Ben Carter
Candle tunneling is a common problem that occurs when a candle burns down its centre, leaving a ring of unmelted wax around the outside. This not only looks unsightly but also reduces the candle's burn time and scent throw. The issue is caused by an improperly sized wick that doesn't produce enough heat, or when the candle isn't burned long enough during its first few burns to create a 'memory' of melting to the edge. To fix this, you can melt the outer wax surrounding the tunnel to make the surface even again. This can be done with a hairdryer or by placing the candle in a low oven between burns. Another method is to use aluminium foil to cover the candle, with a small opening for the wick, to increase the heat and melt the excess wax.
How to fix candle tunneling
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First burn | Burn for 1-4 hours, allowing the wax to melt to the edges of the container |
| Wick | Trim to 1/4 inch before each burn |
| Aluminum foil | Cover the top of the candle with foil, leaving a small opening for the wick and flame |
| Hair dryer | Use on high heat to melt the top layer of wax |
| Candle warmer | Releases the scent without a flame |
| Oven | Place in a low oven between burns to melt the wax |
| Candle topper | Encourages an even burn |
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What You'll Learn
Use a hairdryer to melt the wax around the edges
Candle tunneling is a common problem that occurs when a candle burns down its centre, leaving hard wax around the outside. This not only looks unsightly but also means you're missing out on the full burning and scent potential of your candle.
If you forgot to let the wax pool reach the edge during the first burn, you will probably be left with a memory ring, which is a precursor to tunneling. If you catch it early, you can fix this issue by using a hairdryer to melt the wax around the edges.
Firstly, make sure you are wearing eye protection and clothes that can be washed if wax gets on them. Then, simply blast the top of the candle with a hairdryer on high heat. Hold the airflow over the top of the candle until the top layer of wax has melted and smoothed out. This will reset the memory of the wax, widening the melt pool so that it reaches all the way to the edges.
If your candle is showing more serious signs of tunneling, you may need to try a different method, such as the foil trick.
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Wrap the candle in aluminium foil
Wrapping a candle in aluminium foil is a popular trick to fix candle tunneling. This is done by covering the top of the candle with a sheet of aluminium foil, with a small opening (around 1 inch) left in the centre for the wick and flame. The foil increases the heat while keeping the vessel insulated, causing the excess wax to melt. This method works by concentrating the flame's heat, thwarting future tunneling.
To do this, first, cut or fold a small opening in the centre of the aluminium foil. Then, light the wick, and place the foil cover back on. Allow the candle to burn for a few hours until the top surface of the wax has completely melted and smoothed over. Set the candle aside and let the wax harden over the next few days to reach full hardness.
If your flame goes out when you put the foil on, the opening might be too small. Widen the hole and try again.
This method is ideal for more serious signs of tunneling. For minor tunneling, a hair dryer on high heat can be used to melt the hardened wax around the edges of the container.
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Trim the wick
Trimming the wick of a candle is an important step in preventing candle tunneling. Candle tunneling occurs when a candle burns down its centre, leaving hard wax around the outside. This not only looks unsightly but also affects the candle's burn time, scent, and light.
To trim the wick correctly, it is recommended to trim wicks to 1/4 inch before each burn. This ensures that the candle burns evenly and prevents debris from falling into the wax. It is also important not to trim the wick too short, as this can cause the flame to go out.
If a candle has already started to tunnel, trimming the wick can help expose the wick and promote an even burn. In this case, it is recommended to trim the wick to about 1/4 inch and then relight the candle.
Trimming the wick is an important step in candle care and can help prevent tunneling and promote an even and clean burn.
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Remove wax around the wick
Candle tunneling is a result of a candle burning down the middle, leaving unmelted wax around the edges. This is usually due to the candle not burning long enough on its first use, or the wick being too small for the candle.
If the wick is drowning in wax, you can remove the wax around it to expose about a quarter of an inch of unburnt wick. You can do this with a butter knife or spoon, gently scraping away the wax. Be careful not to damage the wick or the container. If the wax is too hard to scrape, you can try softening it with heat.
If the wax is too deep to expose the wick, you can try using an apple corer to push through the wax and pull it out. If the wick is stuck, use a pair of needle-nose pliers to pull it out.
If you are unable to remove the wax around the wick, you may need to replace it with a new wick of the appropriate size.
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Burn for longer
The first burn of a candle is crucial in preventing candle tunneling. When a candle isn't burned long enough during its first few burns, it creates a memory ring, preventing an initial layer of wax from melting to the edge of the candle container. This wax "memory" will then melt the same way each time the candle is lit, causing tunneling.
To prevent tunneling, it is recommended to burn candles for 1-4 hours during the first use, depending on the size of the candle. For example, a candle with a diameter of 4 inches should burn for 4 hours. Burning the candle for too long, however, can also be detrimental, as it can cause overheating, potentially weakening and cracking the glass.
Candles with multiple wicks are a good option for preventing tunneling as they distribute heat more evenly, reducing the chances of tunneling.
If you are unable to light your candle for a long period, a candle warmer can be used to melt the wax without a flame. This will also release the candle's fragrance.
Additionally, it is important to trim the wick to 1/4 inch before each burn to prevent debris from falling into the wax.
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