Why Wick Type Matters: Wooden vs. Cotton Explained

Why Wick Type Matters: Wooden vs. Cotton Explained

When you light a candle, have you ever stopped to think about the wick? Most people don’t—but the type of candle wick can change how your candle burns, smells, and even sounds. The two most common wick types are wooden wicks and cotton wicks. Each has its own pros and cons, and knowing the difference helps you pick the best candle for your space. Next we'll go over why wick type Matters - wooden vs. cotton explained.

In this blog, we’ll explain the difference between wooden and cotton candle wicks, how they burn, and which one is better for your home or mood.

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 What Is a Candle Wick?

A candle wick is the string or strip in the center of the candle that you light. It pulls melted wax (called fuel) up to the flame. That’s how your candle keeps burning. The wick affects how big the flame is, how long the candle lasts, how strong the scent is, and even how much smoke it makes.

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 What Is a Wooden Wick?

A wooden wick is made from a thin strip of natural wood. Some are flat, and some are curled. They’re known for their gentle crackling sound—kind of like a tiny fireplace!

Pros of Wooden Wicks:

• Crackling sound adds a cozy feel

• Wide, even flame gives a nice glow

• Great scent throw—helps spread fragrance in the room

Cons of Wooden Wicks:

• Can be harder to light (you may need to try twice)

• Need to trim short (⅛ inch) before each use

• May not stay lit if the wick is too long or the wax is uneven

• Not ideal for small candles with a narrow jar

What Is a Cotton Wick?

A cotton wick is made from braided or twisted cotton string. It’s the most common wick you’ll see. These wicks are soft, flexible, and come in different sizes.

Pros of Cotton Wicks:

• Easy to light—just one match or lighter click

• Reliable flame that stays steady

• Good for all candle sizes (especially small jars)

• Less picky about trimming (but trimming still helps!)

Cons of Cotton Wicks:

• Doesn’t crackle like wood

• Can sometimes "mushroom" (form a ball at the top) if not trimmed
  

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Which Wick Is Better: Wooden or Cotton?

It depends on what you want!

Both wick types are great—what matters most is how you want your candle to feel when you use it. If you love the sound of crackling wood and a wider flame, go for a wooden wick. If you want a no-fuss, steady flame, cotton might be best for you.

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 Candle Tips for the Best Burn

No matter what kind of wick you choose, here are some tips to help your candle last longer and smell stronger:

• Trim your wick before each burn (⅛ inch for wood, ¼ inch for cotton)

• Let the wax melt to the edges of the jar the first time (prevents tunneling)

• Don’t burn your candle too long (3–4 hours max at a time)

• Store candles in a cool, dry place

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Final Thoughts

Choosing the right candle wick helps you enjoy your candle even more. Now that you know the difference between wooden wicks and cotton wicks, you can pick the one that fits your mood, style, and space.

So next time you shop for a candle, don’t just look at the scent—check the wick too. It might be the small detail that makes your candle experience perfect.