"What are those for?" is one of the most common questions I hear at my market booth when people point to a fancy set of wick trimmers. Many are unaware of the importance of trimming candle wicks, and most have never even heard that it's something you should do!

Wick trimming is essential to prolonging the life of your candle, ensuring a safe burn, and optimizing the release of your candle's fragrance. Plus, it gives you an excuse to use those stylish candle accessories we love!

Why You Should Always Trim Your Candle Wicks

1. Trimming Your Candle Wick Extends Candle Life

Cutting your candle wick ensures that the flame stays at the right size, preventing the wax from burning too quickly. When the flame gets too large, the candle burns hotter, using up the wax faster. A simple trim before each burn can greatly extend the lifespan of your candle.

2. Prevents Glass Jar Damage and Soot Buildup

Letting the wick get too long can cause the flame to become too hot, which is a potential safety hazard. An oversized flame can cause the glass jar to overheat and possibly crack. In addition, this intense heat creates sooty black smoke that not only makes your candle jar unsightly but can also stain your walls and furniture. Trimming the wick reduces these risks.

3. Enhances Candle Fragrance Throw

Keeping your wick trimmed ensures that your candle releases its fragrance properly. If the wick is too long, the flame can burn too hot and fast, potentially burning off the fragrance oils and essential oils before they have a chance to disperse into the room. A properly trimmed wick will give you the best scent throw for a longer-lasting, fragrant burn.

How to Trim a Candle Wick

For every burn, it’s important to trim your candle wick to 1/4 inch. Always do this when the candle is cool, not while it's burning. At Wax Crescent, our soy wax candles come with perfectly trimmed cotton wicks, but you’ll need to trim them before each subsequent burn.

When to Trim:

• If the wick has curled or is longer than 1/4 inch
• If the wick is "mushrooming" (where the tip looks like it has split)

Use a pair of scissors or, even better, a pair of wick trimmers for the best results. Wick trimmers are specifically designed to catch the wick trimmings, ensuring they don’t fall into the wax. Their slanted design also allows you to reach the bottom of the jar as the candle burns down.

Why Wick Trimmers Are Better Than Regular Scissors

While you can certainly use scissors to trim your wick, wick trimmers offer better control and precision. They help prevent wick debris from falling into the candle jar and make it easier to trim wicks even at the end of the candle’s life. Using wick trimmers ensures a clean, safe, and efficient burn every time.

Conclusion: Always Trim Your Candle Wicks for the Best Candle Experience

Whether you’re burning a luxury soy wax candle or a simple scented candle, trimming the wick is key to extending its life, maintaining a clean burn, and ensuring the fragrance fills your room as intended. Make it a habit, and enjoy a better, longer-lasting candle experience with Wax Crescent’s 100% soy wax candles.

try a pair for yourself! candle wick trimmers