Do you own an olive oil lamp but do not know how to select the best wick for it? This is the guide for you.
The role of a wick in an olive oil lamp, as you already know, cannot be overlooked as it is an integral part of the lighting process. Without the wick, an olive oil lamp cannot effectively illuminate a dark environment. This is why it is critical to purchase the proper wick for your olive oil lamp.
It is highly recommended that you purchase a cotton-based wick for your olive oil lamps. Also, ensure that the wick is thick enough to absorb oil as that will enable an easier light up.
Here, in this piece, we will take a look at how you can get the best out of your olive oil lamps by using the best wick.
Table of Contents
What Is The Best Wick Size For An Olive Oil Lamp?
When utilizing an olive oil lamp, the wick must be tightly connected to the oil. This is because olive oil takes a long time to absorb into the wick. For an olive oil lamp, the wick should be 8 inches long and also thick. Its tenacity to deliver exceptional light without smoke or odors is aided by its thickness.
How to Choose the Best Wick for Your Olive Oil Lamp
In choosing a wick got your olive oil lamp, here are the top characteristics to bear in mind:
Adequate Length
The wick needs to be comfortable enough to fit the lamp. Try to consider the height of your lamp and possibly the distance existing between the burner and the fuel tank.
Moderately Flammable
If the wick is highly flammable, there’s a high chance that it will burn out faster than you expected.
Likewise, an extremely nonflammable wick may be quite difficult to light and that can be a challenge during long periods of a power outage. So, you need to be mindful of the wick material while purchasing one.
Not too Smoky or Sooty
While soot and smoke are inevitable when burning an oil lamp, you should always see to it that your wick material doesn’t encourage them further.
That way, you can reduce the likelihood of contracting tract or respiratory infections.
Easy to Trim
Trimming your wick is an important element of lamp maintenance because it helps to keep the flame in sync.
When an olive oil lamp wick burns oil into flames, it emits a gas that taints the wick, rendering it unclean and inefficient. As a result, you should ensure that your wick material is right enough to accommodate a trimmer.
How To Trim The Wick Of Your Olive Oil Lamp
Once you observe your wick burning in an unusual pattern, it’s a cue to trim it. Trimming enables you to obtain exceptional light quality.
There are some steps that you cannot skip while trimming the wick of your olive oil lamp. You must follow the steps for the olive oil lamp to give off a smooth flame. Below is the procedure:
1. Detach the lamp’s lid
If the lid is made of metal or glass, you will have to be careful when removing it. Before doing this, ensure that your lamp has not been turned on in the last few hours. Letting it cool off before starting the process allows you to handle the lamp with more ease.
2. Adjust your lamp knob to uncover the wick
At this point, you should be able to see the edge of your wick. If you inspect it and notice that the edge of the wick is soiled with black carbon, you will want to keep track of how deep the trimming should be.
3. Trim your wick with your trimmer
Some wicks have specific trimmers. However, the majority of individuals use scissors to cut an olive oil lamp’s wick. Whatever method you choose to use to trim your wick, the most important thing is for the object to be at its sharpest.
You must also keep in mind that the flame reflects whatever shape you cut your wick into. Hence, you need to apply caution. For example, cutting your wick into a round form will result in a circular flame.
4. Return the wick to its original position and put the lid
This is the final stage of the trimming process. Here, you need to adjust the knob back and draw a considerable portion of the wick out for lighting once you have finished trimming.
You will need to repeat this process each time you intend to use your olive oil lamp. Follow this procedure and observe how bright and smoke-free the flame is.
Related post: How To Use A Wick For Your Olive Oil Lamp
There are various DIY tutorials about using wicks for your olive oil lamps. However, here’s a more simplified direction on how to use a wick for your olive oil lamp.
1. Cut your wick into the right size
When cutting your wick, It should be accurate enough to reach into the oil and pop out on the lamp’s spout. Preferably, you can keep it at a moderate size: Not too long or too short.
2. Ensure your wick fits the holder properly
You must make sure that the wick is the right fit for the holder. This would prevent the wick from slipping out of the holder and sinking into the oil.
3. Twist the wick into the wick holder
Wrapping it around the wick holder will enclose it in the holder. The holder holds it upright, making it easy to ignite on fire. Your wick should be ready for use once you have placed it in this position.
Final Thoughts
As you strive to find the highest quality olive oil lamps, you must consider several factors including selecting the best wick. When buying or manufacturing a wick for your olive oil lamp, the best way to choose the proper wick is to get the right materials and the right measurements.
Also, you need to figure out how to maintain it. Trim your wick as needed and replace the wick when it becomes worn out. It will be a smooth ride once you complete these steps.