What Are Candle Wicks Made Of? A Complete Guide for Candle Lovers | Affinati
If you love candles, you’ve probably spent time admiring the scent, the jar, the flame, and even the wax—but have you ever wondered what candle wicks are actually made of? The wick is one of the most important elements of any candle. It determines how cleanly a candle burns, how strong the fragrance throw is, and how long the candle will last. Whether you’re a casual candle lover or someone who buys premium candles for your home, understanding wick materials can help you choose candles that are safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable to burn.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of what candle wicks are made from, how they work, and why wick quality matters more than you may think.
The Role of a Candle Wick
A wick may look simple, but it’s actually an engineered component designed to fuel the flame. The wick acts as a bridge between the liquid wax and the flame, pulling melted wax upward through tiny fibers—similar to how plants pull water up through their stems.
A high-quality wick allows for:
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An even, consistent burn
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Strong fragrance release
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Minimal soot
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A safe and stable flame
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Longer candle life
Poor-quality wicks can tunnel, mushroom, smoke, burn too hot, or extinguish themselves. That’s why premium candle brands invest heavily in wick testing and materials.
So, What Are Candle Wicks Made Of?
Candle wicks are generally made from three main materials: cotton, wood, and specialty fiber blends. Each type offers unique burning characteristics and benefits.
1. Cotton Wicks
Cotton is the most widely used material for modern candle wicks. It’s natural, renewable, and burns cleanly when properly braided and treated.
What Cotton Wicks Are Made Of
Cotton wicks are typically composed of:
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100% braided, plaited, or knitted cotton fibers
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Sometimes reinforced with thin paper threads
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Occasionally coated with natural wax for stability
Most high-end candles (including many soy blend candles) use cotton wicks because they create a stable flame and excellent scent throw.
Why Cotton Wicks Are Popular
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Burn clean with minimal soot
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Work with soy, coconut, and paraffin waxes
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Provide consistent flames
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Easy to trim and maintain
Brands that prioritize clean-burning candles often choose cotton as their primary wick material.
2. Wood Wicks
Wooden wicks have grown in popularity for their luxurious, modern aesthetic and delightful crackling sound.
What Wood Wicks Are Made Of
Most wooden wicks are made from:
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Natural hardwood
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FSC-certified wood sources
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Single-layer, multi-layer, or tube-shaped wood strips
Some wood wicks are blended from different wood species to improve crackling or flame stability.
Why People Love Wooden Wicks
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Cozy fireplace-style crackle
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Wide flame for stronger fragrance throw
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Elegant, upscale appearance
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Ideal for coconut-soy and soy blends
Wood wicks also help reduce carbon buildup and mushrooming, making them a favorite for cleaner-burning candles.
3. Cotton-Core or Paper-Core Wicks
Some candles use cotton wicks with a paper or cotton core for improved rigidity.
What They’re Made Of
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A cotton braided exterior
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A paper or cotton inner filament
These wicks are designed to stand upright in softer waxes and maintain a reliable burn.
Why They're Used
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Excellent for softer wax blends
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Provide a hotter, stronger burn
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Help maintain wick posture in large jars
Many multi-wick candles (such as 3-wick jars) use cotton-core or paper-core wicks to balance flame strength across a wider surface area.
4. Zinc-Core Wicks (Less Common Today)
Zinc-core wicks were once popular, especially in mass-produced candles, because the metal core helps the wick stay upright. They are made from:
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A braided cotton exterior
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A thin zinc filament inside
However, many premium brands have moved away from zinc wicks in favor of all-natural options.
Are Candle Wicks Coated With Chemicals?
Modern candle wicks used by reputable brands are not treated with harmful chemicals. In the past, some wicks contained lead, but the U.S. banned lead-core wicks in 2003.
Today’s quality wicks may be coated with:
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Soy wax
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Beeswax
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Paraffin (for structure)
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Natural stabilizers
This coating helps the wick maintain shape during pouring and supports even burning.
Why Wick Quality Matters
A wick isn’t just a piece of string—it’s a precision component that controls the entire candle experience.
A good wick ensures:
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No tunneling
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No excessive soot or smoke
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A balanced flame
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A full melt pool
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Top-tier fragrance throw
If you’ve ever had a candle that tunneled or burned unevenly, it likely wasn’t tested properly for wick compatibility.
Premium candle makers test dozens or even hundreds of wick variations before settling on the ideal match for each vessel and wax blend.
Shop Vanilla Noir Wooden Wick Candle (Tall)
How to Tell if a Candle Uses High-Quality Wicks
Here are a few things to look for:
1. Minimal Mushrooming
A high-quality wick produces a rounded flame, not large carbon “mushrooms.”
2. Clean Burning
Little to no visible soot or smoke when trimmed.
3. Even Wax Pool
The candle melts evenly across the entire surface.
4. Easy Relighting
A good wick won’t drown in melted wax.
5. Steady, Non-Flickering Flame
A healthy flame is bright and stable.
Premium brands (like Affinati) use cotton or wooden wicks that are rigorously tested for clean, consistent performance.
Why Wick Material Matters for Fragrance Lovers
If fragrance throw is important to you—which is the case for most candle shoppers—the wick is a major factor. Different wick materials impact how scent fills a room.
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Cotton wicks offer balanced, clean fragrance distribution.
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Wood wicks excel at boosting throw in larger rooms due to their wider flame.
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Multi-wick candles provide even faster scent delivery.
This is why large 3-wick candles or wooden-wick candles tend to outperform smaller, single-wick options.
Shop Cinnamon Reserve Wooden Wick Candle (Tall)
Choosing Candles With the Best Wicks
When shopping for your next candle, consider choosing products that clearly state their wick material and prioritize clean-burning components.
Affinati, for example, uses:
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Premium cotton wicks in 3-Wick Candles (17 oz)
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Naturally crackling wooden wicks in large wooden-wick jars
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Wicks that are lead-free, zinc-free, and designed for clean, powerful fragrance throw
The better the wick, the better your overall candle experience—cleaner burns, stronger aromas, longer lifespans, and a safer flame.
Shop Affinati Wooden Wick Candles
Final Thoughts
Candle wicks may seem like a small detail, but they are one of the most important parts of a candle’s performance. Whether made of cotton, wood, paper-core, or specialty blends, wick materials play a major role in burning quality, fragrance strength, and safety. Choosing candles with high-quality wicks helps you get the most out of every burn—ensuring your home feels warm, fragrant, and beautifully lit.
If you’re passionate about clean-burning, long-lasting candles, always look for brands that are transparent about their wick materials and testing process. Your home (and your senses) will thank you.
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