Ben Carter
Candle tunneling, a common issue with candles, occurs when a candle burns down its center, leaving hard wax around the outside. This not only looks unsightly but also reduces the candle's burn time and scent throw. Luckily, there are several ways to fix and prevent candle tunneling. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to level out a candle and ensure an even burn. From using a hairdryer to melt the wax evenly to creating a foil collar, we will explore the best methods to rescue your candles and maximize their enjoyment.
Characteristics and Values to Level Out a Candle
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of levelling out a candle | Candle tunneling |
| How to prevent candle tunneling | Buy candles with multiple wicks |
| Let the candle burn for several hours the first time you light it | |
| Trim the wick to 1/4 inch | |
| Let the wax pool reach the edge on the first burn | |
| Use a candle warmer | |
| How to fix candle tunneling | Use a hair dryer or heat gun to melt and smooth out the wax |
| Put the candle in the oven at 175°F for 2-5 minutes | |
| Put the candle in a microwave (safety concerns noted) | |
| Use aluminum foil to keep the jar warm |
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What You'll Learn
Use a hairdryer to melt the wax
If you're looking to level out a candle, you've come to the right place. Using a hairdryer is an effective way to fix candle tunneling, which occurs when a candle burns down its centre, leaving hard wax around the outside. This method is especially useful if you catch the tunneling early on.
To begin, lay some newspaper around the candle to catch any wax splatters. Then, turn on your hairdryer and set it to high heat and low speed. Blast the top of the candle with the hairdryer, directing the hot air towards the uneven sides. Hold the hairdryer about six inches away from the candle and move it around the candle's perimeter to evenly melt the wax. Keep the hairdryer on each section for around a minute or two, being careful not to focus on one area for too long to avoid overheating and potentially damaging the wick.
As you direct the hot air, you should see the top layer of wax begin to melt and smooth out. Continue this process until the wax is evenly distributed and levelled across the surface of the candle. Once you're satisfied with the results, allow the wax to cool and solidify. This step is important, as it ensures a smooth surface for subsequent burns.
Using a hairdryer is a quick and easy way to fix minor tunneling issues and restore your candle's even melt and aesthetic appeal. It's important to note that this method is most effective when the tunneling is caught early, as more serious cases of tunneling may require additional interventions, such as the foil method.
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Put the candle in the oven
If your candle has started to tunnel—where the wick burns down the centre, leaving a ring of unmelted wax around the sides—you can fix this issue by putting the candle in the oven.
Firstly, lay out some newspaper around the candle to catch any wax splatters. Then, preheat your oven to 175°Fahrenheit (80°Celsius). Place the candle on a cookie sheet and put it in the oven for around two to five minutes. This amount of time should be enough to gently melt the wax and allow the candle's surface to level out.
Be careful not to leave the candle in the oven for too long, as this could cause the wax to melt too much and overflow. If this does happen, simply scoop out any excess wax with a spoon and pour it into a separate container to reuse later.
It is important to note that you should not put a candle in the microwave, as most candles have metal wick tabs that could cause dangerous arcing inside the appliance.
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Use multiple wicks
Using multiple wicks is a great way to level out a candle, especially if it's a large candle with a diameter of more than 3.5 inches. By using multiple wicks, you can ensure that the heat is distributed evenly across the surface of the wax, melting the wax uniformly and reducing the chances of candle tunneling.
The number of wicks you'll need depends on the size of your candle container. A good rule of thumb is to add one wick for every inch after a 3-inch-wide container. So, for a 4-inch jar, you might use two wicks, and for a 5-inch jar, you could use three wicks, and so on. However, this isn't a hard-and-fast rule, and you can adjust the number of wicks to your preference. For example, if you want to use a single wick for a larger candle, you can opt for a larger wick that will burn a wider surface area.
If you're unsure about the number of wicks to use, there are a couple of methods you can try. One method is to cut out paper circles the same size as the estimated melt pool and place them on the surface of the wax. This will help you visualise how much surface area will burn and determine the right number and placement of wicks. Another method is to use a simple equation: diameter ÷ the number of wicks you want to use + 0.25 inches = your wick size.
When burning a candle with multiple wicks, it's important to maintain an even burn. Trim your wicks regularly to promote proper flame control and even wax melting. During the first burn, let the candle burn until the wax pools evenly across the top, which may take several hours. This initial burn is crucial as it sets the stage for subsequent burns. If you're using a candle with multiple wicks, but only want to light one wick at a time, make sure to alternate between wicks to keep the wax level even.
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Wrap the candle in aluminium foil
Wrapping a candle in aluminium foil is a great way to fix candle tunnelling, a common issue where a candle burns down its centre, leaving hard wax around the outside. This method is best for more serious cases of tunnelling.
To do this, first cut the appropriate amount of aluminium foil to completely cover the top of your candle jar. You can also wrap the foil around the candle, ensuring that it keeps the jar warm while also slightly covering the top to retain heat. This technique works by concentrating the flame's heat, thwarting future tunnelling.
After wrapping the candle, light the wick and let the candle burn. The foil will help the flame work harder, melting the wax around the edges of the candle and creating a more even burn.
Once the wax has melted evenly, let it cool and solidify. This is a crucial step in the process, as it ensures a smooth surface for subsequent burns. Once the wax has reset, trim the wick to about a quarter of an inch to promote an even and clean burn, then light the candle again and enjoy its renewed glow.
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Trim the wick to 1/4 inch
Trimming the wick is an important step in candle care. It is recommended to trim the wick to 1/4 inch for optimal burning. Trimming the wick to the correct length helps promote an even and clean burn. If the wick is too long, it can cause the candle to smoke and may lead to improper burning, which can result in candle tunnelling.
Trimming the wick to 1/4 inch is a simple task that can be done with a wick trimmer or scissors. First, ensure the candle is on a heat-proof surface and that the wick is straight and centred. Then, using your wick trimmer or scissors, cut the wick to the desired length. Be careful not to cut the wick too short, as this can make it difficult for the candle to stay lit.
The length of the wick affects the flame size and, therefore, the rate at which the candle burns. A longer wick will produce a larger flame, which can lead to excessive wax melting and an uneven burn. Conversely, a shorter wick will produce a smaller flame, which may not be sufficient to melt the wax effectively.
Trimming the wick to 1/4 inch is a balance that ensures the flame is the correct size for the candle. This length allows the candle to burn at a steady rate, maximising the burn time and minimising the amount of wax left behind. By trimming the wick, you can help prevent tunnelling and ensure your candle burns evenly and efficiently.
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Frequently asked questions
To prevent candle tunneling, consider buying candles with multiple wicks and letting them burn for several hours the first time you light them.
You can use a hairdryer to melt and smooth out the wax of a tunneled candle. Set the hairdryer to medium heat and direct the hot air towards the uneven sides of your candle.
For more serious levelling out, you can try the foil method. Wrap aluminium foil around the candle to keep the jar warm and slightly cover the top to keep the heat in.
