The first time: let the whole top melt
The first time you light a new WoodWick candle, let it burn until the wax has melted across the whole width, right to the edge of the jar. According to WoodWick this takes 30 to 60 minutes.
If you put it out too early, the wax will afterwards only melt around the wick. A hollow forms in the middle and the wax at the edge is never used.
Do the same every time. WoodWick says the candle burns best when you let it burn for three to four hours.
Trimming the wooden wick
Bring the wooden wick of an Hourglass candle back to about 6 mm before each use. WoodWick advises gently breaking off the burnt edge with a cloth or a paper napkin once the candle has cooled. Remove the pieces and any other debris from the wax before you light it again.
An Ellipse candle has a wide wooden wick that normally does not need trimming. Light it at one end: the flame spreads across the whole wick by itself. If the flame gets higher than 2.5 cm or the candle starts to smoke, do trim the wick.
How long does a WoodWick candle burn?
How long a candle burns depends on its size, the fragrance and how you burn it. WoodWick itself gives these guide values:
- Mini Hourglass: about 15 to 30 hours
- Medium Hourglass: about 50 to 65 hours
- Large Hourglass: about 90 to 140 hours
- Ellipse: about 40 to 65 hours
For a Trilogy candle, with three fragrances in layers, WoodWick gives no fixed time. You get the longest burn time when the whole top melts every time and you keep the wick trimmed.
If the flame stays small or goes out
A small flame is normal with a wooden wick. According to WoodWick the flame can sometimes seem to go out and then grow again: the candle stays warm and the flame comes back by itself.
If the flame really goes out or the candle starts to smoke, move it out of the draught. Let it cool, break the burnt edge back to about 6 mm and light it again.
Do not pour off melted wax. According to WoodWick this can put the wick out and make the candle burn less well afterwards.
Burning safely
- Never leave a burning candle unattended.
- Place it on a flat, heat-resistant surface, out of draughts and away from children, pets and anything that can catch fire.
- Do not move the candle while it is burning or while the wax is still hot.
- Put the flame out with a candle snuffer, not by blowing and never with water. Only put the lid on the jar once the flame is completely out.
- Stop burning when about 1 cm of wax is left in the jar.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a WoodWick candle burn the first time?
Until the wax has melted across the whole width, right to the edge of the jar. According to WoodWick this takes 30 to 60 minutes.
How short should you trim a WoodWick wick?
For an Hourglass candle, to about 6 mm before each use. Break off the burnt edge with a cloth once the candle has cooled. An Ellipse candle normally needs no trimming.
Why does a WoodWick candle crackle?
Because of its wooden wick. WoodWick compares the sound to a crackling fireplace.
How do you put out a WoodWick candle?
With a candle snuffer. Do not blow out the flame and never use water. Only put the lid on once the flame is completely out.
When should you stop burning a WoodWick candle?
When about 1 cm of wax is left in the jar.
