Expert: Neecie - 3/28/2009

Question
Could you help me with an 8in candle (approx3-4 in diameter)... I had used the candle many times prior and then noticed the wick laid down and was stuck to the candle top in the wax... I tried pulling it up and broke it off, to the point no wick visible.  I then tried digging in with a knife around the wick and got some of the wick visible and was able to light it, but it went out shortly thereafter.  Any ideas what I should do now?  I like the candle and there is so much left of it I don't want to waste it...  Could you help?  C.J.

Answer
Hi CJ,

Oh geez, I know your frustration when this happens. Since you've already dug around the wick, hopefully this trick will help.  I am suspecting your wick isn't getting enough air to fuel the flame, plus the wick is too small. Grab a paper plate or something comparable to catch dripping wax if it should drip. Take the candle and hold it sideways and light the wick. (The flame will naturally go in a upward direction, melting wax away.) Keep the candle sideways and let the flame melt some of the wax that is surrounding the wick. Slowly keep rotating the candle until you've made a complete circle. You can either let the wax drip on to the paper plate or let the wax run to the side walls of the candle. Once you've done this, you should be able to enjoy your candle once again. If you need to, you could repeat this process once your able to get a longer wick.  

Hope it helps!