To Trim or Not to Trim: Why Your Candle Wick Deserves a Little TLC

When it comes to enjoying your favorite candle, trimming the wick is a small step with big benefits. Not only does it enhance your candle's performance, but it also ensures safety and prolongs its life. Let’s dive into why this matters and how to do it like a pro.

Why Trim Your Wick?

• Cleaner Burn: A trimmed wick reduces soot, keeping the air in your space cleaner.

• Longer Burn Time: Excessively long wicks lead to faster wax consumption. Trimming ensures your candle lasts longer.

• Even Melting: A properly sized wick helps the wax pool evenly, preventing tunneling.

• Safety First: Long wicks can cause larger, uncontrolled flames, increasing the risk of accidents.

How to Trim Your Candle Wick

1. Wait for the Candle to Cool: Always ensure the wax is hardened and the wick is cool before trimming.

2. Use the Right Tool: A wick trimmer, scissors, or even nail clippers work well. Wick trimmers are ideal for their precision and ease of use.

3. Cut to the Ideal Length: Aim for about 1/4 inch (6 mm). This length prevents the flame from getting too large or smoky.

4. Dispose of Wick Trimmings: Always remove trimmed bits to keep your wax clean.

When to Trim

• Before Every Burn: Check and trim the wick before lighting your candle.

• Mid-Burn (if Necessary): If the flame becomes too large, extinguish the candle, let it cool, then trim the wick.

burning my favorite (Peaceful Warrior)

Bonus Tips for Candle Care

- Allow your candle to burn until the entire surface melts during the first use to prevent tunneling.

- Keep your candle away from drafts to maintain an even flame.

Taking a few seconds to trim your candle wick makes a big difference. Not only will your candles burn beautifully, but you’ll also enjoy their glow safely and sustainably. So, to trim or not to trim? The answer is always to trim!