The Wooden Wick Difference

🪵 Why We Love Wooden Wicks (and How to Get the Best Burn)

At Old River Candle Co., we believe even the smallest details make a big difference — and that includes our wicks.
Each candle is hand-poured with a natural wooden wick, chosen not just for its clean, even burn, but for the warmth and ambiance it brings to every space.

🔥 The Magic of Wooden Wicks

Wooden wicks burn cleaner and slower than traditional cotton wicks, giving you longer candle life and less soot or smoke.
They create an even melt pool that releases fragrance beautifully from edge to edge.

And that gentle crackle? It’s the heart of the Old River experience — the sound of calm evenings, cozy moments, and quiet self-care.

🌿 Sustainably Sourced: Our wicks are eco-friendly and FSC-certified, made from natural wood that’s responsibly harvested for a cleaner, more mindful burn.

✂️ How to Care for Your Wooden Wick Candle

1️⃣ Trim Before Every Burn

Before lighting, gently pinch off the blackened tip of the wick or use a wick trimmer.
Keeping your wick about ⅛"–¼" helps:

  • Prevent soot and smoke

  • Keep the flame steady and controlled

  • Promote an even, long-lasting burn

If the flame grows too tall or flickers excessively, it’s time for a trim.

2️⃣ The First Burn Sets the Memory

On your first burn, allow the wax to melt all the way to the edges of the vessel — usually 1–3 hours.
This “memory burn” prevents tunneling and ensures your candle burns evenly every time.

3️⃣ The 4-Hour Rule

For best results, enjoy your candle in sessions of no more than 4 hours at a time.
After each burn:

  • Blow it out carefully

  • Let it cool completely

  • Trim before relighting

This keeps your flame stable and extends the life of your candle.

4️⃣ Lighting Your Wooden Wick

Wooden wicks can take a few seconds longer to catch — that’s perfectly normal!
Light the base of the wick where it meets the wax, not just the top, and give it a moment to establish that steady, warm glow.

5️⃣ A Few Quick Tips

💧 If your candle develops a little “sweating” on the surface, it’s just natural oils from the wax — wipe gently with a soft cloth before burning.
🕯️ Stop burning when about ½ inch of wax remains in the vessel.
🏡 Always burn your candle on a stable, heat-safe surface, away from drafts and anything flammable.

💜 The Old River Difference

When paired with our signature apricot coconut wax and clean fragrance blends, our wooden wicks create more than a candle — they create a mood.

It’s calm, intentional, and naturally beautiful — just like self-care should be.