How to Prevent a Wick From Boring a Hole in a Candle
- 1). Trim your candle's wick to approximately three-quarters of an inch in length. Trimming the wick ensures a more even burn, because the flame will be closer to the candle's wax. Trimming the wick also reduces the chance that black soot or smoke will form as a result of a wick that is too long. You can trim your wicks with a small pair of scissors, a wick trimmer or toenail clippers.
- 2). Do not blow out your candles. The force of your breath can move the wick out of the center of the wax. A wick that is not centered can cause uneven burning and possibly melt a hole in the side of the candle. To help reduce the risk of your wick's moving, use a snuffer to put your candle's flame out. If necessary, move your wick back to the center of the candle while the wax is still melted. Depending upon the size of your candle, you can do this with a knife, chopstick or toothpick.
- 3). Keep candles out of drafty areas while burning. Drafts caused from open windows, air conditioners or high traffic areas can cause the flame to burn into the side of the candle. Keep the candle away from these areas to help prevent uneven burning.
- 4). Hug your candle. The best way to show your larger candles some love is to hug in their sides after the candles have been burning. For pillar and larger candles, hug in the sides with your fingers to prevent the candle from getting thin. Hugging also helps all parts of a candle to burn evenly and prevents the candle from burning a hole just down its center.