive your favorite scents and extend the life of your candle.
Trim and Test for a Fresh Burn
After the wax sets, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch and light it to test the flame. Your candle should burn evenly with a steady flame and minimal soot. If it burns too fast or flickers wildly, consider re-centering the wick or choosing a thicker option next time. With the right materials and a little patience, candle wick repair becomes an enjoyable part of your candle maintenance routine.
