Candles are a popular and versatile home decor item, providing warmth, ambiance, and a pleasant scent to any room. However, as with any item, candles eventually need to be replaced. But what if you could extend the life of your candle by simply extending the wick? In this article, we will discuss how to extend a candle wick and save yourself time and money.
Why Extend a Candle Wick?
Before we dive into the process of extending a candle wick, let’s first understand why you would want to do so. The most common reason is that the wick has burned down too low, making it difficult to light the candle. This can happen with both traditional wicks and wooden wicks. By extending the wick, you can continue to use your candle without having to replace it.
Materials Needed
To extend a candle wick, you will need a few materials that can easily be found at home or purchased at a craft store. These include scissors, a new wick, and a wick holder. You can also use a toothpick or a skewer as a wick holder if you do not have one on hand.
Steps to Extend a Candle Wick
- First, remove any remaining wax from the candle’s container. You can do this by placing the candle in the freezer for a few hours, which will cause the wax to shrink and easily pop out of the container.
- Once the wax is removed, you will see the metal base of the wick. Use scissors to cut the wick as close to the base as possible.
- Take your new wick and thread it through the wick holder. If you are using a toothpick or skewer, simply wrap the wick around it.
- Place the wick holder on top of the candle container, with the new wick hanging down into the container.
- Slowly pour melted wax into the container, making sure to cover the base of the new wick. You can use leftover wax from the candle or melt new wax in a double boiler.
- Let the wax cool and harden completely before removing the wick holder.
- Trim the wick to the desired length and your candle is ready to use again!
Tips for Extending a Candle Wick
- When choosing a new wick, make sure it is the same size as the original wick to ensure proper burning.
- If you are using a wooden wick, make sure to trim the burnt edges before extending it to prevent any potential fire hazards.
- You can also use this method to replace a wick that has burned down too low, rather than extending it.
Conclusion
by Walter Frehner (https://unsplash.com/@pixtresa)
Extending a candle wick is a simple and cost-effective way to prolong the life of your candles. By following these steps and using the right materials, you can continue to enjoy your favorite candles without having to constantly replace them. So next time you find yourself with a low wick, try extending it instead of throwing it away. Your wallet and the environment will thank you.