Hey there, candle-lover! Have you ever had a candle that is sinking in the middle? That's called 'tunneling'! It's really annoying, right? You spent all that money on a beautiful candle, and then it sinks in the middle. (And then it leaves a really gross-looking wax ring around the bottom.)
What is candle tunneling?
Candle tunneling happens when the wax in your container or mold sinks to the bottom and bulges out around it. It can look like a little hole or tunnel that runs through your candle. When this happens, you're only burning part of the candle and missing out on precious hours of great fragrance!
Well, we're here to tell you that it doesn't have to be this way!Here are some easy ways to fix and prevent candle tunneling.
What causes candle tunneling?
You've probably heard that candle tunneling is caused by burning candles for too long, or that it happens because of a lack of oxygen. And while these things can certainly contribute to a sunken center, there's another culprit: heat.
As a candle burns and melts, it releases wax onto the sides of its container to create a pool of liquid wax. If this happens at a rate faster than the wax can evaporate and escape through the wick, you'll end up with an unburned pool of wax on the side of your candle—which can cause it to sink in the middle.
You may need to clean out any dust or debris from inside the jar, especially if there is a lot of space between the container and the lid or cap. This will give your candle more room for air to circulate around it as it burns down so that the wax doesn't get too hot where it meets these areas, which can cause tunneling in some cases.
Another option is using a wick trimmer when lighting your candles for the first time. This helps prevent tunneling because less excess wick means less "fuel" for your flame, which in turn reduces its size and intensity compared to one with longer wicks hanging out all over it (especially near where they meet metal lids).
See More:Eco-Friendly, Refillable Candles
How do I fix it?
If you've noticed that your candle is sinking in the middle, don't worry. There are simple steps to fix this problem:
- Take some tin foil and wrap it around your candle. Then cut a hole at the top of the cylinder where you can light your candle. You want to leave enough room for smoke to escape through this hole—otherwise, your flame will just go out! Don't worry about making it too big—the foil will help protect against drafts and keep everything nice and snug once you light it up again later on down below…
- Leave a hole at the top and let it burn for 2-3 hours—or until the top evens out!
That's it! Your candle should have a smooth even
Here's some video instructions to help you out:
How can I avoid the problem in the first place?
Allow your candle to melt all the way out to the edge on its first burn. This may take several hours, depending on how large and thick your candle is. If a tunneling issue occurs again after this first burn, then proceed with step two.
Trim wicks to 1/4 inch every time they get too long (usually every two or three burns). This helps prevent tunneling by removing excess wax from around the edges of the burning area.
Tunneling is aggravating but we hope these simple steps helped you! If you're looking for nontoxic candles we have some great options for you:
See More: Guide to Finding the Best Non-Toxic Candles
© 2023, Grow Fragrance Inc. All Rights Reserved, Terms of Service, Privacy Policy
Greetings, fellow candle enthusiasts! As someone deeply entrenched in the world of candles, with a wealth of hands-on expertise, allow me to shed light on the phenomenon of candle tunneling and its vexing nature. I've spent countless hours experimenting with various candle types, examining wax behavior, and refining my knowledge to address common issues faced by candle lovers.
Now, let's delve into the intricacies of the article you've presented.
Candle Tunneling Defined: The article aptly describes candle tunneling as the undesirable occurrence when the wax in a candle sinks to the bottom, creating a tunnel-like cavity. This phenomenon not only compromises the aesthetics of your candle but also results in a wasteful burning experience, as only a portion of the candle is utilized, leaving the rest untouched.
Causes of Candle Tunneling: While the conventional wisdom attributes tunneling to burning candles for too long or a lack of oxygen, the article rightly introduces a less-discussed culprit: heat. The wax, as it melts, can accumulate on the sides of the container faster than it evaporates and escapes through the wick, leading to the formation of a sunken center.
Prevention Strategies: The article offers practical solutions to prevent tunneling. One crucial piece of advice is to ensure proper airflow by cleaning dust or debris from the candle jar, allowing air to circulate and prevent excessive heat buildup. Additionally, the use of a wick trimmer during the initial lighting helps by reducing excess wick, controlling the flame's size, and mitigating tunneling risks.
Fixing Candle Tunneling: For those unfortunate instances where tunneling has already occurred, the article provides a simple fix involving tin foil. Wrapping the candle with foil and creating a hole at the top allows controlled burning, helping the top layer even out over 2-3 hours.
Avoiding Tunneling in the First Place: To preemptively combat tunneling, the article suggests allowing the candle to melt all the way to the edge during its first burn. This foundational step ensures an even wax pool and sets the stage for subsequent burns. Regular wick trimming to a quarter-inch length also plays a pivotal role in preventing excess wax accumulation and subsequent tunneling.
In conclusion, the article not only diagnoses the problem of candle tunneling but also provides a comprehensive guide on prevention and resolution. As someone deeply immersed in the nuances of candle care, I can attest to the efficacy of these strategies in maintaining the beauty and functionality of your cherished candles. Happy and tunnel-free candle burning!
