What Is A Wick Holder On A Candle?

What is a Candle Wick Holder?

A candle wick holder is a device used to hold the wick of a candle in place while it burns (Amazon.com). Its main purpose is to ensure proper and even burning of the candle by keeping the wick upright and centered in the wax or wax pool (Cierracandles.com).

Without a wick holder, the wick of a candle could lean, fall over, or move around unevenly while burning. This can cause the candle to tunnel, meaning it burns unevenly and forms a cavity around the wick. A wick holder prevents this by securing the wick upright as the candle melts. It also absorbs extra wax that runs down the wick as the candle burns.

Candle wick holders allow for safer, more controlled burning by stabilizing the wick. This provides an even melt pool and cleaner burn with less soot, smoke or drowned/unburned wicks. Overall, a wick holder is an essential candle accessory for optimal performance.

Types of Wick Holders

Wick holders come in a variety of materials including metal, glass, ceramic, and plastic. Each material has its own properties and advantages.

Metal wick holders are very common and provide a sturdy base to hold the wick upright while the candle sets. Popular metals used are aluminum and zinc. They can withstand high temperatures from the candle flame without melting. Metal wick holders often have clips or prongs to grip the wick.

Glass wick holders are attractive and let you see the wax pool underneath. However, they don’t grip the wick as tightly. Glass can also get very hot. Colored glass holders add a nice decorative element.

Ceramic wick holders have an artisanal look and feel. Like glass, they allow viewing the candle wax but provide a firmer hold on the wick than glass. High temperatures can cause cracking.

Plastic wick holders are inexpensive but can melt or deform with exposure to heat. They often have a simple peg design to hold the wick up.

So in summary, metal and ceramic wick holders tend to provide the best grip and stability for wicks, while glass adds visual appeal.

Why Use a Wick Holder?

A wick holder provides several benefits when using candles. One of the main reasons to use a wick holder is to prevent wax from dripping down the sides of the candle as it melts. The holder catches any wax that melts off the candle, keeping it contained and preventing messy drips on your table or furniture. This helps keep your space cleaner while allowing you to enjoy the ambiance of a candle.

Additionally, a wick holder helps stabilize a candle and hold it upright. The holder grasps the bottom of the candle, providing a sturdy base so it doesn’t tip over accidentally. Tall taper candles in particular benefit from wick holders to keep them standing straight and secure. With the candle held firmly in place, you can safely keep an eye on the flame without worry about it toppling over.

Wick holders are also useful for container candles. When the candle burns down, the wick holder raises the wick up to keep it closer to the surface of the wax pool so it continues burning properly. This allows you to use up the entire candle rather than leaving wax unused at the bottom.

Overall, wick holders are an inexpensive but useful accessory that helps you get the most out of your candles while keeping your home clean and safe (Source). They provide stability, contain wax drips, and keep wicks trimmed at the ideal height. For candle lovers, a good wick holder is an essential item.

Wick Holder Styles

There are several common styles of wick holders used in candle making:

Ring Holders – These consist of a small metal ring that goes around the wick to hold it in place. The ring has small prongs or teeth that grip the wax. Ring holders keep the wick centered and upright as the wax hardens.

Prong Holders – Prong holders have two or more metal tines or prongs that extend out to hold the wick. The prongs dig into the wax to keep the wick anchored. Prong holders are also called wick pins or wick sticks.

Disk Holders – These have a flat metal disk that sits on top of the wax. The wick passes through a hole in the center of the disk. Disk holders help secure the wick while also acting as a heat sink to dissipate heat.

There are also decorative wick holders made of metal, wood, or stone that add visual interest. These holders come in various shapes like animals, flowers, leaves, etc. Decorative holders keep the wick in place while complementing the look of the candle.

Wick holders are an important candlemaking supply for positioning the wick and producing an even burn. The right holder helps maximize wax pooling for the most fragrance throw and burn time.

Wick Holder Safety

Fire safety should always be a top consideration when burning candles. According to General Wax, wicks that are too long can create tall flames that are more prone to catching fire. They recommend trimming wicks to 1⁄4 inch above the wax surface. Dadant Candles also advises using sturdy holders that won’t tip over and are large enough to collect dripping wax.

Never leave a burning candle unattended. Always keep burning candles away from flammable materials like curtains, books, and furniture. It’s safest to place candle holders on uncluttered surfaces away from high traffic areas. Consider using flameless LED candles in bedrooms or other areas where you may fall asleep.

Wick holders that firmly grip the wick can prevent the wick from falling over into the melted wax, which reduces the fire risk. The metal material also dissipates heat to prevent the wick holder from getting dangerously hot. Quality wick holders like the Candle Wick Holder from Amazon help center the wick and prevent fire hazards.

Choosing a Wick Holder

When selecting a wick holder for your candle, you’ll want to consider a few key factors:

Candle diameter – Choose a wick holder wide enough to accommodate the diameter of your candle. Standard candle diameters range from 1-3 inches. Match a 1-2 inch candle with a small holder and a 2-3 inch candle with a medium or large holder.

Wick size – Make sure the wick holder opening is sized appropriately for the wick you are using. Thicker wicks require larger openings. Refer to wick sizing charts to determine the right opening for your wick. (https://armatagecandlecompany.com/blog/ultimate-guide-how-to-choose-a-wick/)

Material – Wick holders come in metal, glass, and ceramic. Metal conducts heat well but can get hot. Glass looks elegant but may break. Ceramic is durable and heat-resistant. Choose the material that best suits your needs.

Style – Select a holder that matches your candle’s design. For a simple look, use a plain metal holder. For added decoration, try an ornate ceramic or crystal holder.

Stability – Choose a solid, heavy wick holder that will keep your candle stable and prevent tipping. Flat, wide bottoms provide the most stability.

Use the right holder for the candle and wick you are working with, and your candle will burn safely and optimally.

Cleaning Wick Holders

Properly cleaning candle wick holders will help remove wax buildup and debris, allowing candles to burn cleanly and preventing wick holders from becoming clogged or damaged. Here are some tips for cleaning wick holders:

Remove any wax remnants from the wick holder by hand and discard. If needed, allow the wick holder to soak in hot water to loosen the wax. Gently scrape off any remaining wax with a dull knife or plastic scraper (Phoenix Furnishings).

Place the wick holder in a pot of boiling water for 5-10 minutes to melt any remaining wax. Remove and wipe clean with a paper towel. Alternatively, place the wick holder in a sealable plastic bag and put it in the freezer for 1 hour. The wax will crack off more easily (Pinterest).

For metal wick holders with wax still stuck inside, boil 2-3 inches of water in a pot. Turn off the heat, gently place the metal wick holder in the hot water and let soak for 5 minutes. Use a dull knife to gently scrape out any softened wax.

Clean the wick holder with dish soap and warm water to remove any wax residue. For stuck-on wax, use a small amount of rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover on a cotton ball. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely.

Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives when cleaning wick holders, as these can damage the finish. With regular cleaning after each use, wick holders can be easily maintained.

Decorating with Wick Holders

Wick holders can be beautiful decorative accents on their own or used to create stunning candle displays. Here are some creative ways to decorate with wick holders and incorporate them into your home’s decor:

Group wick holders of varying heights, styles, and finishes on candle trays or plates to create an eye-catching centerpiece. Try using holders in metallic finishes like gold, silver, copper, or brass for a glamorous look. Mixing glass, ceramic, and metal holders creates nice contrast.

For a coordinated look, select wick holders that match the style of your candle holders. For example, pair antique brass holders with vintage candlesticks or colored glass holders with matching colored glass votives. Create uniform rows of identical holders on mantles or shelves.

Use wick holders to display pillar candles on stair banisters, windowsills, and other horizontal surfaces. The row of flames creates a beautiful warm glow and eliminates messy wax drips.

Incorporate wick holders into holiday decorating. Adorn them with faux greenery, flowers, berries, or other embellishments to complement seasonal decor. Hang them from ribbons on walls or banisters.

Spray paint wick holders in any color to match your home’s color palette. Try painting them to blend in seamlessly or make a bold statement. Use stencils or patterns for added flair.

Wick holders provide beautiful and practical candle displays. Get creative with different styles, finishes, and arrangements to integrate them seamlessly into your home’s decor.

Wick Holder Alternatives

If you don’t have a proper wick holder, there are some makeshift options you can use instead. According to one Reddit user, you can try using a toothpick, chopstick, popsicle stick, or other wooden object to hold the wick in place until the wax hardens(source). The wood will burn away as the candle is used. You can also try using a piece of dried botanical material like rosemary or lavender stems if you want a more natural approach.

Paper clips can work in a pinch to hold wicks in place, but be cautious of the metal getting too hot. Pipe cleaners twisted around the base of the wick may also do the trick for container candles. For tapers and pillars without containers, carefully dipping the bottom of the candle in wax until it forms a base is an option. Just be careful when lighting to not ignite the whole bottom portion at once.

In general, finding small rigid objects to act as temporary wick holders can work. But improvising wick holders takes more time and care than using standard metal holders. Be prepared to adjust and tweak your makeshift holders to make sure the wick is secure and centered.

History of Candle Wick Holders

Wick holders have been used with candles for centuries. The earliest evidence of candles being used dates back to around 3000 BC in Ancient Egypt and Ancient Rome https://candles.org/history/. Candles were made of tallow or beeswax and required some kind of holder to keep the wick upright as the candle burned. Simple candle holders made of stone, wood, or metal helped support the wick and collect any melting wax.

Wick holders became more elaborate throughout the Middle Ages in Europe, with candlesticks and chandeliers being popular candle holder designs. The earliest modern wick trimmers and decorative candle followers emerged in the 18th century as candlemaking advanced and different waxes were used. Wick holders continue to serve both functional and decorative purposes for candles today.