Assess the Wick and Wax Level First
Before doing anything drastic, check whether your wick has really burned out or if it’s simply too short. Sometimes it just gets buried under melted wax. Use a spoon or butter knife to gently remove some of the wax around the wick. This might expose enough of the candle wick to allow you to relight it. With hand poured candles from Karessa Candles, the wax is soft and soy-based, making it easier to adjust.
Try the Toothpick Method
If the wick is no longer long enough to light on its own, a handy trick is to insert a wooden toothpick or skewer into the wax as a temporary wick. Light it and let it melt the surrounding wax to raise the original wick. This is an effective emergency fix for a burnt out candle wick and works well in soy-based candles. Just be sure to remove the toothpick after the wax softens, and let the actual wick take over for a clean burning candle experience.
Melt and Pour Into a New Container
If the original container is no longer usable due to a lost or damaged wick, you can still save the wax by melting it down and pouring it into a new container with a fresh wick at the center. This is especially worth it when you’re dealing with premium soy wax candles or beautifully fragranced eco-friendly candles. Many Karessa Candles customers repurpose their melted wax this way, giving their favorite scents new life.
Use a Candle Warmer
If relighting the candle isn’t possible, a candle warmer is another excellent option. This device gently warms the wax without an open flame, releasing the scent without needing a wick at all. It’s a safe and efficient way to enjoy your candle, especially if the wick has burned out completely. You’ll still benefit from the aroma of your favorite long lasting candles without wasting any wax.
Prevent Wick Burnout in the Future
To avoid this issue with future candles, remember to follow proper candle maintenance. Always trim your wick to about ¼ inch before each burn, and allow the candle to burn long enough on the first use to create a full melt pool. This ensures even wax usage and helps prevent your candle wick from becoming buried or extinguished prematurely.
