FAQ
Q: Why won't my wood wick candle stay lit?
A: There could be a few reasons for this. One common reason is that the wick is too long, or it needs to be trimmed clean of charred material. Another reason is there is debris or wax buildup around one of the wicks, causing blockage to the flow of oxygen and preventing it from lighting. Try cleaning the area around the wick with a tissue or cotton swab.
Q: Why is my candle flame too high and burning smoke?
A: If the wick is too long, it will draw up too much wax and create a larger flame than necessary. The optimal length for a wood wick is about 1/4”. If the candle is placed in a drafty area, it can cause the flame to burn too high and produce smoke. Try moving the candle to a more sheltered location.
Q: How do I trim the wick?
A: You can use a wick trimmer or nail clippers to trim it.
Q: Are wood wick candles safe?
A: Yes, wood wick candles are generally safe to use. However, like all candles, they should be used with caution and kept away from flammable materials. Make sure to follow all instructions and safety guidelines provided with the candle.
Q: Why is there unmelted wax around the edges of my candle?
A: This could be due to "tunneling," which happens when the first time you burn the candle, you don't allow the melted wax to pool to the edges. This can create a tunnel down the center of the candle, leaving wax around the edges untouched.
Q: How can I fix a tunneled candle?
A: You can wrap a piece of aluminum foil around the edges of the candle and let it burn. Make sure the foil hangs over the built-up wax areas, but leave an opening in the center so the wick can still burn properly. After a couple of hours, the wax should melt and even out the surface.
Q: Can I prevent tunneling from happening in the first place?
A: Yes, make sure you burn the candle for at least two to three hours the first time you light it. This will allow the melted wax to pool to the edges and prevent tunneling from occurring. Additionally, make sure you always trim the wick to ¼ inch before lighting the candle to ensure an even burn.
Q: Why is there still wax around the edges of my candle even after burning it for a few hours and trimming the wick?
A: The pores in the concrete can trap small amounts of wax and fragrance, causing a ring of wax to form around the edges of the container. This can happen even after burning the candle for a few hours and trimming the wick. To prevent this, try burning the candle for longer periods of time to create a wider wax pool that can help melt the wax on the edges of the container. The wax pool should catch up after the 2nd or 3rd burn. Although the concrete vessels are sealed with a non-toxic VOC-free sealer, they are still porous in nature and may be more prone to wax buildup than other types of candle vessels.
Q: Why is my candle vessel turning black on the inside?
A. A candle vessel can turn black if too much soot is being produced. Regularly trimming the wick and removing any char from the wax will help maintain a clean burn.
For any other questions please use the contact form on the bottom right of the page or email us at Support@TheWaxCottage.com