If you're a big candle lover, you already know that there are tons of different candle varieties and options out there. Candles can range from vessel types, scented or unscented, and can vary between wax types. There's also the choice between wood wicks and cotton wicks.
When we first started our small business journey, we wanted to create candles for everyone, so we decided to sell both wood wicks and cotton wicks. However, we often get asked, "what's the difference between the wicks?" The wood wick versus cotton wick debate has been a popular topic on our Instagram and TikTok pages, so today, we'd like to share our experiences and the pros and cons of both wicks!
What are wood wicks and cotton wicks?
Wood wicks are thin strips of wood specifically made to be used as a candlewick. They can be made out of various types of wood and are created at different widths depending on the candle's need. However, our wood wicks are FSC-certified which means our wicks come from responsibly managed forests. When lit, wooden wicks create a crackling sound similar to a fireplace which, in our opinion, we find to be quite relaxing! Another great thing about wood wicks is that it is more likely to burn your wax evenly. Additionally, wood wicks create a horizontal flame which creates more heat for your candle quicker, thus increasing the scent throw and creating a slower burn. On top of that, a horizontal flame will effectively heat your candle and will efficiently create a strong scent throw in your space.
On the other hand, cotton wicks are a braided strand of cotton that can be dipped in wax. Cotton wicks are a lot more common than wood wicks because they work well with all types of wax, and it is easy to light and relight the wick. Most cotton wicks are traditionally dipped in lead to create a better throw and straighter wick; however, that is not the case with us! We use 100% cotton wax that is non-toxic and provides a clean-burn.
Maintaining your wooden wick.
The debate between cotton wicks and wood wicks comes down to candle care and maintenance. After the first burn, both wicks need extra TLC. Before you light your candle with a cotton wick, ensure you are trimming 1/4" of the wick. Correctly trimming the wick is crucial because it will reduce the soot and create a steady flame. However, wood wicks need to be cut even shorter. A wood wick needs to be trimmed to about 1/8" to burn efficiently and produce a nice flame and should never be longer than 3/4" for safety. Check out this post to learn how to take care of your wood wick candle properly!
Which wick is more sustainable?
Sustainability is a huge priority for us, so we try to ensure that the quality and eco-friendliness of our materials measure up. Our wicks are sourced and manufactured in the USA from FSC-certified mills, while our cotton wicks are lead-free. However, how sustainable our cotton wicks or our wooden wicks are can be pretty subjective; optimally, it's up to you to choose which option suits your preferences.
Which one is better? Wooden wicks of cotton wicks?
The type of wick you use comes down to personal preference. Both wood wicks and cotton wicks do a great job at burning candle wax, keeping your flame aglow, and giving off a good scent throw. If you're a fan of the sound of a fireplace crackling in the background, a wooden wick may be your best option. If you'd rather have a no-fuss candle that lights up quickly without much maintenance, a cotton wick candle might suit your preference better. There are lots to consider when choosing which candle wick is best for you since every wick has unique benefits and drawbacks, making it a very personal choice. In the end, there is no right or wrong answer. We'd recommend comparing the two and seeing which one works best for you. Any further questions? Shoot us an email at hello@malathebrand.com; we're always happy to chat!
Sources:
https://heiroma.com/blogs/news/wooden-wicks-vs-cotton-wicks
https://woodenwick.com/pages/faq
