Jessie Taylor
Candles are a great way to add a pleasant fragrance to your home. However, they can sometimes be frustrating when they don't burn evenly, leaving behind unburned wax. This is known as candle tunnelling or candle hollowing and can be caused by not burning the candle long enough during the first use or using a wick that is too small. To avoid this issue, ensure that your candle burns long enough during its initial lighting for the wax to melt all the way to the edges, usually at least one hour per inch of diameter. If tunnelling does occur, you can fix it by wrapping foil around the top, melting the top with a hairdryer, or changing the wick. Additionally, you can repurpose leftover candle wax by melting it and creating your own wax melts, which are pieces of scented wax that are heated to release fragrance without the use of a flame.
How to Avoid Candle Melts
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First Burn Duration | 1 hour per inch of diameter, at least 2 hours |
| Subsequent Burns | Burn long enough to melt the top layer |
| Wick Size | Trim wick to 1/4" height |
| Container | Remove candle from glass container |
| Heat Source | Use a hair dryer, heat gun, or oven |
| Wax Removal | Shave excess wax, scoop out, or pour out |
| Re-Wicking | Replace wick if covered by wax |
| Alternative Methods | Double boiler, microwave, pot of simmering water |
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What You'll Learn
Avoid the microwave
While melting candle wax in the microwave is a popular method, it is important to exercise caution. Firstly, never put a jarred candle in the microwave. The discs that attach a wick to a holder are made of metal, which is unsafe for microwave use.
If you are melting leftover candle wax, always ensure that your container is microwave-safe. Glass and ceramic dishes are usually fine, but always check for "microwave-safe" or "heatproof" labels on the packaging.
When melting wax in the microwave, it is best to heat in short intervals, checking frequently to avoid overheating or potential fire hazards. Pour your wax into the container and place it in the microwave. Heat for one minute at a time, monitoring the temperature. Do not let the wax exceed 80°C. Continue heating in two-minute intervals until the wax is fully melted.
Once the wax reaches 80°C, remove it from the microwave and place it on a safe, even, covered surface. Before adding colour and fragrance oil, use a thermometer to ensure the wax is at 70°C.
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Use a double boiler
Using a double boiler is an efficient and economical way to melt wax for candle-making. It is a two-pot setup that involves a heat source, a pot of simmering water, and a smaller pot or container that fits inside the larger one to melt wax gradually. This method is safer than direct heat as it creates separation between the hot pan and the wax. Here is a step-by-step guide to using a double boiler:
- Prepare the double boiler: Start by filling a large pot or saucepan with about 1-2 inches of water. The amount of water used is important, as too much water can cause the container with wax to float, creating an unsafe situation.
- Heat the water: Place the large pot on a stove or hot plate and heat the water. Bring the water to a gentle simmer over medium to medium-high heat. It is important to ensure that the water does not reach a rolling boil, as this can cause uneven heating and increase the chances of burning the wax.
- Add the wax: Place a heat-safe container, such as a smaller saucepan, pouring pitcher, clean coffee can, or heat-safe glass bowl, on top of the large pot. Ensure that the container rests comfortably without touching the water. Then, pour your desired amount of wax into the container. Different types of wax, such as soy wax, beeswax, or paraffin wax, melt at different temperatures, so it is crucial to know the correct temperature for the specific wax you are using.
- Stir and monitor: As the wax begins to melt, occasionally stir the unmelted components with a wooden or heat-safe spatula to encourage even melting. Avoid stirring aggressively to prevent introducing too much air into the blend, as this can impact the final candle quality. Monitor the temperature with a thermometer to ensure it stays within the safe range for your wax type.
- Add colour and fragrance: Once the wax has melted, you can add colour and fragrance if desired. Typically, 3-5 drops of liquid dye are added, ensuring that the dye is oil-soluble. Most wax should be heated to around 185 degrees Fahrenheit before adding fragrance, but always refer to your wax supplier's instructions. Stir the blend for about two minutes to ensure the oil is well-dispersed.
- Pour the wax blend: After adding colour and fragrance, pour the wax blend into your candle container at a steady rate. Avoid pouring too quickly or too slowly to maintain even heating. If making multiple candles, pour roughly 75% of the wax into each container and then top them off in the same order.
Remember, when using a double boiler, it is important to stay near it at all times to avoid overheating or accidents. Proper ventilation is also crucial to avoid inhaling any fumes released during the melting process.
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Burn for longer initially
Burning your candle for longer during its initial use is a key way to prevent candle tunneling, or the hole that forms in the middle of the wax as it burns down. This hole is caused by the candle not being burned long enough the first time it is lit, or the wick being too small for the container.
To avoid this, it is recommended that you burn your candle for at least 1 hour per inch of its diameter. For example, if your candle has a diameter of 2 inches, you should burn it for at least 2 hours the first time you light it. This will ensure that the wax melts evenly to the edges, preventing the formation of a tunnel. Pillar candles, in particular, need to be burned for longer during their initial lighting, as they are more prone to tunneling.
If you are unable to burn your candle for a long enough period during its first lighting, there are a few methods you can use to fix the tunneling. One method is to wrap foil around the top of the candle, melting the top with a hairdryer, or heat gun, to evenly distribute the heat to the surrounding wax. Another method is to place the candle in the oven on low heat (around 200°F or 93°C) for 20 minutes, or until the entire surface of the candle is liquid and flat.
By taking the time to ensure your candle burns evenly during its initial use, or by fixing any tunneling that may occur, you can extend the life of your candle and enjoy its fragrance for longer.
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Store in a cool, dark place
When it comes to storing wax melts, it's important to remember that proper storage is key to maintaining their scent. The ideal storage place is cool and dark, and direct sunlight should be avoided as it can cause the scent and colour to fade. Wax melts can last for a year or more when stored correctly.
A cool, dark place is ideal for storing wax melts because it helps to preserve the quality of the wax and the fragrance. The cool temperature slows down any potential evaporation of the volatile fragrance compounds, while the absence of direct sunlight prevents the breakdown of these compounds by visible or ultraviolet light. This ensures that the scent remains intact and does not dissipate prematurely.
By storing wax melts in a cool, dark place, you are also minimising the risk of discolouration. Sunlight and heat can cause the colour of the wax to fade or change, affecting the overall appearance of the product. This is especially important if your wax melts are coloured or contain decorative elements.
Additionally, a cool, dark place can help prevent the wax from softening or melting. This is particularly beneficial if your wax melts are not individually wrapped or packaged. By maintaining the solid form of the wax, you avoid the mess and inconvenience of dealing with melted wax.
Overall, storing wax melts in a cool, dark place is essential for prolonging their shelf life, preserving the fragrance, and maintaining the overall quality of the product.
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Use a candle warmer
Using a candle warmer is a great way to avoid candle melts. Candle warmers melt the wax of your candle without using an open flame, which is safer and can make your candles last longer. There are two types of candle warmers: top-down and bottom-up. Top-down candle warmers look like small lamps and use a halogen bulb to melt the candle from above, while bottom-up candle warmers resemble coasters and are mini hot plates that heat the candle from the bottom. When using a bottom-up candle warmer, start with a smaller candle so that the wax can melt completely. Top-down candle warmers, on the other hand, will not melt the wax all the way through but will slowly melt the wax from the top.
Both types of candle warmers can increase the scent throw of your candle, producing a stronger fragrance compared to a burning candle. This is because the wax melts at a lower temperature than with an open flame, allowing the aroma to spread more slowly and last longer. Candle warmers are also a safer option, especially if you have children or pets, as they eliminate the fire hazards associated with open flames.
When using a candle warmer, it is important to follow some best practices. For example, you should only leave your candle warmer on for a few hours at a time and then allow your candle to cool before warming it again. This will help preserve your candle and its fragrance. Additionally, with bottom-up candle warmers, once all the wax has melted, it will eventually lose its fragrance, and you will need to dispose of the remaining wax. With top-down candle warmers, you will only be warming the top layers of your candle, and once the top layer loses its scent, you can remove the wax and start warming the next layer.
Overall, using a candle warmer is a great way to avoid candle melts while still enjoying the fragrance of your candles. It is a safer and more economical option that can make your candles last longer and provide a stronger scent throw.
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Frequently asked questions
To prevent candle tunneling, ensure that the candle burns long enough on its first use so that the wax melts all the way to the edges. The general rule is to burn for one hour per inch of diameter.
If your candle has tunneled, you can fix it by wrapping foil around the top, melting the top with a hair dryer, or changing the wick.
There are several ways to melt candle wax at home. You can use a double boiler, a microwave, or an oven.
When melting candle wax, do not let the wax exceed 80°C.
Store wax melts in a cool, dark place, avoiding direct sunlight, to maintain their scent and colour.
