Why Wooden Wicks?

Why Wooden Wicks?

Without doubt the most common questions we are asked are to do with our choice of wooden wicks in our candles - "why do you use wooden wicks?", "do wooden wicks crackle?", "how do you light wooden wick candles?" - we've heard it all, and we understand why – they look different, they sound different, they ARE different. We’re always proud to talk about our decision to use wooden crackle wicks - here’s why we use wooden wicks…
Home County Co. soy candle is shown with its wooden wick lit

1) Wooden wicks crackle as they burn

Our wooden crackle wicks make a delightful cracking sound as they burn. To us it is reminiscent of a mini wood fire, and with the beautiful flicker of the flame, there is nothing more cosy than lighting a wooden wick candle on a dark evening. We understand that some wooden wick candle brands crackle more than others - for reference, you'll hear our wooden wick candles gently crackling away in a silent room, but not when your TV is on or you have guests over. A lovely, soothing crackle as opposed to a snap, crackle and pop!

A bundle of wooden wicks is shown in the hands of a candle maker

2) Wooden wicks are more sustainable than cotton wicks

People often ask us "are wooden wicks more sustainable than cotton?", and the answer is yes!

It is vital to us that our soy candles are produced with as little impact on the environment as possible. Our wooden wicks are sustainably sourced, FSC approved and offer a more eco-friendly alternative to cotton wicks. This is because the production of cotton, even for something the size of a wick, is a heavily pesticide and water-intensive process. In fact, “according to WWF, it takes more than 20,000 litres of water to produce just one kilogram of cotton, which roughly equals one T-shirt and a pair of jeans.”  Triple Pundit.

By comparison, every time we place an order with our wooden wick supplier they plant a tree, and one tree is enough to produce approximately 750,000 wooden wicks! 

The Devon Cream Tea scented candle from Home County Co is shown being lit with a long match

3) Wooden wick candles are easier to light

We love how easy wooden wicks are to work with. Not just for us making our candles, but also for you burning them. Wooden wicks stand nice and proud throughout the burning process, so you’ll never have the problem of fishing around for your wick in the melted wax once you get down to the bottom of your candle. They also burn more slowly and evenly, with a wider, lower flame and excellent scent throw. Simply light your wooden wick candle from the base of the wick, closest to the wax and watch it go!

looking after your wooden wick

Let us know what you think...

So now you know, and of course we’d love to hear your thoughts on the cotton vs. wooden wick debate, so please get in touch if you have any questions whatsoever about our wooden wicks.

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