How to Burn a Wood Wick Candle Properly (Step-by-Step)

Wood wick candles look beautiful and give a cosy, crackling sound, but they do need a little extra care. When they’re burned correctly, you get a cleaner flame, a longer burn time, and a gorgeous, even melt pool.

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you get the best from your wood wick candles.

Step 1: Trim the Wood Wick Before Every Burn

Before you light your candle, make sure the wick is trimmed to around 3–5mm (about ⅛ inch).

Gently pinch off the black, charred wood from the last burn once the wax is completely cool.

You can use wick trimmers, nail clippers, or even your fingers.

A short wick helps the flame stay stable and stops the candle from smoking or going out.

Step 2: Light the Wick at an Angle

Wood wicks can take a little longer to catch than cotton wicks.

Hold your lighter or match at a slight angle so the flame touches the full width of the wick.

Keep the flame there for a few seconds to let the wood properly ignite.

If the flame looks very small at first, give it a moment — it usually strengthens once the wax around it begins to melt.

Step 3: Let the First Burn Reach a Full Melt Pool

Your first burn is the most important for how the candle behaves for the rest of its life.

Let the candle burn until the melted wax reaches all the way to the edges of the jar.

This normally takes 2–3 hours, depending on the size of the candle.

If you blow it out too early, the candle can “tunnel” — leaving a ring of hard wax around the sides and wasting product.

Step 4: Keep Your Candle Away from Drafts

Wood wicks are sensitive to moving air.

Avoid placing your candle near open windows, fans, vents, or doorways.

A draft can cause the flame to flicker, smoke, or even go out.

A stable environment = a stable flame and a smoother melt pool.

Step 5: Don’t Burn for Too Long

As a general rule, don’t burn your wood wick candle for more than 3–4 hours at a time.

Extinguish the candle, let the wax fully cool and harden, then trim the wick before the next burn.

Over burning can overheat the jar and reduce the life of the candle.

Step 6: Extinguish Safely

To put out your candle:

Gently blow out the flame, or

Use a candle snuffer for a cleaner finish.

Make sure the wick is upright and centred while the wax is still soft so it’s ready for your next burn.

Common Wood Wick Mistakes to Avoid

Not trimming the wick: A long wick can create a high, smoky flame.

Blowing it out too soon: This leads to tunnelling and wasted wax.

Burning in a draftee spot: Causes uneven burning and may extinguish the flame.

Relighting without trimming: Leaving the charred wood makes it harder for the wick to catch.

Enjoying the Best Candle Experience

With a little care and the right burning routine, wood wick candles can be one of the most luxurious ways to scent your home — visually, audibly, and aromatically.

If you love thoughtful home fragrance, explore the hand-poured soy candles from Esmeralda Candle Co in our signature matte black jars. They’re designed to be enjoyed slowly, one cosy burn at a time.