Why wooden wicks do not burn and how to fix it - Guide to wooden wicks

Just as there is no soda like soda or wax like wax, neither is a wick like a wick. And we often forget that during production. Wooden wicks behave differently than classic cotton wicks. They need different handling and it is good to know how to use them so that they really burn.

But don't worry, it's not difficult!

Just remember a few simple practices and everything will go like clockwork! … or melted wax? :)

FIRST TIME DOESN'T FIRE? TURN IT ON AGAIN. And again. And again

Wooden wicks need care. If you want a candle that you just strike a match and you're done, the one with a wooden wick is probably not the right one. It may happen that you will have to light the wick repeatedly the first time, because it will not burn. Although it may not seem like it at first, the fuel of the flame is wax, not a wick. The wax is supplied to the flame with the wick. And the wooden wick needs some time to first absorb the melted wax. Therefore, do not worry when the wick goes out after the first ignition. Just turn it on again. Maybe three or four times. The wax will melt, stretch into the wick, and you won't have to worry about burning any more during the next kindling.

FIRE THE RIGHT WAY

You will achieve greater success when lighting candles with wooden wicks with a lighter. The lighter creates a larger and stronger flame than a match, which is important, especially for the first fires.

A wooden wick also needs to be lit in a different way than a cotton wick. In order for the wick to ignite in all its glory, it must be completely ignited. Therefore, when lighting, take the candle in your hand and bend it over the match or lighter so that the flame "licks" the wick along its entire length.

THE FIRST LIGHT DETERMINES THE ENTIRE LIFE OF THE CANDLE. Don't underestimate wax memory

As strange as it sounds, a candle remembers its first burn. Because wax has a kind of wax memory or pattern of behavior. The initial heating of the wax will determine how the wax will continue to melt.

Therefore, light a candle with a wooden wick for the first time only when you know that you can give it enough time to burn. When the candle first burns, it must form an even pond around its circumference - this means that you can extinguish the candle when the melted wax floods the candle from edge to edge. If you blow out the candle early, it can be assumed that the candle will create a crater around the wick when it burns again. And with further burning, the crater gets bigger. And with the next one again... Layers of hard wax will remain around the edges of the candle and only part of the wax in the middle will melt.

And craters, or tunnels, are one of the most common reasons why a wick has trouble burning. The wick in the crater is usually very short, so it is more difficult to ignite, but mainly in this "hole" there is not enough oxygen for burning.

What with this?

Especially during the first lighting (but ideally during the following ones as well), give the candle enough time to create an even solid pond over its entire surface so that the wax is dissolved even around the edges of the container.

The candle usually needs about 2 hours for this, but of course it depends on its size. So light the fire with care. :)

After the first use of the candle, the formation of a solid pond is not so important, but if you want to enjoy your candle as much as possible, pay attention to the correct burning time each time, so that the wax can "refresh" its memory. This will prevent cratering and the lid will burn beautifully, smell beautiful, look beautiful and do other beautiful things!

DON'T HAVE TIME FOR A LONG BURNING? Choose another candle

Sure, not everyone has time for a two-hour candlelight vigil. If you desire a shorter burn, it will be better to choose other types of candles than those in containers with a wooden wick, which take time. Make more types and sizes of candles and choose to light them not only according to your mood, but also according to how long they will burn. Tea candles are great for shorter burns, as well as stand-alone candles that conjure up a wonderful atmosphere at various events. You can also make container candles with a cotton wick or a wooden wick in several sizes and use them thoughtfully according to your time.

LONG AND TOO LONG BURNING. Do not disturb or melt the candle

Extremes are never good. And this also applies to burning too long. If you leave the candle lit for more than 3 or 4 hours, the wax is likely to overheat, burn the fragrances and generally shorten the life of the candle. When burning for a long time, it also often happens that the wick drowns in the wax. And we don't want that.

If this happens, you can try sucking the heated wax with a tissue so that the wick is long enough for the next lighting. It usually helps, but sometimes it doesn't.

Another problem when burning a wooden wick for too long is the settling of ash on the wick. And that brings us to another very important point...

KEEP THE WOODEN WICK SHORT AND CLEAN OF BURNS

The correct length of a wooden wick is smaller than we often think. Before each lighting, cut or break the wooden wick to a length of about 3 millimeters and clean it of burnt residues from the previous burning. As we said before, the wick guides the wax to the flame, and if it's too long, it won't do it fast enough. Wire or nail clippers (seriously) are perfect for trimming a wooden wick. The ash from the wick can be nicely "picked up" with a tissue and your fingers.

If you want to clean the wick immediately after blowing so that it is ready for the next time, let the wax cool and harden first.

WOODEN WICK DOESN'T SMOKE

...when it is cleaned and properly trimmed. If the candle produces smoke or smoke, there is something wrong. Often the fault is in a wick that is too long or not free of deposits from previous burning. The reason for the smoke can also be burning for too long, when the raw materials are burning, or the use of raw materials of insufficient quality. If you used eco-coconut raw materials, there will be no risk of the last mistake.

KNOW IT'S TIME TO SAY GOODBYE

A candle with a wooden wick will not "burn out". Keep in mind that wooden wicks need a fairly large base, so it's perfectly normal for some unburned wax to remain in the container. If the wick starts to behave strangely, does not want to burn and there is about a centimeter of wax at the bottom, it will be time to say goodbye.

USE THE LEFTOVERS

If the remains of wax in the container bother you, candles with a wooden wick will not be the right choice, for peace of mind, choose those with a cotton wick. But keep in mind that you can easily recycle the wax at the bottom of the candle - put the burned-out candle in a water bath, wait for the wax to dissolve, remove the wick remnants from it, and then use it to make, for example, scented wax for an aroma lamp, hanging scenter or use it as part of new candle wax.

We hope these tips and tricks make burning and burning easier. :)

If you have questions or, on the contrary, other tips (not only) for the correct use of wooden wicks, contact us on ecokozim Facebook or Instagram, where you can also send us your creations. We are always very pleased!