The Glo Up

There’s something magical about lighting a wooden wick candle. The soft crackle, the warm glow — it’s a moment of calm in a busy day. But as much as we love these little luxuries, candles demand respect and care. A few mishaps (and lessons learned) inspired me to share some practical tips so you can enjoy your candles safely while keeping your space glowing.

The Shattered Jar Lesson

Let me start with a story that I still think about when I light a candle. Someone once told me about a time their wooden wick candle burned a little too intensely. The flame was towering higher than it should, and in a panic, they poured water directly onto it.

The result? The jar exploded. Hot wax and shards of glass went everywhere. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but the cleanup — and the scare — wasn’t worth it.

Here’s why that happened: when water hits hot wax, it doesn’t mix. Instead, it reacts, causing the jar to shatter from the sudden temperature change. The safest way to put out a candle is by gently placing the lid on the jar to smother the flame or using a candle snuffer.

The Importance of a Well-Trained Wick

Another story comes from my own experience. I lit a candle without trimming the wick, thinking, “It’s just one burn—how bad could it be?” Well, bad. Within minutes, the flame was towering, flickering wildly, and producing black smoke. Not exactly the calming vibe I was going for.

The problem? A wick that’s too long. Wooden wicks need to be trimmed to about 1/8 to 1/4 inch before each burn. If not, they draw up too much wax, resulting in a flame that’s way too big. Trimming your wick not only keeps the flame safe and steady but also helps your candle burn evenly and last longer.

Your Glo Guide: Candle Safety Tips

• Always Trim Your Wick: Before lighting your candle, check the wooden wick. If it’s longer than 1/4 inch, trim it down. This simple step ensures a steady, clean burn.
• Let the Wax Pool Fully Melt: Patience is key. Let the wax melt evenly across the top before blowing out the flame. This prevents tunneling and makes your candle last longer.
• Burn on a Safe Surface: Always place your candle on a heat-resistant surface, away from anything flammable.
• Limit Burn Time to 3-4 Hours: Overheating can weaken the jar. Keep burn sessions short to protect your candle (and your space).
• Avoid Water at All Costs: If your flame gets out of hand, smother it with the lid or use a snuffer. Water and hot wax are a recipe for disaster.
• Keep an Eye on the Flame: If the flame looks too high or produces smoke, blow it out, let it cool, and trim the wick before relighting.

A Candle’s Glow is a Reflection of Your Care

At Glo Candle Bar Co., we create candles that are designed to bring light and warmth into your life. But with that light comes responsibility. Following these tips will help you enjoy every moment safely while making the most of your wooden wick candle experience.

Have your own candle tips or questions? Let’s keep the conversation going. And if you’re ready to add more glow to your space, explore our collection at www.glocandlebar.co.

Let your space glow safely,
Kayla
Founder & Lightmaker at Glo Candle Bar Co.