Candle Lovers - Do You Trim Your Wicks?

[grinningghost]

I admit, I never used to do that. But I went and bought a wick trimmer and now I'm doing it.

It's supposed to make the candle burn cleaner and longer, but so far, I really can't tell the difference.

 

[RickinNYC]

I BEG your pardon?

 

[grinningghost]

I BEG your pardon?

You get your mind out of the gutter young man.

 

[momrek06]

I admit, I never used to do that. But I went and bought a wick trimmer and now I'm doing it.

It's supposed to make the candle burn cleaner and longer, but so far, I really can't tell the difference.

ABSOLUTELY, I have a wick trimmer as well and use it every morn before I light my candle each day!!

I BEG your pardon?

........ ..........

 

[Trish Bessette]

I always trim my wicks. By doing that you don't get the black marks around the top of the jars (if that is what your using).

 

[Fishbone†]

Yes I do. It keeps the flame down and reduces the "smoke".

 

[grinningghost]

I always trim my wicks. By doing that you don't get the black marks around the top of the jars (if that is what your using).

Yes - that's what I'm hoping to avoid. I think I need to get a new jar candle - my older ones are probably already too wrecked to notice.

 

[Blondie]

I've read that buy trimming the wicks you get a better burn; the closer the flame is to the wax, the better it is.

My hands are small enough (I kid you not) that I can put my whole hand in a large jar and snip the wicks with small (kiddie sized) scissors.

 

[Imzadi]

When I was into making my own candles, I was taught to trim the wicks to avoid the black soot, caused when the flame is too large.

 

[grinningghost]

When I was into making my own candles, I was taught to trim the wicks to avoid the black soot, caused when the flame is too large.

Very good. Info from the horse's mouth. I will continue to trim.

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

I have trimmed wicks on tapered candles just because they look to long but have never done it with jarred candles and that is what I usually burn.

I wonder if they last longer if you trim

 

[phillybeth]

I BEG your pardon?

C'mon Rick, you should know that 80% of Americans have their wicks trimmed

 

[FloraFauna]

Yes, I always trim the wicks down before I light them. You are also supposed to let the wax cool and harden before you light the candle again. This is supposed to make the candle last longer.

 

[chamonix]

another reason I read to trim the wicks is so that when they are long, it's possible that the top of the wick could fall off and a piece of burning wick could fall onto something flammable and start a fire.

That being said, I mostly burn candles in jars, and don't trim the wicks every time. I try to, but I forget sometimes, or am in a hurry and don't do it.

 

[missj1975]

Another good idea is to use a candle snuffer instead of blowing out your candles. Besides helping with preventing blowing hot wax all over, it also helps the candle burn more evenly. If the candle has been burning for awhile, when you blow out the candle the wick can actually move and the candle will burn unevenly in the future. Yep, I have been to one too many candle parties

 

[cybrkitn]

Yes. Never knew why it needed to be done until I started attending PartyLite parties.

 

[piglet too]

Another thing that can help , if you are burning jars, is an "ilumalid" from yankee Candle. Before I sarted working there, I always scoffed at the idea, but the really do work!

 

[rparmfamily]

Here's my public service announcement....



The soot on your jar comes from 2 possible things, one being your wick not being trimmed. You need to trim your wick everytime to between 1/8-1/4" before you light it, and be careful not to let the wick trimmings fall into the candle, as this is potentially combustable material. If you see a black soot mushroom or your flame is too high, you need to blow out the candle, let it cool and trim the wick. Carefully get the wick trimmings out.

The other reason you could be getting soot from your candle is because of a draft (ceiling fan/vent,etc). The test for this is to light your candle, step back and wait a second. If you see the flame "dancing", you are getting a draft from somewhere. (even if you don't feel one). You can either move the candle or use a product like Illumilids. They do make a serious difference in both burn quality and cleanliness of the candle.

Also--for those big and medium jars, make sure you are burning them at least 3-4 hours each time. Basically you want to make sure the wax pool goes all the way to the edge of the jar each time, or you'll create a tunnel.

Any questions, just ask!

 

[cinmell]

Yes, I started to trim the candle wicks and I have noticed less smoke and that the jars don't get black a the top anymore, or at least as much.

 

[MsDisney23]

C'mon Rick, you should know that 80% of Americans have their wicks trimmed

What do the other 20% do?