Ben Carter
Candle tunneling is a common issue that occurs when only a small portion of the wax surrounding the wick melts while the candle is lit, resulting in a deep well or tunnel in the centre of the candle. This can cause the candle to burn out faster as the wick gets lower and starves the flame of oxygen. While it is more common in cheap candles, it can happen to any candle if it is not burned properly. To prevent candle tunneling, it is important to ensure that the entire surface of the candle melts evenly during the first burn. This can be achieved by burning the candle for one hour per inch in diameter or until the entire top layer of wax has melted. Additionally, trimming the wick to the appropriate length and avoiding drafty conditions can also help prevent tunneling. If your candle has already started tunneling, there are several tricks you can try to even it out, including using aluminum foil, heating the candle in the oven, or melting the top layer of wax with a hair dryer.
How to even out a tunneled candle
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of tunneling | Candle wasn't burned long enough during its first few burns |
| Other causes | Improper wick size, cheap candles with poor wax composition, drafty conditions |
| Prevention | Trim wicks before every burn, burn new candles for at least 2 hours, avoid burning in cold conditions, buy soy or coconut wax candles |
| Fixes | Melt the top layer of wax with a hair dryer, heat the candle in the oven, wrap foil around the top edges of the candle |
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What You'll Learn
Use aluminium foil to fix candle tunnelling
Aluminium foil is a simple and effective way to fix a tunneled candle. The foil acts as a heat barrier, increasing the heat around the candle and melting the excess wax, while also keeping the vessel insulated.
To use this method, start by lighting the candle and observing how it burns for a few minutes. This will help you understand how deep the existing tunnel is and how much wax needs to be melted. Then, cut a piece of aluminium foil that is roughly twice the diameter of the candle container. Wrap the foil around the top of the candle, leaving a small hole for the wick and flame to breathe. It is important to leave a ventilation point, otherwise, you will trap carbon dioxide and extinguish the flame.
Leave the candle for around 15-20 minutes, or until the wax pool reaches the edge of the candle. You can then remove the foil, being careful as it will be hot. The retained heat should have melted the tunneled wax, and the candle will burn evenly again.
This method is a great way to fix a candle that wasn't burned long enough initially. However, it is not recommended for wicking problems, and some people dislike that you can't see the candle through the foil. It is also important to note that this method may take a few attempts to fully correct the tunneling.
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Trim the wick to 1/8 inch before lighting
Trimming the wick of a candle to 1/4 inch is a widely recommended practice, but some sources suggest that trimming it down to 1/8 inch is beneficial. Trimming the wick to the right length is crucial to maximising the life of your candle and ensuring an even burn.
Trimming the wick to 1/8 inch is especially important if your candle has already started to tunnel. Candle tunnelling happens when the wick is too long, causing the flame to get too hot and burn excess wax. This results in an uneven burn, with a deep well or "tunnel" forming in the centre of the candle.
Trimming the wick to 1/8 inch before lighting helps to prevent this issue by creating a shorter, healthier flame. This reduces the amount of heat generated by the candle, allowing the wax to melt at a slower, more even pace. It also helps to prevent problems like black flames, flames that are too tall, black smoke stains on glass candle holders, and wax that burns too quickly.
To trim your wick to the correct length, use a wick trimmer, scissors, nail clippers, or your fingertips. Cut the wick vertically, ensuring that it is even across and not cut at an angle. If you accidentally trim the wick too short, you can try lighting the candle and letting it burn for about 30 minutes to melt the wax pool. Then, extinguish the flame and dispose of the melted wax. Allow the candle to fully cool before relighting it.
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Burn for 1 hour per inch in diameter
Candle tunneling is a circular pit that forms around a candle wick due to uneven melting, creating a trench or tunnel in the middle of the candle. This phenomenon is often referred to as the "'first burn' principle". It is important to ensure that your initial burn is long enough to melt the entire top layer of wax from edge to edge. A basic guideline is to burn your candle for one hour per inch in diameter. This means burning the candle for approximately 2-3 hours, depending on its diameter.
For example, if your candle has a diameter of 5 cm (or about 2 inches), you should burn it for at least two hours during its first burn. This will ensure that the entire top layer of wax melts uniformly, preventing the formation of a deep well or tunnel in the centre. If you only plan to light your candle for a short time, it is best not to light it at all, as this will only contribute to tunneling.
Burning your candle for the correct amount of time during its first burn is crucial, as it will determine whether your candle develops a tunnel or not. If you follow the one-hour-per-inch guideline and ensure that the melt pool reaches the edge, you will help extend the life of your candle. This is because tunneling reduces the total burn time of a candle, as the tunnel deprives the flame of oxygen, causing it to extinguish sooner.
Additionally, burning your candle for the correct duration during its first burn will also ensure that the fragrance oils in scented candles are released more efficiently, enhancing the scent and making the aroma more pronounced.
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Melt the wax with a hairdryer
If your candle has started to tunnel, you can use a hairdryer to melt the wax and restore its appearance. This method is ideal for minor tunneling and works best if the candle has only just started to tunnel to prevent it from getting worse.
Firstly, turn your hairdryer onto its highest heat setting. Hold the nozzle around 2-3 inches away from the top of the candle and wave it gently to and fro for around 2-5 minutes. You will need to be patient as you melt the wax, as hairdryers do not get extremely hot. The goal is to soften the wax so that it melts into an even surface.
Be careful when using this method, as once the wax melts, it can splash back. You may want to wear old clothing and protect your hands and the surface on which the candle sits.
This method is a good option if you don't have a candle warmer or oven to hand, or if you need a quick fix.
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Use a candle warmer to melt the wax evenly
If you're looking for a way to fix a tunneled candle and get an even burn, a candle warmer is a great option. Candle warmers are electric devices designed to melt candles without an open flame, and they can help you fix your tunneled candle while also maximising its burn time.
Candle tunneling happens when a candle burns down its centre, leaving hard wax around the outside. This not only looks unsightly but also reduces the burn time of your candle as only a small portion of the wax is consumed. It is usually caused by the first burn being too short, resulting in a memory ring or precursor to tunneling.
Using a candle warmer is a simple and effective way to fix this issue. Candle warmers produce a consistent and uniform heat that melts the wax evenly from the bottom up. This not only helps to prevent tunneling but also ensures that the fragrance oils in scented candles are released more efficiently, enhancing the scent.
To use a candle warmer to fix your tunneled candle, simply place the candle on the warmer and allow the heat to melt the wax evenly. You may need to leave the candle on the warmer for a longer period if the tunneling is severe. Once the wax has melted evenly, you can light the candle again and enjoy its scent and warm glow.
In addition to using a candle warmer, there are a few other tricks you can try to prevent and fix candle tunneling. These include trimming the wick to the appropriate length before burning, ensuring the first burn is long enough to melt the wax to the edges, and avoiding burning candles in cold temperatures or drafty areas. With these tips, you can enjoy your candles to the fullest and keep them burning evenly and beautifully.
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Frequently asked questions
Tunneling occurs when only a small portion of the wax surrounding the wick melts while the candle is lit. This happens when the candle isn't burned long enough during its first few burns, preventing an initial layer of wax from melting to the edge of the candle container.
To prevent tunneling, ensure your new candles burn evenly by letting them burn for at least 1 hour per inch in diameter. For example, if your candle has a 4-inch diameter, let it burn for at least 4 hours. Trim the wick to 1/8 to 1/4 inch before lighting it.
Turn your hairdryer to the highest heat setting and point it at the top of your candle. Wave the nozzle over the candle for 2-3 minutes to soften the wax and make it melt into an even surface.
Heat your candle in the oven at 175 °F (79 °C) for 5 minutes. Place the candle in the middle of a cookie sheet and use oven mitts to handle it. Let the wax harden before lighting the candle again.
Wrap aluminum foil around the top edges of the candle while it's lit, leaving a small opening for the wick and flame. This increases the heat while keeping the vessel insulated, causing the excess wax to melt. Alternatively, use a candle warmer or candle topper to melt the wax evenly.
