The most popular myths about wooden wicks

Wooden wicks are becoming increasingly popular among candle makers every year. However, there are still many misconceptions surrounding them. Let's take a look at the most common myths and find out how much truth there is behind them.

Myth No. 1. Wooden wicks need to be wax-coated before use

False. High-quality wooden wicks are ready to use straight out of the package. Wax-coating them does not improve their performance.

If a wooden wick burns poorly, the cause is usually something else – an incorrect wick width or thickness, or an improper wick height. Wooden wicks should be trimmed to 3–5 mm (1/8–3/16 in) above the wax surface (cotton wicks are typically trimmed to 5–7 mm).

Myth No. 2. Wooden wicks are more difficult to use than cotton wicks

False. When the correct wooden wick is selected, making candles can actually be easier than with traditional cotton wicks.

A wooden wick has a wide base, creating a broader melt pool. If the flame is too large or the candle produces smoke, simply choosing a narrower wick is usually enough.

In a properly made candle, the wax should melt to the edges of the container in approximately two hours.

Another advantage is that wooden wicks do not bend or shift during production and do not require wick centering tools. A quality wick holder and adhesive sticker are all you need.

Myth No. 3. The longer the wooden wick, the better it burns

False. An overly long wick often burns less efficiently.

The ideal wick height is 3–5 mm above the wax surface. When properly sized, it produces a stable and attractive flame.

If the wick is too long, melted wax cannot properly fuel the upper part of the wick, resulting in a weak flame that may eventually extinguish.

Myth No. 4. Wooden wicks burn worse than cotton wicks

False. Both cotton and wooden wicks can perform exceptionally well—or poorly. It all depends on how the candle is made.

Successful candle performance depends not only on selecting the correct wick size but also on considering:

the type of wax;

the amount of fragrance oil or essential oil;

the use of dyes;

any other wax additives.

Myth No. 5. Wooden wicks are not suitable for soy wax

False. Soy wax burns more slowly than many other waxes, making proper wick width and thickness especially important.

If a stronger flame is needed, you can use:

a Booster wick (a narrow auxiliary wick attached alongside the main wick);

a Dual wick (two identical wooden wicks placed together in a single wick holder).

Myth No. 6. Wooden wicks do not burn as well as cotton wicks

False. When properly matched to the candle, a wooden wick burns steadily, produces a beautiful flame, and creates a pleasant crackling sound.

Another distinctive feature is its gently dancing horizontal flame, which creates a warm and cosy atmosphere.

Myth No. 7. You can make a wooden wick at home from any type of wood

False. High-quality wooden wicks are manufactured from carefully selected wood under strict production standards.

Reputable manufacturers design their wicks to burn safely and consistently without producing unwanted combustion by-products.

Myth No. 8. Wooden wicks are not suitable for highly scented candles

False. Wooden wicks work just as well as cotton wicks in scented candles.

However, it's worth remembering that adding more fragrance oil does not necessarily result in a stronger scent.

The following fragrance loads are generally recommended:

6–8% fragrance oil for a moderate scent throw;

8–12% fragrance oil for a strong cold and hot scent throw.

Adding more than this usually provides little benefit and may negatively affect the candle's burning performance.

Myth No. 9. Wooden wicks are not environmentally friendly

False. High-quality wooden wicks are produced from wood sourced from responsibly managed forests.

In addition, they eliminate the need for cotton cultivation, which often requires large amounts of water and may involve the use of pesticides.

Myth No. 10. Wooden wicks do not crackle

False. A properly selected and properly used wooden wick naturally produces a pleasant crackling sound without any special treatment.

For a more pronounced crackling effect, consider using a wax blend containing coconut wax or a small amount of food-grade paraffin instead of 100% soy wax, as pure soy wax tends to dampen the crackling effect.

Myth No. 11. Wooden wicks are only suitable for rustic-style candles

False. Today, wooden wicks are widely used in both minimalist and luxury candle designs.

They complement modern aesthetics perfectly while adding a distinctive visual and sensory experience, making them a popular choice for both beginners and professional candle makers.