Extending candle wicks?
Question:One of my candles keeps guttering out from the melted wax overflowing on the wick. The candle is only 1/3 of the way done burning, so it's still got a long life ahead (hopefully). How do I extend the wick so it will stop doing this?
Answers:
I suspect this is one of those really wide candles? Like, 3" across, a pillar candle. This happens a lot with mine. I think it's part of the reason that people invented tapers!
Anyhow, I have dealt with this on a favorite candle by using purchased metal-core wicking (got it from a store like Walmart or KMart). I used a metal skewer, heated in the flame of my gas stove (DO hold the end with a potholder if it's not got a wooden end), driven down into the center of the candle, then reheated, then driven further, until I had a hole all the way through. Then I threaded the new wick through. The metal-core wicks seem to burn more slowly and don't fall apart into the wax. And they're easier to poke through.
I actually had to do this a couple times with this candle. But it was really yummy patchouli smelling so it was worth it.
I also have ended up pouring wax off with some candles. I keep a can for that and make a new candle out of all the wax when it gets kind of deep. Making new candles is a whole 'nother answer!
Trim a long wick.. when you blow out a candle use a snuffer/or a lid instead of blowing on it.. That will entend the life of the candle..
You can get wicking at most hobby stores. Soften the wax by warming it slightly and use a small screwdriver to push the new wick next to the old one.
The biggest problem with most candles is that they only burn down the middle, creating wax pools and insufficient air flow. You might want to try a better candle that burns evenly all the way across, this also leaves no waste. If you are interested, visit www.mycandlefarm.com
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