Chloe Adams
Candles are a great way to set a mood or create a cozy ambiance, but it can be frustrating when they won't stay lit. There are several reasons why a candle might be dying or struggling to stay lit, including issues with the wick, tunneling, or the quality of the fragrance oil. In this article, we will explore the common problems that can cause a candle to struggle and provide solutions to keep your candles burning brightly. We will also discuss eco-friendly ways to dispose of candles and whether it is safe to reuse wax for a different purpose.
What to do when a candle is dying?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Candle tunneling | A common issue that occurs when a candle isn't burned carefully, resulting in a hole forming down the center and unused wax at the edges. |
| Preventing tunneling | Allow the entire surface of the candle to melt evenly before blowing or snuffing it out, especially during the first burn. |
| Fixing tunneling | Melt the outer wax surrounding the tunnel to create an even surface again. For severe tunneling, consider removing excess wax. |
| Wick maintenance | Regularly trim the wick to the appropriate length. For buried or too-short wicks, use tweezers or a Q-tip to adjust the wick's position and length. |
| Extinguishing tips | Avoid drafts that can remove the heat required for combustion. Use fragrances optimized for candles to prevent issues with the fuel source. |
| Wax disposal | Remove remaining wax from the jar for repurposing or recycling. Wax can be reused for new candles or buried in the case of spell candles. |
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What You'll Learn
Fix a buried wick with a blow dryer or tweezers
If your candle wick is buried, you can use a blow dryer or tweezers to fix it. Firstly, if you have a blow dryer, you can use it to melt the wax surrounding the wick. Hold the blow dryer on high heat over the candle wick to melt the wax. If you don't have a blow dryer, you can use a long wand candle lighter, but this will take longer.
Alternatively, you can use tweezers to nudge the wick back into an upright position. Make sure the wick is above the surface of the wax and hold it in place until the wax cools. This is easier when the wax is soft but not completely melted, so wait for the wax to become opaque if you're struggling.
If your wick has been buried due to candle tunnelling, you can fix this by melting the outer wax surrounding the tunnel to create an even surface. This can be done with a blow dryer or a lighter. If the tunnelling is severe, it may be difficult to salvage the candle, and you may need to spend a lot of time melting and removing the wax.
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Prevent tunneling by allowing the entire surface to melt
Candle tunneling is a common issue that occurs when a candle isn't burned carefully. It happens when a hole forms down the centre of the candle, leaving unused wax at the edges. This occurs when only a small portion of the wax surrounding the wick melts while the candle is lit, instead of the wax melting evenly across the surface. As the tunnel gets deeper, it can fill up with melted wax, causing the wick to get buried and the flame to go out. Tunneling can drastically reduce the total burn time of your candle, as only a fraction of the wax is used up before the wick reaches the bottom.
To prevent tunneling, it is important to allow the entire surface of the candle to melt before blowing or snuffing it out. This usually takes at least an hour or two, depending on the size of the candle. If you don't do this, tunneling is almost guaranteed to occur. This is because wax has a "memory". Even in its solid, unmelted state, wax will continue to harden over time. So, if you only let the centre wax melt before blowing out the candle, the next time you burn it, only that small centre portion will melt because it is softer than the wax around it and therefore requires less thermal energy to melt.
If your candle has already started tunneling, you can fix it by melting the outer wax surrounding the tunnel to make the surface even again. However, if the tunneling is severe, it may be difficult to salvage and could take a lot of time to melt down and remove the extra wax.
To prevent tunneling in the future, make sure to always burn your candle long enough for the entire surface to melt evenly.
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Avoid excess fragrance oil to prevent wax from going non-combustible
A candle flame requires three essential ingredients: fuel, oxygen, and heat. If any of these elements are missing or disrupted, the flame will go out. One common reason for this is that the fragrance oil used contains non-combustible ingredients that accumulate in the melt pool as the candle burns. Eventually, the melt pool may contain so much non-combustible material that it can no longer fuel the flame, causing it to go out.
To prevent this issue, it is important to avoid using excess fragrance oil in your candles, especially if it is not optimised for candle-making. Fragrance oils from general craft supply stores may not be suitable for candles, as they are often not tested for this specific use. Instead, opt for fragrances that are specifically designed and tested for candle-making, as these are less likely to contain non-combustible ingredients that can affect the fuel source.
Additionally, it is important to regularly trim your candle wicks to the appropriate length. This helps to ensure a stable flame and prevents the wick from curling or "mushrooming" into the wax pool. If your wick is too long, it may be difficult for the wax to flow to the top, making it harder for the candle to stay lit. Aim to keep your wicks about 1/4" or 6mm above the surface of the wax.
By following these tips and choosing the right fragrance oils and wick sizes, you can help prevent your candles from becoming non-combustible due to excess fragrance oil. This will allow you to enjoy your candles for longer and get the most out of your purchase.
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Dispose of wax safely to prevent environmental damage
Candle wax can be incredibly damaging to the environment, especially if it is scented, due to the chemicals used in the manufacturing process. To dispose of a burnt-out candle safely, you need to remove the remaining wax from the jar so that it can be repurposed or recycled, and the wax safely reused or disposed of in a way that won't contribute to pollution.
One way to do this is by filling the jar with boiling water, allowing the wax to melt and rise to the surface as the water cools. You might want to use a tool to help dig the wax up from the bottom of the jar, being careful not to burn yourself.
Once you have removed the wax from the jar, you can choose to repurpose or recycle it. Some people choose to bury their wax, especially if they have used the candle for a specific purpose, such as a spell or ritual. Others choose to melt the wax down and create a new candle by adding a wick.
If you choose to dispose of the wax, it is important to do so in a way that won't contribute to pollution. Do not pour wax down the drain, as it can cause blockages and harm the environment. Instead, let the wax cool and solidify, and then place it in the trash.
By following these steps, you can safely dispose of candle wax and protect the environment.
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Reuse wax for wax melts or new candles
When your candle is dying, you can reuse the wax to make wax melts or new candles. This is a great way to reduce waste and be environmentally friendly. Here are some steps to guide you through the process:
Removing Wax from the Jar
Firstly, you need to remove the remaining wax from the jar. Fill the jar with boiling water, allowing the wax to melt and rise to the surface as the water cools. Use a tool to carefully dig out the wax from the jar. Be cautious to avoid any burns.
Melting the Wax
Once you have removed the wax, you can melt it down to create new wax melts or candles. Use a double boiler or a heat-safe container placed in a pot of boiling water to melt the wax gently. Ensure the wax melts completely, stirring occasionally for even melting.
Adding Fragrance (Optional)
If you want to add fragrance to your wax, this is the step to do so. Fragrance oils or essential oils can be added to the melted wax. Stir well to ensure even distribution. Be cautious when choosing fragrance oils, as some may not be suitable for candle-making and can cause the candle to stop burning.
Pouring the Wax
Prepare your moulds or containers for your wax melts or new candles. You can use silicone moulds or heat-safe containers. Pour the melted wax carefully into your chosen moulds or containers. If you are making wax melts, you can add wicks before the wax hardens.
Setting and Curing
Allow the wax to harden completely. This may take several hours or even a day, depending on the size and depth of your wax melts or candles. Once hardened, your new wax melts or candles are ready for use!
Remember to always be cautious when handling hot wax and boiling water. Enjoy your new creations and reduce waste by reusing your old candle wax!
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Frequently asked questions
This could be due to several reasons. Firstly, check if your candle has tunnelled, which is when a hole forms in the centre, leaving unused wax at the edges. If this is the case, try draining the excess melted wax from the area around the wick to give it space to burn. Alternatively, the wick might be too long, making it difficult for the wax to flow to the top and stay lit. Aim to keep your wicks about 1/4" or 6mm above the wax surface.
To prevent tunnelling, ensure you burn the candle long enough for the entire surface to melt before blowing it out. This usually takes around one to two hours, depending on the candle size. Allowing the entire surface to melt will prevent wax "memory" from causing the same area to melt each time.
If your wick is too short, use a heat gun, blow dryer, or long wand candle lighter to melt the surrounding wax. Then, use tweezers or a Q-tip to adjust the wick to an upright position, ensuring it sticks out above the wax surface. Hold it in place until the wax cools.
Leftover candle wax can be reused or recycled. You can melt it down to create new candles or wax seals. However, be cautious when pouring the melted wax due to its high temperature. Alternatively, you can dispose of the wax responsibly to minimise environmental impact.
