How to Use 3 Wick Candles

3 wick candles are candles that have three separate wicks in one container, usually a wide jar or a bowl. They are popular for their strong fragrance, bright light, and aesthetic appeal. However, they also require some special care and attention to ensure a safe and optimal burn. Here are some things you need to know about how to use 3-wick candles.

Choose the Right Size and Type of Wick

The size and type of wick are important factors that affect how your 3-wick candle burns. The wick size determines how fast and how evenly the wax melts, while the wick type influences the flame height and the amount of smoke and soot produced. You want to choose a wick that is suitable for the diameter of your candle, the type of wax you are using, and the fragrance load you have added.

Generally, you want to use a smaller wick size for 3-wick candles than for single wick candles, because you have three flames burning at the same time. A smaller wick will create a smaller melt pool, which will prevent the wax from overheating and tunneling. A smaller wick will also produce a lower flame, which will reduce the risk of fire and smoke. However, you don't want to use a wick that is too small, because it might drown in the wax or create an insufficient scent throw.

There are different types of wicks available, such as cotton, paper, wood, or metal core. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the wax and fragrance you are using. For example, cotton wicks are natural and biodegradable, but they might mushroom or curl. Paper wicks are rigid and stable, but they might burn too fast or too hot. Wood wicks are eco-friendly and create a crackling sound, but they might be hard to light or extinguish. Metal core wicks are strong and straight, but they might contain lead or zinc, which are harmful to your health and the environment.

You can buy pre-waxed wicks that are already cut and attached to a stabilizer, or you can make your own wicks by dipping a braided thread into melted wax. Pre-waxed wicks are convenient and easy to use, but they might not be suitable for taller candles, because they might lose their shape when the wax melts. Homemade wicks are more customizable and cost-effective, but they might require more trial and error to find the right size and type.

Trim and Position Your Wicks Properly

Before you light your 3 wick candle and permium soy candles, you need to trim and position your wicks properly. This will help you achieve a clean and even burn, and prevent problems such as mushrooming, sooting, or tunnelling. Here are some tips on how to trim and position your wicks:

• Trim your wicks to about 1/4 inch before each use, including the first time. This will prevent the wicks from burning too fast or too high, and reduce the amount of carbon build-up on the tips. You can use a pair of scissors, a wick trimmer, or a nail clipper to trim your wicks.

• Position your wicks slightly inward, toward the centre of the candle, before burning. This will help the wax pool to reach the edge of the container, and prevent the wax from dripping or spilling over the sides. You can use a pair of tweezers, a skewer, or your fingers to adjust your wicks.

• Space your wicks evenly, about 1 inch apart, in a triangular pattern. This will ensure that each wick has enough room to burn, and that the wax pool is uniform and symmetrical. You can use a ruler, a compass, or a template to measure and mark your wicks.

Burn Your Candle for the Right Amount of Time

The amount of time you burn your 3 wick candle is another important factor that affects how your candle performs. You want to burn your candle for long enough to create a full and even wax pool, but not too long to cause the wax to overheat or the wicks to burn out. Here are some guidelines on how to burn your candle for the right amount of time:

• Burn your candle for at least 3 to 4 hours the first time you light it. This will allow the wax to melt all the way to the edge of the container, and create a memory for the future burns. This will prevent the wax from tunnelling or wasting, and ensure a consistent scent throw and burn time.

• Burn your candle for no more than 4 hours at a time. This will prevent the wax from getting too hot, which can cause the fragrance to evaporate, the wicks to mushroom, or the container to crack. It will also extend the life of your candle, and allow the wax to solidify and cool down before the next burn.

• Burn your candle until the wax pool is about 1/2 inch deep. This will ensure that the wax is fully melted and vaporised, and that the fragrance is released evenly and effectively. It will also prevent the wicks from drowning or floating in the wax, and keep the flame at a safe and optimal height.

Follow Basic Safety Precautions

Finally, you need to follow some basic safety precautions when using your 3 wick candle. This will protect you, your family, and your home from any potential hazards or accidents. Here are some safety tips to remember when using your 3 wick candle:

• Place your candle on a stable, heat-resistant, and level surface, away from any flammable materials, drafts, or vents. This will prevent your candle from tipping over, catching fire, or burning unevenly.

• Keep your candle out of reach of children, pets, and any other sources of ignition, such as matches, lighters, or electrical appliances. This will prevent your candle from being knocked over, ingested, or ignited by accident.

• Never leave your candle burning unattended, or while you are sleeping. This will prevent your candle from causing a fire, or burning out of control. Always extinguish your candle when you leave the room, or when the wax is almost gone.

• Use a candle snuffer, a wick dipper, or a metal lid to extinguish your candle. This will prevent your candle from smoking, splattering, or smouldering. Never blow out your candle, or use water to put it out.