After working hard to create the perfect backyard paradise, it’s time to put on the final touches; the tiki torches, of course.
An easy lighting solution that doesn’t require electricity, while also being a factor in bug deterrent.
Tiki torch wicks typically last anywhere from 3-16 hours. And while that can be a pretty big difference in time, the amount of time a tiki torch wick burns for depend on multiple things: The type of wick used, the thickness of the wick, and the type of fuel you use.
Keep reading to learn about one wick that can burn almost infinitely!
Tiki Torch Wicks
The purpose of the tiki torch wick is to transfer fuel from the storage container to the flame. Its important to keep the wick wet in order to minimize the amount of smoke emitted from your torch.
If you realize that your tiki torch isn’t providing much light source, it may be because the wick is too dry.
If you want your tiki torch wick to function competently, you must keep it trimmed to an appropriate length. Depending on the type of tiki torch you have, this may be around 1/2 inch, or so.
Remember, you must also keep your eye on the wick material itself, as this will degrade over time. If you see any blackened spots, then it’s likely that it is time to replace the wick.
So what causes the differences in how long wicks burn? Here are a few reasons why.
What the Wick is Made of?
Most wicks are made of the following materials:
- Cotton
- Fiberglass
Cotton wicks are harder to find. Cotton wicks burn therefore they are not reliable. For a clean burn that does not create smoke, you must keep the wick wet with fuel.
If there are dry areas the flame will burn the actual material creating smoke that you do not want while you are relaxing in your backyard.
Fiberglass wicks will burn forever if you take care of them. The fiberglass is not burned or consumed like cotton is.
If the wick does not come into contact with water or the fuel source does not become contaminated, you never have to replace these wicks.
Quality of Fuel
The quality of fuel you provide will greatly impact the longevity of your tiki torch wicks.
If you use lower quality fuels, it will have impurities in the fuel which means the wick will have a lot more smoke and you will burn through your wick much quicker.
Diameter of the Wick
The thickness of the wick will also impact the length of time your wick lasts.
The thicker the wick, the more fuel it draws, which burns a bigger flame, thus using more fuel. Both cotton wicks and fiberglass wicks will have a standard wick thickness of 1/2 inch.
Though fiberglass wicks seem like they will burn forever, if your flame gets too hot you can char the top of the wick which will need to be cut or replaced.
Tiki Torch Fuel
Tiki torches can use many different varieties of fuels.
Citronella
Citronella oil serves a dual purpose in tiki torches as the tiki torch fuel and repellent from annoying biting bugs.
Citronella is a fragrance used by these tiki torches that masks the scent humans and animals have, tricking bugs into thinking there is no food and they should go somewhere else.
If your intention is to keep the bugs off you while using tiki torches, then sitting is your best bet when using one close by.
Staying within a distance of around 6 feet of a citronella tiki torch will do the best job of keeping the bugs off you when trying to have a good time in your backyard.
Paraffin Oil
Paraffin oil (also called kerosene) is a very common fuel in tiki torches. One of the great things about paraffin oil is the very long burn time and minimal fragrance.
Paraffin oil can last longer because of its clean burning. There are very few impurities in paraffin oil, so there are very little fumes, smoke or odor, so you get all of the benefits of having torches that are mini campfires, but you don’t have to say to anybody, “white rabbit,” until the smoke clears out.
Wickless Tiki Torches
If filling, buying and replacing wicks is a pain, then there are wickless tiki torch options available. Propane tiki torches do not use wicks.
Instead of fuel traveling through a wick to create fire, propane actually just creates fire. It’s similar to a mini fire bowl on the top of each tiki torch.
Solar tiki torches do not have wicks, because they actually don’t have fire. The torch operates by using a flickering bulb inside that charges during the day, in order to party all night.
Can You Leave Tiki Torches Outside In The Rain
Yes, you can leave tiki torches outside in the rain, if you use the wick cap like you are supposed to.
The wick cap is there to snuff out the fire or use the wick cap to protect your wick and fuel from the rain.
When you are ready to come inside for the night and leave your tiki torches unattended, just snuff out the little flame by putting the wick cap on the top.
The wick cap turns the little flame into an oxygen deprived fire and will put the fire out very quickly.
Wait for a couple minutes for the wick to cool down, take the cap off, and then put the wick cap back on.
Don’t Forget – If you put the cap on to stop the fire and leave it, the outside temperature can change rather quickly. This causes a vacuum seal to be created under the cap which could make it troublesome to take off the next time you want to use the tiki torch.
If you have a tiki torch that is wooden and you don’t want it to look weathered, I would bring it inside and stand the tiki torch up so the oil does not spill.
The same goes for storing your tiki torches when winter time rolls around. Tiki torches can stay outside, but it is better if you store them inside for the winter months.
In Conclusion
If you are going to use a tiki torch that uses a wick, you should invest in fiberglass wicks, they can last a lifetime with good care.
Cotton wicks, which most tiki torches come equipped with, will last anywhere from 3 to 16 hours depending on the thickness of the wick and the type of fuel you used.