Wick Moment: Candle Tips & FAQ
Your guide to a perfect, long-lasting burn.
Welcome to the Wick Moment family! To help you get the most out of your handcrafted candle, we've put together this guide on candle care, safety, and answers to common questions. Following these tips will ensure a clean, long-lasting burn and a beautiful fragrance experience.
Essential Candle Safety
A burning candle is an open flame. Always keep it in your sight.
Keep at least 12 inches (30 cm) away from curtains, books, or bedding.
Keep away from children and pets who might accidentally knock it over.
Your First Burn: The Most Important Step
The first burn is critical. To prevent "tunneling" (where the candle burns down the middle), you must allow the wax to melt all the way to the edges of the container. This creates a "memory ring" for all future burns.
- Burn Time: Allow at least 2-3 hours for the melted wax pool to reach the container's edge.
- Patience is Key: This initial burn sets the stage for the entire life of your candle, so don't extinguish it too early!
Caring for Your Wood Wick
Our wood wicks create a unique, gentle crackling sound, but they require special care.
- Trim Your Wick Before Every Use: This is the golden rule. Trim the wick to about 1/8 inch (3-5 mm). You can easily pinch off the blackened tip with your fingers. A trimmed wick ensures a clean, steady flame.
- Lighting Your Wick: Tilt the candle and light the wick from the base, allowing the flame to travel across the wood. It may take a couple of tries, which is normal.
- Keep the Wax Pool Clean: Do not let any debris, like wick trimmings or matches, fall into the wax.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why won't my wood wick stay lit?
This is almost always because the wick is too long. The flame needs to draw fuel (the wax) up the wick, and if it's too long, it can't make the journey. Trim the wick down to 1/8 inch, remove any charred bits, and relight.
Q: What is "tunneling" and how can I prevent it?
Tunneling is when only the center of the candle melts, leaving a ring of hard wax around the edge. Prevent this by ensuring the first burn is long enough to melt the wax all the way to the container's edge.
Q: Why is my candle smoking or creating soot?
This is a sign that your wick is too long or the candle is in a draft. Extinguish the flame, let it cool, trim the wick to 1/8 inch, and move it to a draft-free area before relighting.
Q: How long should I burn my candle for?
Do not burn your candle for more than 6 hours at a time. This prevents the container from overheating and ensures the best performance.
Q: When should I stop using my candle?
Discontinue use when about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) of wax remains. Burning a candle all the way down is a safety hazard, as the container can become too hot.
We hope these tips help you enjoy every moment with your Wick Moment candle. If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to contact us at hello@wickmoment.com.