When it comes to creating the perfect candle, every detail matters. From the fragrance blend to the type of wax, each component contributes to the overall experience. One often-overlooked element, however, is the wick. While cotton wicks have long been the standard in candle making, wood wicks are quickly gaining popularity. In this post, we’ll explore the differences between cotton wicks and wood wicks, why we currently use cotton, and our excitement as we test wood wicks for a future release.

Why We Use Cotton Wicks

At the heart of every candle is the wick — the element that burns to fuel the candle’s flame. Cotton wicks are the traditional choice, and for good reason. Here's why we’ve chosen cotton wicks for our candles:

Consistency and Performance

Cotton wicks are well-known for their reliability and steady burn. They produce a consistent flame, ensuring your candle burns evenly and doesn’t tunnel or create an uneven wax pool. This consistency is crucial for maintaining both the fragrance throw and the longevity of the candle.

Easy to Work With

Cotton wicks are incredibly easy to work with, making them the preferred choice for many candle makers. They are versatile and compatible with a wide range of waxes, including soy, paraffin, and beeswax. Because cotton wicks have a more predictable burn, they are ideal for creating candles that burn cleanly and without excessive soot or smoking.

Cost-Effective

Cotton wicks are widely available and relatively inexpensive. This makes them a practical option for both large-scale and small-batch candle makers. While wood wicks are growing in popularity, they can be more expensive and more difficult to source in the same quantities as cotton wicks, making cotton an affordable choice for mass production.

Clean Burning

Cotton wicks tend to burn cleanly with minimal soot. Since soot can tarnish the candle container and affect air quality, a cotton wick is a safer and cleaner option for indoor spaces. This clean burn makes them a favorite for those who prioritize eco-friendliness and a healthier home environment.

Why We’re Testing Wood Wicks

While we’ve relied on cotton wicks for the majority of our candles, we’ve been testing wood wicks and are excited about the possibility of incorporating them into our future collections. Here’s what we’ve discovered so far in our experimentation process:

A Unique Aesthetic and Sound

One of the biggest draws of wood wicks is the unique experience they offer. When lit, wood wicks crackle and pop, mimicking the sound of a cozy fireplace. For candle lovers seeking a multi-sensory experience, the subtle crackling sound adds a calming, atmospheric element that cotton wicks simply can’t match.

A Larger Flame and Bolder Scent Throw

Wood wicks tend to produce a larger, more robust flame, which can result in a stronger, more pronounced scent throw. This can be especially appealing for those who love bold fragrances and want their candle’s scent to fill a room more quickly. The larger flame also helps the candle pool faster and burn more evenly, though it may take a bit of fine-tuning during the testing phase to achieve optimal performance.

A Modern, Rustic Look

Wood wicks have a distinct, natural aesthetic that adds a rustic, earthy charm to a candle. The visual appeal of a wooden wick can elevate the overall look of the candle, making it an attractive choice for those who appreciate artisanal, handcrafted designs. Whether you prefer minimalist decor or something more rustic and cozy, the wood wick can complement a variety of home styles.

Environmental Considerations

Wood wicks are often made from renewable, sustainable materials like cherry, maple, or birch wood. If you’re looking for a wick that aligns with eco-conscious values, wood wicks might be the perfect fit. However, it’s important to note that sourcing and processing these materials can be more resource-intensive than cotton, so it’s something we continue to evaluate carefully.

Challenges of Wood Wicks

While wood wicks offer a range of benefits, they also come with a few challenges that we’re working through during our testing process. Here are some of the considerations:

Inconsistent Burn

Unlike cotton wicks, which tend to burn evenly and predictably, wood wicks can sometimes require more careful attention. Factors like wax type, wick size, and ambient conditions (such as air drafts) can affect how well the wood wick burns. This means that we have to test a range of materials and formulas to find the perfect match.

Maintenance

Wood wicks may need to be trimmed more frequently than cotton wicks to maintain an optimal flame size. This maintenance can sometimes be a bit more hands-on, but for those who love the experience of caring for their candles, this could be part of the charm.

Compatibility with Wax

Not all waxes are compatible with wood wicks. In particular, softer waxes like soy can sometimes have difficulty supporting the larger flame produced by wood wicks. We’re carefully testing our wax blend to ensure that the wood wicked candles we release burn efficiently and cleanly.

Looking to the Future: Wood Wicks Coming Soon!

We’re thrilled to share that wood wicks are on the horizon! While we’re still in the testing phase, we’ve seen promising results and can’t wait to offer this new candle experience to our customers. We’re committed to perfecting the balance of burn quality, scent throw, and visual appeal, so we’ll continue to experiment with different wick sizes and wax blends to ensure the best possible performance.

Whether you’re a fan of the timeless consistency of cotton wicks or are excited to try the crackling charm of wood wicks, we’re here to provide you with high-quality candles that meet your unique preferences. Stay tuned for updates on our wood wick collection — we can’t wait to share them with you!

What about you? Are you a cotton wick lover, or are you curious to try wood wicks? Let us know in the comments — we’d love to hear your thoughts!

About FFO Goods

FFO Goods is a family-owned business based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, creating high-quality, hand poured soy wax candles. From artisanal candles to small-batch lip balms, every product we make is crafted with care, using natural ingredients to bring the soothing essence of the outdoors into your home. We’re passionate about creating products that make people feel connected to the beauty of the world around them, one handmade item at a time.