How to Care for Your Wooden Wick Candle (and Why It’s Different from Cotton Wicks)
Wooden wick candles have been gaining serious traction—and for good reason. From the soft crackling sound to the sleek horizontal flame, wood wicks bring a sensory experience cotton wicks simply can’t match. But they do burn a little differently, which means caring for them properly makes a big difference.
If you’ve ever struggled with a flickering flame or a wooden wick that won’t stay lit, this guide is for you.
1. Why Wooden Wicks?
Wood wicks aren’t just pretty. They offer several benefits over cotton wicks:
- Cleaner burn – Less soot and smoke when properly trimmed
- Eco-friendly – Many wood wicks are sustainably sourced from native trees
- Longer burn time – When trimmed and maintained, they help your candle last longer
- Audible ambiance – The soft crackle mimics a mini fireplace
- Horizontal flame – A broader flame melts wax more evenly across the surface
But to get all those perks, you’ve got to treat them a little differently than your old-school cotton wick.
2. Trim the Wick—But Keep It Short
Unlike cotton wicks that need about 1/4 inch, wooden wicks burn best when trimmed to 1/8 to 3/16 inch. If it’s too long, it won’t pull the wax properly, causing the flame to die out.
Best practice:
- Use wick trimmers, nail clippers, or gently pinch off the charred tip with your fingers once cooled
- Always trim before relighting!
3. First Burn = Foundation
With cotton wicks, tunneling can often be fixed later—but with wooden wicks, it’s better to get it right from the start. Your first burn should last 1.5–2 hours, or until the wax melts fully to the edges. This helps avoid tunneling and creates an even wax memory.
4. Relighting Tips (Wood Wicks Can Be Stubborn)
If your wooden wick won’t stay lit, it’s almost always one of two issues:
- The wick is too long (trim it shorter!)
- There's debris or wax buildup in the way
When relighting:
- Tilt the jar slightly and let your lighter or match warm the wick for several seconds
- Hold the flame to one edge and allow the fire to travel across the wick grain
5. Burn Time Matters
Wooden wick candles have a broader flame, so burning them for too long can overheat the wax pool or cause mushrooming. Limit each session to 3–4 hours, then let it cool before trimming and relighting.
6. Keep It Clean & Level
- Avoid drafts, which can cause the flame to flicker unevenly
- Keep the wax surface free of char, toppings, or dust
- Store your candle in a cool, dry place to preserve the wick and scent
7. Wooden Wick Vibes: Slow Down & Enjoy
Wooden wick candles offer a more intentional experience. They need a little more care than cotton wick candles—but what you get in return is totally worth it. A cozy crackle. A longer, cleaner burn. And a handmade, eco-conscious centerpiece you’ll love lighting again and again.
Pro tip: At Cactus Vine Candles, we use sustainably sourced wooden wicks and a clean-burning coconut soy wax blend—poured by hand into recycled wine bottles. So if you notice a drip of wine on the label? That’s part of the charm.
