Brooke Martin
Candle tunneling is a common issue that occurs when only the wax surrounding the wick melts, causing the candle to cave in on itself and creating a trench in the middle. This shortens the lifespan of the candle as the tunnel deepens with each burn, making it harder for oxygen to reach the flame and preventing the wax on the sides from melting. To avoid tunneling, it is important to use a candle made from quality materials and ensure that the number of wicks is appropriate for the candle size. Additionally, trimming the wicks regularly and burning the candle long enough for the top layer to completely melt can help prevent tunneling. For candles that have already started tunneling, there are fixes such as using a hair dryer on its lowest setting to melt the outer wax or wrapping the candle in tin foil to concentrate heat and melt the outermost wax.
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What You'll Learn
Choose candles with quality materials and fit-for-purpose wax
Choosing a candle crafted from quality materials is the first step to avoiding tunnelling. Tunnelling occurs when only the wax directly around the wick melts, creating a trench in the middle of the candle. This is caused by uneven melting, which can be influenced by the type of wax and the quality of the candle.
When choosing a candle, opt for one with a wax type that is fit for purpose. For example, a harder wax with a higher melting point is more suitable for warmer climates, pillar candles, or melts, whereas a softer wax is more appropriate for container candles and cooler climates. Soy wax is a good option for an even burn. Additionally, ensure that the candle has a wick that is appropriate for its size—larger candles may require two or three wicks to burn evenly.
The quality of the ingredients and craftsmanship are key factors in selecting a candle that burns evenly and minimises tunnelling. Essential oils and organic ingredients are desirable components of a quality candle, while tunnels are not. A candle with a strong fragrance may overload the wax, making it harder to burn through. Therefore, when choosing a candle, consider the balance between fragrance and wax type to ensure an optimal burning experience.
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Ensure the number of wicks is appropriate for the candle size
Ensuring the number of wicks is appropriate for the candle size is crucial to prevent candle tunnelling. Tunnelling occurs when only the wax directly surrounding the wick melts while the candle is lit, resulting in a circular pit that forms around the wick. This creates a trench or tunnel in the centre of the candle, causing the wax to cave in on itself.
To prevent tunnelling, it is important to select the correct number of wicks for the size of your candle. Large-diameter candles, for instance, may require two or even three wicks to burn evenly. By using multiple wicks, you can ensure that the wax melts uniformly across the surface, preventing the formation of a tunnel.
Additionally, it is essential to choose the right type of wick for your candle. Cotton wicks, for instance, are known to provide a clean and even burn. Using the appropriate wick for your candle size and type will help ensure a consistent melt pool and prevent tunnelling.
When burning your candle, it is also important to maintain the proper wick length. Trimming your wicks before each burn is crucial. Untrimmed wicks can produce too much heat, causing an uneven melt and contributing to tunnelling. As a general rule, candle wicks should be trimmed to a length of 1/4 to 1/2 inch before each burn.
By following these guidelines and selecting the appropriate number and type of wicks for your candle size, you can effectively prevent tunnelling and enjoy a consistent and enjoyable candle-burning experience.
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Burn for 2-4 hours initially to create an even melt pool
Burning a new candle for 2-4 hours initially is a crucial step in preventing candle tunnelling. Tunnelling is a common problem, where a circular pit forms around the candle wick, caused by uneven melting. This creates a trench in the middle of the candle, resulting in wasted wax and a shorter candle life.
To avoid this, it is important to ensure an even melt pool around the candle's perimeter. The general rule of thumb is to burn a candle for one hour per diameter inch. For example, if your candle has a diameter of 2 inches, you should burn it for 2 hours initially. If it has a diameter of 3 inches, burn it for 3 hours, and so on. This allows the heat to melt the outer ring of wax, preventing the inner ring from melting faster in subsequent burns.
The first burn is critical in teaching the candle how to melt evenly. The wax has a 'memory', so wax that was previously melted takes less heat to re-melt. Therefore, if you don't allow enough time for the outer ring of wax to melt during the first burn, the inner ring will continue to melt faster, causing the tunnel to deepen with each burn.
It is also important to note that the size of the candle matters. A large-diameter candle may need two or even three wicks to burn evenly. Additionally, the type of wax and quality of ingredients can impact the likelihood of tunnelling. Softer waxes, such as those made with essential oils and organic ingredients, tend to be more prone to tunnelling.
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Trim wicks to prevent tall flames and black smoke stains
Trimming the wick of a candle is an important step in preventing tall flames and black smoke stains. A wick that is too long can cause excess fuel to reach the flame, resulting in a tall flame and increased smoke and soot. This soot can leave unsightly black marks on candle holders and walls.
To prevent this, candle wicks should be trimmed to a length of 1/4 to 1/2 inch. This length will vary depending on the type of wick and wax used, so it is important to refer to the candle brand's instructions. Wooden wicks, for example, are often recommended to be kept at 1/2 an inch in length. Cotton wicks, on the other hand, typically need to be shorter, at around 1/4 of an inch.
Trimming the wick can be done with a simple pair of scissors or nail clippers, but for deeper candle jars, a long wick trimmer may be more useful. The ideal flame height is one that is steady and even, without any tall flames or excess smoke. If the flame is too high, simply extinguish the candle, let it cool, and trim the wick slightly.
It is also important to note that the first burn of a new candle is crucial to preventing tunneling. For the first burn, it is recommended to burn the candle for 2 to 3 hours to allow the top layer of wax to melt completely. This will create an even burn and prevent the formation of a tunnel.
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Use a hairdryer on its lowest setting to melt surrounding wax
If your candle has started to tunnel, it is still salvageable. The key is to melt the outer ring of wax to even out the surface. As long as the tunnel is fairly shallow, you can melt the surrounding wax using a hairdryer on its lowest setting.
Firstly, ensure your hairdryer is set to its lowest power setting. This will help you avoid splashing candle wax around. Next, gently run the hairdryer around the areas of unmelted wax buildup. You should see the wax begin to melt away from the sides as the surface of the candle evens out. Once the candle has a symmetrical shape again, turn off the hairdryer and let the candle cool down completely before lighting it.
If your candle has severely tunnelled, you may need to take additional steps. For instance, you might need to scrape out some of the excess wax before melting the rest to even out the surface. Alternatively, you could melt down the candle entirely and transfer it to a clean vessel with a new wick.
To prevent tunnelling in the future, make sure you are using the correct wick for your candle's size. Generally, larger diameter candles may need two or three wicks to burn evenly. You should also ensure you are using an appropriate wax type for the type of candle you are making. Additionally, do not overload your candle with thick, viscous fragrance oil, as this can make the wax harder to burn through. Finally, when selling candles, it is helpful to include a label or note with burning instructions for customers.
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Frequently asked questions
Candle tunnelling is when a circular pit forms around the wick due to uneven melting, creating a trench or tunnel in the middle of the candle.
Candle tunnelling happens when there is a short burn time. The general rule of thumb is to burn a candle for one hour per diameter inch.
To prevent candle tunnelling, ensure you are using the correct wick for your jar size and the appropriate wax type for the type of candle you are making. Don't overload your candle with thick, viscous fragrance oil.
If your candle has started tunnelling, melt the outer ring of wax to even out the surface. You can do this by using a hair dryer on its lowest setting, or by wrapping tin foil around the base and upper edge of the candle to reflect the heat onto the unmelted wax.
