Tyler Brooks
WoodWick candles are a popular choice for candle lovers, but they can be tricky to salvage if they get broken or won't stay lit. The good news is that there are several ways to salvage a WoodWick candle, depending on the issue. If your candle has developed tunneling, you can try to reset the wax memory by giving it a long burn until all the wax melts to the edge of the jar. If your candle won't stay lit due to a broken wick, you can try to light the wax with a heating gun or lighter, or replace the wick with a new store-bought one. To salvage a broken candle, you can remove the glass and burn it as a pillar candle, or melt and reshape the wax into a new jar or mould. It's important to take safety precautions when salvaging candles, such as wearing gloves and freezing the candle to safely remove glass shards.
How to Salvage a Woodwick Candle
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| If the candle is broken | Put on a wax warmer and melt the wax into a silicone cupcake mold. |
| Remove the broken glass and use the candle as a wax melt. | |
| Wrap aluminum foil around the candle to replicate the structure of the glass. | |
| Put the candle in a plastic bag and gently hammer the glass until you can remove it all. | |
| Find a cylinder that is slightly larger than the candle and drop the candle into it. | |
| If the candle won't stay lit | Ensure the wick is not too long and is trimmed clean of charred material. |
| Allow the candle to burn for a few hours to develop a melted wax pool that goes all the way to the edge of the container. | |
| Use a paper towel or napkin to soak up excess wax if the wick is "drowning" in wax. | |
| Scrape out the wax near the edge of the jar. | |
| Create a dome of aluminum foil around the rim of the container to help melt the hard wax at the edges. | |
| If the candle is almost finished | Stop burning when there is 1/4 inch of wax left at the bottom, to prevent the glass jar from shattering. |
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What You'll Learn
How to fix a broken wick
If your candle wick is broken, there are several ways to salvage your candle. Firstly, check if the wick is buried under wax or broken altogether. If it is buried, use a heating gun or a lighter to melt the wax around the wick. Once the wax is melted, pour it out and light the wick as normal.
If the wick is broken, you can use a makeshift alternative such as tightly rolled-up newspaper or twine. Alternatively, you can purchase a new wick and thread it into the hole where the old wick broke off. Ensure the new wick is not too short, as this can cause issues such as a weak flame or poor fragrance performance.
To prevent wick issues, it is important to trim the wick regularly. For optimal burning, keep the wick trimmed to around 1/8 of an inch. You can use nail clippers, wire cutters, or even break off the burnt parts with your fingers if necessary.
If your candle has developed tunneling due to shorter burns, you can fix this by allowing the candle to burn until all the wax has melted to the edge of the jar. This will reset the wax memory and help the candle burn evenly. You can also try using a paper towel to soak up excess wax if the wick is "drowning".
If your candle is in a glass jar, be cautious when burning to the bottom of the wax, as this can cause the glass to shatter. Always ensure the candle is burned in a well-ventilated room and never leave it unattended.
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How to prevent wax tunneling
Candle tunneling is a common issue that occurs when a hole forms down the candle's centre, leaving unused wax at the edges. This usually happens when the candle isn't burned long enough during its first use, or if the wick is too small for the container.
To prevent wax tunneling, follow these steps:
- Before lighting your candle for the first time, trim the wick: For wood wicks, trim to between an eighth to a quarter of an inch. For non-wood wicks, trim to between a quarter to an eighth of an inch.
- On the first burn, allow the candle to burn for 2-4 hours, or until the wax melts all the way to the edge of the container. This initial burn sets the candles "memory", determining how it will burn in the future.
- Avoid drafts: Keep the flame steady by avoiding strong airflow, such as turning off fans or closing windows.
- Use the foil trick: If you notice the start of tunneling, try wrapping a strip of foil around the candle's lip, leaving a 2" hole for the flame to breathe. This will help level the wax and create a full pool.
By following these steps, you can help prevent wax tunneling and ensure your candle burns evenly.
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How to remove candle wax from broken glass
To remove candle wax from broken glass, you can try the following methods:
Freezing
Place the candle in a plastic bag and then put it in the freezer. The wax will shrink, making it easier to remove from the glass. However, be aware that when the wax warms up, it may warp and deform. Soy wax, in particular, is sensitive to temperature changes and may start to sweat, with essential oils heating up rapidly and potentially causing a fire hazard.
Hammering
Place the candle in a large plastic bag for safety. Gently hammer the glass until you can remove all the pieces. This method can be quite messy and challenging, and there is a risk of getting tiny shards of glass on your skin or the floor.
Repotting
Find a new glass container that is slightly larger than the original candle. You can then remove the broken glass from the old candle and repot the wax into the new container.
Melting
Use a wax warmer to melt the candle and pour the liquid wax into a silicone mould. This method will allow you to discard the broken glass and use the candle as a wax melt.
Aluminium Foil
Wrap aluminium foil around the candle to replicate the structure of the glass. This method may not be the most aesthetically pleasing, but it is quick and functional.
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How to safely burn a Woodwick candle
To safely burn a Woodwick candle, there are several steps you should follow. Firstly, before burning your candle for the first time, you must prepare the wick by trimming it to the length recommended by the manufacturer, usually between 1/8 and 1/4 of an inch. This will ensure that the candle stays lit and will help to optimise burn time.
When lighting your candle, ensure that you light the wick across the candle, rather than at only one end. Allow the candle to burn for at least 2-4 hours, until the wax melts out to the edges of the container. This will take around 30 minutes to an hour and will prevent 'tunnelling', which occurs when wax is left on the sides of the vessel. During burning, keep the candle away from drafts, breezes, and flammable materials, and always place it on a flat, heat-resistant surface. Keep the candle within sight and never leave it unattended.
If the candle starts to smoke, extinguish the flame and check for drafts or high-traffic areas, which may cause the flame to flicker and smoke. Remove any carbon build-up from the wick and trim it before relighting. It is also important to keep the wick clear of any burnt bits of wood or charred debris, which can be removed with your fingertips or a wick trimmer.
Finally, always handle the candle with care, especially when hot, and keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
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How to store a Woodwick candle
WoodWick candles are popular items, and as a candle lover, you want to take good care of your candle so you can enjoy it for as long as possible. Here are some tips on how to store a WoodWick candle:
Avoid Direct Sunlight
If left in sunlight or harsh indoor lighting, the candle colouring can fade. Therefore, it is best to store your WoodWick candle in a cool, dry, and dark place when not in use.
Break the Glass
If your candle is broken, you can rehome it in another glass container. Put the candle in a large plastic bag, gently hammer the glass, and remove it. Alternatively, you can freeze the candle for a few hours, wear thick gloves, and use tweezers to remove the glass.
Use Aluminium Foil
Wrap aluminium foil around the candle to replicate the structure of the glass. Take a long piece of thicker foil and fold the top long side down a few inches to create more strength. Then, wrap the foil around the candle, leaving the top open and folding down the bottom edge.
Find a Cylinder
Visit thrift stores to find a cylinder slightly larger than the candle and drop the candle into it. However, you may have problems getting the candle to pool out completely when burning it, and breaking the glass can be quite messy.
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