How to Properly Trim a Candle Wick

To maintain your candle’s quality it is recommended to trim the wick to an ⅛ inch every four hours of burn time using a few simple steps.

After extinguishing the flame and allowing it to cool to room temperature, first, using a rocking motion, place the bottom of your trimmer flush with the surface of the candle.

Next, cut the wick at a 45 degree angle(no need for a protractor, an estimate will do)to prevent the wick from being cut too short thus affecting the quality of the candle through an uneven burn.

By maintaining the wick to an ⅛ inch, you control the amount of wax to create an even burn. An even burn prevents larger amounts of soot that can muck up your candle’s quality and let’s face it, too much soot just doesn’t look nice. The quality of the wick can play a part in soot control as well.

Once the candle wax has about a ½ inch remaining at the bottom it’s time to discard the used candle. Doing so will help prevent heat damage to surfaces as the glass jar will heat up significantly without enough wax.

Once you’ve cut your wick, enjoy your candle safely, remembering to always burn candles away from drafts, other heat sources, and anything else flammable. Be sure to not leave burning candles unattended and well away from children and pets.

Follow these steps and you’ll be on your way to a comfortable candle-lit evening!