There’s nothing quite like lighting a candle and enjoying the cozy ambiance it creates. But what happens when your candle starts to burn unevenly, leaving a hollow ring of wax around the wick? This frustrating issue is called candle tunneling, and it not only wastes wax but also prevents you from getting the most out of your candle.
In this post, we’ll explore what causes candle tunneling and how you can fix it, so your candle burns evenly and beautifully every time.
What Is Candle Tunneling?
Candle tunneling occurs when only the center of the candle melts while the outer edges remain untouched. This creates a tunnel effect, with a deep well forming around the wick, leaving wax on the sides of the container. Over time, tunneling can cause the wick to drown in the surrounding wax, making it difficult to keep the candle lit and shortening its overall burn time.
What Causes Candle Tunneling?
Several factors can contribute to candle tunneling:
- Short Burn Times: One of the most common causes of tunneling is not allowing the candle to burn long enough on the first use. Candles should be burned for at least 2-4 hours during their initial burn. This allows the wax to melt across the entire surface and prevents a tunnel from forming.
- Wick Size: A wick that is too small for the candle’s size can lead to tunneling. If the wick doesn’t generate enough heat to melt the full diameter of wax, the flame will only burn the center, leaving the edges untouched.
- Drafty Conditions: Drafts from fans, open windows, or vents can cause uneven burning, resulting in tunneling. The airflow can tilt the flame to one side, preventing it from evenly heating the wax.
- Wax Formula: Sometimes, the wax blend used in candles can affect how it burns. Softer waxes may melt faster but have a lower melting point, while harder waxes may need more time to fully melt across the surface.
How to Fix Candle Tunneling While Burning
If you notice your candle beginning to tunnel, don’t worry! There are a few methods you can use to fix it while the candle is still burning.
1. The Aluminum Foil Method
One of the most effective ways to fix candle tunneling is by using the aluminum foil method. Here’s how to do it:
- Cut a piece of aluminum foil that’s large enough to wrap around the top of the candle.
- Create a tent shape by folding the foil in half and wrapping it around the candle’s edge, leaving a small opening at the center for the flame.
- Let the candle burn for about 30 minutes to an hour. The foil helps to trap heat, allowing the outer wax to melt evenly across the surface.
- Once the wax has leveled out, carefully remove the foil and continue burning the candle as usual.
2. Burn for Longer Periods
To prevent tunneling from worsening, make sure you’re burning your candle long enough each time you light it. As a general rule, burn the candle for one hour per inch of diameter. For example, if your candle is 3 inches wide, it should burn for at least 3 hours to ensure an even melt pool.
3. Trim the Wick
A long or crooked wick can cause uneven burning. Always trim the wick to about ¼ inch before lighting your candle to ensure a controlled, steady flame. This helps prevent tunneling and promotes an even burn.
4. Use a Candle Warmer
If tunneling becomes severe, and the wick is no longer able to melt the wax properly, you can use a candle warmer. A candle warmer gently heats the entire candle from the bottom, melting the wax evenly and releasing the fragrance without relying on the wick.
Preventing Candle Tunneling
The best way to avoid tunneling is by taking some simple steps to prevent it from happening in the first place:
- First Burn Matters: Always allow the candle to burn until the entire surface has melted on the first burn. This sets the stage for how the candle will burn throughout its life.
- Even Environment: Avoid placing your candle in drafty areas. Airflow can cause uneven burning, so place your candle in a stable environment.
- Correct Wick Size: Choose candles with appropriately sized wicks. At Mrs. Frizz & Co., we carefully size our wicks to match the candle’s diameter for an optimal burn.
Candle tunneling can be frustrating, but with these tips, you can fix the problem and get back to enjoying your candle’s full burn potential. Whether it’s through the aluminum foil trick or simply practicing good burning habits, you can ensure your candle lasts longer and burns evenly.
At Mrs. Frizz & Co., we pride ourselves on crafting candles that burn beautifully from start to finish. Explore our collection today and experience the difference for yourself!
