Do I Really Need to Trim My Wick Each Time?
Share
The truth about wick trimming, straight from a candle maker.
If you’ve ever read the bottom of a candle label (ours included!), chances are you’ve seen the golden rule:
“Trim your wick to ¼ inch before each burn.”
It’s one of the most commonly shared tips in candle care—and for good reason. A properly trimmed wick helps candles burn cleaner, safer, and longer.
But here’s the secret:
You don’t always have to trim your wick every single time. Let’s talk about why.
✂️ Why Wick Trimming Matters (Most of the Time)
Trimming your wick:
🔥 Prevents high flames and excess soot
🕯️ Helps the candle burn evenly
🍄 Avoids excess mushrooming (that little carbon ball at the tip)
For many candles, especially ones with cotton wicks, trimming is a crucial step.
🌙 But Here’s the Nuance…
Not all candles and wicks behave the same. At Moon Wick, we carefully test every wick for each fragrance and vessel.
If you notice your wick is:
🔥 Burning with a steady, low flame
🚭 Not smoking
🍄 Free of mushrooming
Then it may not need trimming.
✅ What You Should Do Instead
Before lighting your candle, do a quick check:
🔥 Is the flame likely to be too big?
🍄 Is there a black mushroom on the tip?
✂️ Is the wick longer than ¼ inch?
If yes, go ahead and trim. If no, you’re good to glow.
✨ Final Thoughts
Wick trimming recommendations are a helpful guideline, not a rigid rule. The most important thing is to observe your candle as it burns — if the flame is steady, the wick isn't mushrooming, and there's no excessive smoke, you're likely doing just fine. Every candle is a little different, so trust your eyes, not just the rules. 🕯️