This is How You Fix and Prevent Candle Tunneling
September 14, 2023
source: @LUCYPARTS/INSTAGRAM
Candle lovers, we’ve all been there – you light your favorite candle, eagerly anticipating that soothing aroma to fill the room, only to be met with the frustration of candle tunneling. It’s that pesky phenomenon where you’re left with a solid wall of wax around the inside of the candle jar that just won’t seem to melt. But fear not, for I’m here to guide you on how to fix candle tunneling and ensure it never spoils your candle moments again.
What is Candle Tunneling?
Before we dive into the solutions, let’s get to the root of the problem. Candle tunneling usually happens when you don’t allow a new candle to burn long enough the first time you use it. It can also occur if the wick isn’t large enough or if it’s off-center. So, if you’ve encountered tunneling, don’t blame yourself – it’s a common issue, and there are ways to rectify it.
The Foil Fix
One of the most effective ways to combat candle tunneling is by using aluminum foil. Here’s how you can do it:
Take a piece of aluminum foil long enough to wrap around the outside edge of the candle.
Gently wrap the foil around the candle jar, making sure it reaches over the tunneled wax. Be careful to leave an open center so the flame can continue to burn as usual.
The magic of this method lies in the foil. It allows the flame to stay even and continuously radiate heat, which helps melt the leftover wax.
As the candle burns, you’ll notice the wax melting down and filling in the tunnel. It might take a little time, but patience is key to fixing this issue.
Other Ways to Fix Candle Tunneling
While the foil method is highly effective, there are a few other tricks you can try to rectify tunneling:
The Hairdryer Technique: If you’re in a hurry to fix tunneling, you can use a hairdryer. Hold the hairdryer about 6 inches away from the candle and aim it at the tunnel. The heat will soften the wax, allowing it to flow and fill in the tunnel. Be cautious not to overheat the candle or cause any damage.
Frequent Trimming: Proper wick maintenance is essential to prevent tunneling. Before lighting your candle each time, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch. This ensures a clean, even burn and helps prevent tunneling.
Longer Burn Times: When you first light a new candle, make sure to let it burn long enough to create a full melt pool across the entire surface. This could take a few hours, depending on the candle’s size. It’s a crucial step to prevent tunneling from occurring in the first place.
Wick Centering: Ensure that the wick is centered before each burn. If it’s off-center, gently reposition it using a wick dipper or a pair of tweezers when the wax is still soft.
Preventing Tunneling in the Future
Now that you’ve successfully fixed the tunneling issue, let’s discuss how to prevent it from happening again:
Follow the First Burn Rule: When you light a new candle, make sure to let it burn until the entire surface is a liquid pool. This sets the “memory” for the candle and helps it burn evenly in the future.
Trim Your Wick: Keep that wick trimmed to about 1/4 inch before each burn to avoid excessive soot and ensure an even burn.
Choose Quality Candles: Opt for candles made from high-quality materials, as they tend to burn more evenly. Cheap candles often have wicks that are too small or poorly centered.
Burn Time: Don’t leave your candle burning for too long. Extinguish it after 4 hours of continuous burning to prevent overheating and potential tunneling.
Candle tunneling may be frustrating, but it’s a common issue with simple solutions. Whether you use the foil method or employ other techniques, you can enjoy your favorite candles without the annoyance of uneven wax melt. Remember to practice proper candle care to prevent tunneling from happening in the first place, and your candle-lit moments will be nothing short of perfect.