Are You Supposed To Burn All 3 Wicks?

Candles are a popular decorative item that add warmth and ambiance to any space. Many candles, especially decorative pillars and tapers, are designed with multiple wicks. This can raise the question – are you supposed to burn all of the wicks at once, or just one? There are pros and cons to both approaches, and the right technique depends on the specific candle and situation.

Properly burning all intended wicks can help the candle burn evenly and prevent tunneling. However, burning too many wicks at once poses safety risks and can cause the candle to burn too quickly. This article will provide a complete overview of whether and when you should burn multiple wicks, along with tips for burning candles safely and effectively.

What Are Candle Wicks?

A candle wick is a small piece of string or cord that runs through the center of a candle. Its primary purpose is to deliver fuel (melted wax) to the flame in order to keep the candle burning (1). The wick serves as a capillary, drawing the liquid wax up to the flame via capillary action (2).

Candle wicks are typically made from materials that can withstand high temperatures and repeated burning, such as cotton, wood, or paper fibers. However, other specialty wick materials like hemp and beeswax coated wicks are also available. The thickness and braiding pattern of the wick affects how quickly fuel is delivered to the flame, which in turn impacts the brightness, scent throw, and burn rate.

In most modern candles, the wick is centered in the wax via a metal wick sustainor or support that ensures proper positioning. The visible part of the wick that protrudes out of the top of the candle is called the wick tab, and this is lit to light the candle. Proper wick construction and placement is crucial for optimal candle burning performance (2).

Sources:
(1) https://candles.org/elements-of-a-candle/wicks/
(2) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candle_wick

How Many Wicks Should Be Burned?

Candle manufacturers generally recommend burning only 1-2 wicks at a time, even for candles with 3 or more wicks. Burning all the wicks simultaneously can cause the candle to get too hot and tunnel or become misshapen (Source: https://www.candlescience.com/candle-making-101-how-to-multi-wick-candles/).

The number of wicks that should be burned depends on the diameter of the candle vessel. For example, a 4-5 inch diameter candle would be okay with 2-3 wicks burning at once. But a larger 8-10 inch diameter candle may need 3-4 wicks burning for even melt and fragrance distribution (Source: https://lonestarcandlesupply.com/multiple-wicks-in-a-candle/).

It’s generally best to start by lighting just 1 wick, then lighting additional wicks one at a time, allowing the candle to stabilize between each new wick. This helps prevent issues like tunneling. No more than 2-3 wicks should be burned at once for most household candles.

Benefits of Burning All Wicks

One of the main benefits of burning all wicks on a multi-wick candle is more even melting and wax pool formation. With a single-wick candle, the melting tends to be concentrated around the single wick. Burning multiple wicks helps distribute the melting across the top of the candle more evenly (https://tlccandleco.com/blogs/tlc-talks/five-benefits-of-double-wick-candles). This allows the wax pool to form evenly across the entire surface instead of just around one wick.

Additionally, lighting all wicks facilitates better fragrance dispersal throughout the room. Candle scents tend to be concentrated around the flame. So having multiple flames means the fragrance is released from multiple points, allowing it to fill the space more effectively. This enhanced scent throw is a key reason many candle enthusiasts prefer multi-wick candles over single-wick (https://blog.lafco.com/multi-wick-candles-vs-single-wick-candles/).

Downsides of Burning All Wicks

While there can be some benefits to burning all the wicks on a candle, there are also some potential downsides to be aware of. One main downside is the risk of tunnelling, which is when a candle burns unevenly. This can happen when one or more wicks burn faster than the others, creating a tunnel down the center of the wax. According to terre-de-bougies.com, tunnelling occurs when “The flame melts more wax than the wick can burn.”

Uneven burning can also lead to wasted wax, as some areas around the tunnels may not burn at all before the candle is finished. Burning all wicks to the bottom increases the chances of tunnelling and uneven wax melt compared to burning just one wick. Therefore, it’s usually recommended to trim wicks to similar heights and allow them to burn for a shorter period of time to avoid tunnels. It’s best to stop burning a candle once visible wax remains only around the outer edge.

Tips for Burning Multiple Wicks

When burning a candle with multiple wicks, it’s important to follow some tips to ensure proper burning and maximum safety. According to Sukie’s Candle Co. in their article “How to Burn Double Wick Candles” https://sukiescandleco.com/blogs/news/how-to-burn-double-wick-candles, you should observe the flame size and trim the wicks as needed. The flame size should be about 1/2″ high when first lit. If the flames get too large or are uneven between wicks, use candle snuffers or wet fingers to trim the wicks down to 1/4″ size.

It’s also crucial to allow the wax to fully liquefy and pool before extinguishing the flames, according to TLC Candle Co. This ensures even burning and allows the fragrance to be released properly. Let the wax pool about 1/4″-1/2″ deep before blowing out the flames. Repeated full melts like this will allow you to fully experience the candle.

Safety Considerations for Burning Multiple Wicks

When burning a candle with multiple wicks, there are some important safety considerations to keep in mind:

Placement

Be sure to place the candle on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from anything flammable. Keep the candle away from drafts which could cause uneven burning and allow for adequate space around the candle. According to candlemakinghelp.com.au, there should be at least 4-6 inches between multiple wicks to prevent the flames from merging into one large flame.

Supervision

Never leave a burning candle unattended. Be prepared to extinguish the flame if needed. The National Candle Association recommends staying in the same room with the candle when lit and keeping out of reach of children and pets.

Ventilation

Ensure the room is well-ventilated when burning multiple wicks. The more wicks lit, the more oxygen the flames will consume and carbon dioxide released. Open a window or door to allow for airflow and prevent buildup of smoke or fumes.

Proper placement, close supervision, and ventilation are key to safely enjoying a multiple wick candle.

When to Avoid Burning All Wicks

There are certain situations when it’s best not to burn all the wicks on a multi-wick candle. Smaller candle jars often have less space between wicks, which can lead to the flames merging into one big flame if all wicks are lit. This uneven burning can cause the glass to get extremely hot and possibly crack (Source). Cheaper candles may also have lower quality wicks that are prone to mushrooming into thick black smoke when all are lit. It’s safer to only burn one wick at a time if you notice any of these issues.

Candles with a diameter under 3 inches are generally too small for all wicks to burn properly and evenly. The flame on one wick can melt and drown an adjacent wick if they are lit simultaneously in a tiny jar. Stick to lighting a single wick in very small containers to avoid potential fire hazards. It also allows the wax pool to disperse heat without getting dangerously hot (Source).

If a candle is giving off black smoke, sooting your walls, or the flames are flaring out of control, this indicates low quality wicks. Do not keep all 3 wicks lit, as poor wicks can pose safety risks and create a lot of smoke and soot. Burn just 1 wick at a time if you notice any of these problems, and trim the wick to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to prevent issues.

Signs of Improper Wick Burning

There are a few signs that indicate improper wick burning. The three main signs to look out for are soot, smoke, and flame height.

Excessive soot is one of the most common signs of improper wick burning. As the candle burns down, soot can accumulate on the melted wax pool and jar. Some soot is normal, but excessive amounts usually mean the wick is too large for the candle. This results in incomplete combustion and the buildup of unburned carbon particles. According to Terre-de-Bougies, soot is often caused by using the wrong size wick.

Too much smoke is another red flag. Some smoke during the initial lighting is expected. But if thick, constant smoke continues during burning, it likely indicates an issue with the wick being too large or made from the wrong material. As Apartment Therapy notes, long or crooked wicks can result in uneven burning and smoke.

Finally, the height and shape of the flame can reveal improper wick issues. The flame should be about 1-2 inches high and steady, not reaching higher or sputtering. A higher flame means the wick may be too large. An unsteady flame can mean the wick is too small or crooked.

Conclusion

In summary, burning all three wicks on a three-wick candle can provide an even burn, maximize fragrance, and fully utilize the candle. However, it can also cause the candle to burn too quickly or generate excess heat and smoke.

To safely and effectively burn all three wicks, keep wicks trimmed to 1⁄4 inch, burn for 2-3 hours maximum at a time, maintain a minimum 1-2 inch distance between flames, and monitor the melt pool. Avoid burning all wicks with jars less than 4 inches wide or in drafty, enclosed, or hot spaces.

Look for signs of improper burning like sooting, tunneling, or flames that are too tall, then adapt your wick usage. With the right precautions, you can fully enjoy the light, scent, and ambience of your three-wick candle.