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Why Wick Trimming Matters: A Guide to Cleaner Burns

Why Wick Trimming Matters: A Guide to Cleaner Burns

Posted by Haley on Jul 27th 2025

Hi, it’s Haley! If you’ve ever noticed your candle flickering too much, producing smoke, or burning unevenly, the culprit might be something simple: the wick. Wick trimming is one of the most overlooked yet essential parts of candle care, especially when it comes to soy wax candles. In this guide, I’ll explain why trimming your wick matters, how to do it properly, and what benefits you’ll notice right away.

✂️ What Is Wick Trimming?

Wick trimming means cutting the candle wick to a recommended length—usually ¼ inch—before each burn. This small step helps regulate the flame, control how the wax melts, and prevent unwanted smoke or soot. It’s especially important for handmade soy candles, which are designed to burn cleanly and evenly when cared for properly.

Why It Matters

1. Cleaner Burn

A long wick can cause a candle to burn too hot, leading to soot buildup on the jar and in the air. Trimming the wick helps maintain a clean burning candle, which is especially important for non-toxic, eco-friendly candles.

2. Even Wax Pool

Proper wick length ensures the flame is just right—not too high or low—allowing the wax to melt evenly across the surface. This prevents tunneling, where wax builds up on the sides and wastes product.

3. Longer Candle Life

A trimmed wick helps your candle burn more efficiently, extending its lifespan. That means more hours of enjoyment from your favorite aromatherapy soy candle.

4. Safer Flame

An overgrown wick can cause the flame to flicker wildly or become dangerously large. Keeping it trimmed reduces fire risk and keeps your candle experience safe.

How to Trim Your Wick

  • Use a wick trimmer, scissors, or nail clippers.
  • Trim to ¼ inch before each burn.
  • Always trim when the wax is cool and solid.
  • Remove any wick debris from the wax surface before lighting.

Galene Candle Favorites That Deserve Proper Care

To get the best performance from your candles, wick trimming is key. Try it with these hand-poured soy candles from Galene:

Each candle is made with natural soy wax, vegan ingredients, and pure essential oils—designed to burn cleanly when properly cared for.

Final Thoughts

Wick trimming may seem like a small detail, but it makes a big difference in how your candle performs. By taking a few seconds to trim your wick, you’ll enjoy a cleaner, safer, and longer-lasting burn—just as your eco-friendly soy candle was meant to deliver.

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