The Secret to Long-Lasting Candles: Mastering Wick Care
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The Secret to Long-Lasting Candles: Mastering Wick Care

The Secret to Long-Lasting Candles: Mastering Wick Care

At Trimmed & Burning Candle Co., we take pride in crafting high-quality candles that fill your space with warmth and inviting fragrances. However, even the most luxurious candles need proper care to deliver their best performance. One of the simplest yet most impactful ways to ensure your candle burns evenly, lasts longer, and smells divine is through proper wick care.

Let’s dive into some essential tips and tricks for maintaining your candle’s wick and enhancing your burning experience.


1. Mind the First Burn

The first burn of your candle is crucial for its overall performance. Allow the wax to melt all the way to the edges of the container before extinguishing the flame—this prevents tunneling, where wax builds up around the sides, leaving unused wax behind. Once the wax pool reaches the edge, your candle is set for future burns.


2. Trim Your Wick Before Every Burn

The key to a clean, even burn is keeping your wick trimmed to about 1/4 inch. A wick that’s too long can cause uneven burning, soot, or an oversized flame, while a wick that’s too short may struggle to stay lit. Use a wick trimmer or scissors to keep it at the ideal length. For wood wicks, simply pinch off the charred edges before relighting.


3. Avoid Overburning

We get it—there’s nothing more relaxing than a candle flickering away during a cozy evening. But burning your candle for too long (typically more than 4 hours at a time) can cause the wick to “mushroom” or develop a large, bulb-like end. This can lead to excessive soot and uneven burning. To keep your candle in tip-top shape, let it cool and re-trim the wick before relighting.


4. Keep It Clean

Debris like charred wick pieces or matchsticks can interfere with your candle’s burn quality. Make it a habit to remove any leftover wick trimmings or other debris from the wax before lighting your candle. A clean surface means a cleaner, more consistent burn.


5. Practice Candle Safety

Proper wick care isn’t just about performance—it’s also about safety. A properly maintained wick produces a steady flame, reducing the risk of flaring or excessive heat. Always burn your candle on a heat-resistant surface and never leave it unattended.


Bonus Tip: The Right Tools Make All the Difference

Invest in a good-quality wick trimmer, snuffer, and lighter to make wick care easy and enjoyable. Not only will they keep your candles in pristine condition, but they’ll also make the experience of using them feel a little more luxurious.

You can find all these essential tools in our Trimmed & Burning Candle Co. Accessories Collection! Visit our shop to stock up on everything you need to care for your candles like a pro.


At Trimmed & Burning Candle Co., we want your candles to bring light and joy into your life for as long as possible. By following these simple wick care tips, you’ll not only get the most out of your candles but also enjoy a safer and more satisfying burning experience.

Light it up, love it, and let it glow—happy burning!

Want more candle care tips or to explore our latest collections?
Visit us at Trimmed & Burning Candle Co. and join our community of candle lovers today.

  • Candle Care