Tyler Brooks
There are many reasons why a candle wick might need to be replaced. For example, if the wick is too short, it might be because it was trimmed too short or not at all. In some cases, the wick might be too thin and drown in its wax pool, or the wax might tunnel and leave hard wax around the edges of the container. Whatever the reason, there are several ways to rewick a candle, including the core and replace method, the pliers method, and the oven method.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Companies that sell replacement wicks | Armatage Candle Company, Amazon, craft stores |
| Companies that sell candles that can be rewicked | Capri Blue, VOLUSPA, Yankee Candle, Bath&Body Works, White Barn, Kroger, Homegoods, Capri Blue, Berryline Candles |
| Common reasons for rewicking a candle | The wick is too short, the candle has tunneled (only a small area of wax around the wick melts, creating a small hole), the wick is buried, the wick is of poor quality, the wick has curled or "mushroomed" |
| Methods for rewicking a candle | Core & Replace, Pliers Method, melting wax in a wax warmer or double boiler, oven method, freezer method |
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What You'll Learn
How to re-wick a candle at home
Step 1: Prepare Your Candle for Rewicking
Before you begin the rewicking process, you'll need to remove any remaining wax from your candle container. One way to do this is by placing the candle jar in the freezer, which will cause the wax to shrink and pop out easily. Alternatively, you can melt the wax by placing the jar in the oven at a low temperature or using a stove top. Remember to remove any labels or stickers from the jar before melting the wax.
Step 2: Choose the Right Wick
Selecting an appropriate wick is crucial for a successful rewicking process. Choose a wick that is compatible with the fragrance type, wax type, and container shape of your candle. You can find replacement wicks at craft stores or online.
Step 3: Remove the Old Wick
There are several methods to remove the old wick from your candle. One method is the "Core & Replace" method, which involves using an apple corer or a similar tool to twist and push around the old wick. If you're using pliers, grip the exposed wick and pull it out directly. You may need to pre-heat the corer or use a heat gun to penetrate harder waxes.
Step 4: Insert the New Wick
Once the old wick is removed, it's time to insert the new wick. Place the new wick through the hole left by the old wick and trim it to 1/4 inch. If you're using the melted wax method, simply press the new wick into the melted wax at the base of the jar. Ensure the wick is stable and doesn't move during the re-hardening process. You can use a fork or a skewer to hold the wick in place.
Step 5: Finish and Enjoy Your Candle
After inserting the new wick, you might need to use a heat gun to melt down and fill any imperfections or gaps created during the rewicking process. Allow the wax to cool and harden, and then your candle is ready to be enjoyed again!
By following these steps, you can extend the life of your favourite candles and continue to enjoy their delightful fragrances.
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$8.88
Why do candle wicks get too short?
Candle wicks can get too short for a variety of reasons. One of the most common reasons is that the wick was simply too close to the wax, causing it to get accidentally submerged in wax. This results in there not being enough wick exposed to light efficiently.
Another reason could be that the wick was trimmed too short by the manufacturer or by you. After a wick has been lit and turned black, it becomes brittle, and if it gets bumped, it could break off.
The candle may also not have been allowed to burn long enough to create a full-size liquid pool, causing it to tunnel. This is when a candle burns down the centre, leaving hard wax around the edges of the container. This excess wax buildup will prevent you from reaching your candle's max burn time.
To prevent a wick from getting too short, ensure your candle wicks burn evenly. Keep your candle out of drafts, as this causes the wick to burn unevenly.
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How to melt and reuse candle wax
Reusing candle wax is a great way to save money and reduce waste. There are several ways to melt and reuse candle wax, and the method you choose will depend on the type of wax you are using and the tools you have available. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to melt and reuse candle wax:
Preparing the Wax
First, you will need to remove the wax from its current container. If there is only a small amount of wax left in the jar, you can place the jar under hot running water to melt the wax and allow it to pop out easily. For larger amounts of wax, you can place the jar in the freezer, which will cause the wax to shrink and pop out. Alternatively, you can melt the wax by placing the jar in the oven at a low temperature (no higher than 175 degrees Fahrenheit) or in a small pot over low heat on the stovetop. Be careful not to overheat the wax, as this can affect its scent and cause the jar to shatter. Once the wax is melted, use tongs to remove any old wicks and scoop the wax into a container.
Choosing the Right Wick
When reusing candle wax, it is important to select the right type of wick. The wick should be 2 inches taller than your votive holder. You can find wicks and wick tabs at craft stores. Knot one end of the wick and thread it through the wick tab, then tie the free end around a wooden skewer.
Melting and Pouring the Wax
Now it's time to melt and pour your wax into its new container. Dip the wick and tab into the melted wax to coat them, then press the tab to the bottom of your chosen container. Rest the skewer on the rim of the container, and pour the melted wax inside, stopping about half an inch below the rim. Allow the wax to set for about an hour. If needed, pour more wax into the center to create an even surface, stopping a quarter of an inch below the rim.
Finishing Touches
Once the wax has set, you can finish the candle by melting the top with a heat gun to fill in any imperfections or gaps. If you are using multiple types of scented wax, be sure to choose fragrances that will complement each other. You can also add a few drops of essential oil to enhance the scent. Get creative by adding pressed flowers, dried herbs, or cedar shavings to your candle for a unique, gift-worthy creation.
Additional Tips
If you are combining the remnants of several candles, ensure that they are all the same type of wax. You can also add a new wick to your reused wax by poking a hole in the center of the hardened wax with a skewer or chopstick and inserting the wick. No matter which method you choose, always be cautious when handling hot wax to avoid burns.
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How to fix a candle wick that's buried or too short
A candle wick can become too short or get buried in wax for a variety of reasons. It could be due to the size or quality of the wick, or because you trimmed it too short. Drastic temperature changes can also cause the candle wax to expand or the wick to bend or tilt, resulting in a shorter wick. Additionally, forgetting to trim the wick can lead to "mushrooming", causing the wick to curl up and fall into the wax pool.
Using a Heat Source
- If the wick is still visible but too short to light, use a heat gun, blow dryer, or a long wand candle lighter to melt the surrounding wax.
- Once the wax is soft, use a spoon or butter knife to carefully scrape away the wax and expose the wick.
- If the wick was trimmed too short, continue melting the wax until you have an even layer of liquid wax on the surface.
- Let the wax harden, then light the wick and ensure the top layer of wax melts completely before putting out the candle.
Extending the Wick
- If the wick is too short, you can extend it by adding a makeshift paper or wooden wick.
- Roll up a scrap of thicker paper, such as notebook or copy paper, tightly to create a paper wick. Avoid using colored paper or magazine pages as the ink fumes can be toxic.
- For a wooden wick, use a cotton cord or butcher's twine, which is thicker and will burn more slowly.
- Dip the paper or wooden wick in wax first to help it burn more slowly and evenly.
- Place the new wick next to the old one, ensuring it is long enough to reach the wax pool.
Replacing the Wick
- If the wick is completely buried in wax, you may need to replace it.
- Use an apple corer or similar tool to twist and push around the wick, then gently pull out the wax plug with the wick inside.
- Secure a new wick of appropriate size in the cleared area, centering it with a clothespin or wick bar if needed.
- Melt some wax and pour it around the new wick to secure it in place.
- Use a heat gun to melt down and fill any imperfections or gaps created during the process.
Preventing Wick Issues
- To prevent wick issues, remember to trim your wick regularly, ideally once every 3-4 hours, to maintain a good length and shape.
- Always let the top layer of wax melt completely before putting out the candle to avoid tunneling, which can cause wick issues.
- Keep your candle out of drafts to prevent uneven burning and premature extinguishing, which can lead to tunneling.
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Companies that sell replacement candle wicks
While it is possible to rewick a candle, it is a challenging process. It involves removing the old wick and replacing it with a new one, ensuring it is centred and secured. This can be done through methods such as the "core and replace" method or the "pliers method". Several companies sell replacement candle wicks, catering to both individual consumers and bulk buyers.
Walmart
Walmart offers a range of candle wicks for candle-making and DIY projects. Their selection includes wooden wicks, cotton wicks, and hemp wicks in various quantities and sizes.
Amazon
Amazon is a popular source for candle wicks, with a wide range of options available. Bloggers have mentioned purchasing wicks from Amazon to rewick their candles.
Fillmore Container
Fillmore Container provides a wide range of candle wicks, including cotton wicks and styles like HTP, Premier, ECO, and CD (Stabilo). They cater to both small and large-scale candle makers, offering flexible wholesale options and fast shipping.
Lone Star Candle Supply
Lone Star Candle Supply offers an extensive selection of candle wicks, including wood, zinc, cotton, and paper wick varieties. They provide wholesale discounts on bulk purchases, making it convenient for those looking to buy in large quantities.
Craft Stores
Local craft stores typically carry candle wicks and wick tabs, which are essential for creating homemade votives or rewicking candles. These stores provide a convenient option for those seeking a smaller quantity of wicks for personal projects.
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