Wood Wicks vs. Hemp Wicks: Which Is Better for a Cleaner Burn?

Choosing the right wick makes all the difference in how your candle burns, smells, and feels. At Sweet Winnie Candles, we believe that a clean, safe, and eco-friendly burn starts from the very core — the wick. Two of the most popular natural wick options are wood wicks and hemp wicks, and while both are great alternatives to synthetic or metal-core wicks, there are a few key differences that make hemp wicks our favorite choice.

Wood Wicks: The Cozy Crackle

There’s no denying the charm of a wood wick — that soft crackling sound instantly adds a cozy, fireside feel to any space. Wood wicks also create a wide, horizontal flame that can melt wax evenly when properly trimmed.

However, wood wicks often require more maintenance. If not trimmed correctly, they can struggle to stay lit or produce soot. Additionally, some wood wicks are treated with accelerants or additives to help them burn consistently — and that’s not always the cleanest choice for your home’s air quality.

Hemp Wicks: The Clean, Consistent Flame

Hemp wicks are made from natural hemp fibers, often coated in a thin layer of beeswax for stability. They’re fully plant-based, biodegradable, and free from synthetic additives or metals. Hemp wicks burn evenly and steadily, creating a clean flame that’s gentle on your lungs and won’t produce excess smoke or soot.

Because hemp wicks are flexible and fibrous, they work beautifully with coconut wax — providing a smooth melt pool and consistent fragrance throw without the need for chemical treatments. They also tend to last longer than wood wicks, making them both efficient and eco-friendly.

Environmental Impact

Both wood and hemp wicks are considered sustainable options compared to traditional cotton-metal blends. But hemp has a slight edge in sustainability — it grows quickly, needs little water, and doesn’t rely on pesticides. Wood wicks, on the other hand, require tree harvesting, which can be more resource-intensive, even when sourced responsibly.

So when you choose a hemp wick candle, you’re choosing a product that’s not only cleaner for your home, but also gentler on the planet.

Why Sweet Winnie Candles Chooses Hemp

At Sweet Winnie Candles, our goal is to create candles that combine beauty, sustainability, and wellness. Hemp wicks offer everything we value — a clean burn, a stable flame, and an eco-friendly origin. Although, we have wood wicks available for those who can't resist the crackle noise!