This Simple 5-Second Candle Habit Could Save You From Soot Stains – And It Makes Every Burn Cleaner

Lighting a candle is a simple way to bring a moment of calm to your daily routine. But there's one step you shouldn't skip before reaching for the matches, home fragrance experts warn.

Trimming the wick is more than just a way to ensure a cleaner burn − it's also a crucial way to prevent large, unstable flames from flaring, prevent soot marks, and reduce fire risks.

Here's why it's so important to keep your best candles burning (and smelling) their best.

Why It's Important to Trim Candle Wicks Before Each Burn

Candle Expert Amy Keller has been hand-pouring beeswax candles at Apidae Candles since 2013. The most important advice she constantly gives? 'Don't forget to trim your wicks.' A candle wick trimmer from Amazon makes this easy, and allows for a cleaner, simpler cut than wrestling with scissors.

'Always keep the wick trimmed to half a centimeter,' she advises, to avoid any candle-burning mistakes. 'If the flame gets too high (over two and a half centimeters), the wick needs to be trimmed. Too high a flame is caused by a wick that is too long.

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'If the wick becomes mushroom-shaped, the wick needs to be trimmed. This means the candle is using up wax faster than the flame can burn it. And, if the wick begins to smoke, it needs to be trimmed. Too long a wick causes unwanted smoke.'

How to Trim Your Candle Wicks

White taper candle in metal holder with matches in a glass bottle on a wooden circular table. The wall behind is sage green and panelled.

In contrast, the wicks on small taper candles like this don't need regular trimming.

(Image credit: Future / Simon Bevan Ltd)

For trimming wicks, as detailed in our candle care guide, it's best to use a dedicated wick trimmer, also available in this set with snuffer and pick available at Amazon.

As Amy explains, while it's best to do so once your candle has cooled, you can trim your wick during a burn if any of these problems occur. This has the added benefit of making your candles last longer.

'Simply extinguish the flame, trim the wick, and relight the candle. The secret of a perfectly burning candle is proper care of the wick.'

However, as with everything, there is an exception to every rule. 'Don't trim the wick on taper candles,' warns Amy. 'If you trim the wick too short, the fragile side wall containing the wax pool will melt, causing the wax to drip down the side. If a mushroom top forms, you may trim that off, but keep the wick long.'

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Whether you're looking to add to your best home fragrance collection or browse candle-care essentials, you can shop my handpicked selection below.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the ExpertA headshot of Amy Keller smiling wearing a grey scarf with her hair up.Candle Expert and Founder of apidae candles

Amy founded apidae candles back in 2013, and has been a professional beeswax candle-maker since then, after spotting a gap for non-toxic, reusable candles.

You may be clued up on wick trimming now, but do you know how long you should burn a candle for? According to our experts, it's best to stick to no longer than three to four hours at a time. Remember to always let the wax melt all the way out to the edge of the vessel before blowing out on the first burn to avoid candle tunneling.

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