616. Lighting with Combination Wicks

Shabbos 5:6

Let’s say that someone wound something that may be used as a wick around something that may not be used as a wick. If his intention was to make the wick thicker and improve its light, it is prohibited. If his intention was to make the wick firmer so that it will stand up and not droop, it is permitted.

Shabbos 5:7

A grain of salt or a bean may be placed at the lamp’s opening before Shabbos so that it will burn better on Shabbos. Anything that may not be used as a wick on Shabbos may be used as part of a larger fire that was lit for warmth or for light. This is true whether the fire is lit in a candelabra or on the ground. The prohibition against lighting with such materials only applies to using them as wicks in a lamp.