Why does the candle tunnel and how to fix it?

You often ask why the candle does not burn out completely, and the wax remains on the walls of the container after extinguishing it. You do not like this phenomenon and rightly consider it a kind of "waste" of wax. What are the causes of candle tunneling and how to remedy it? Here is a practical guide with answers to the question of why the candle tunnels and how to fix it.

Why the candle tunnels and how to fix it?

Scented and decorative candles are commonly used to create ambiance, add warmth and provide fragrances in our homes. Unfortunately, one of the most common frustrations of candle users is a phenomenon known as tunneling. In this blog post, we'll discuss why candles tunnel, the main causes of this problem, and how to prevent it and fix the tunnels that already exist.

What is candle tunneling?

Candle tunneling occurs when only the central part of the wax around the wick melts, leaving thick rings of unused wax on the sides of the vessel. Instead of the wax melting evenly over the entire surface of the candle, the flame forms a tunnel down through the center of the. This phenomenon not only shortens the life of the candle, but also reduces the intensity of its fragrance and the aesthetics of the product.

Why the candle tunnels?

There are several main reasons why candles can tunnel:

1. Candle burning time too short: This is the most common cause of candle tunneling. Burning the candle long enough is crucial for continued use. If the candle is not allowed to burn long enough for the entire wax surface to melt it can initiate tunneling. Depending on the diameter of the candle, burning should last from 2 to 4 hours. This time may vary depending on the number of wicks and the type of wick (e.g., wooden wicks).
2. Mismatched wick: The wick should be properly selected for the size of the candle. For example, a wick that is too thin will not be able to melt the wax evenly over the entire surface of the candle.
3. Too cold environment: Burning a candle in a room that is too cold can cause the wax at the edges to harden too quickly before it has time to melt evenly. This is especially true for candles with wax that has a very high melting point.

How to prevent candle tunneling?

Preventing candle tunneling is easier than fixing it. Here are some steps you can take to avoid this problem:

• First smoking: Make sure the candle burns for a long enough time the first time so that the entire surface of the wax becomes liquid. Burning time depends on the diameter of the candle - usually 2 to 4 hours.
• Regular trimming of the wick: Trim the wick to the appropriate length (about 0.5 cm). A wick that is too long can cause uneven burning and kicking.
• Selection of candles with the right diameter: Larger diameter candles take longer to melt the wax evenly. It is worth paying attention to how long you plan to burn the candle at a given time.
• Proper storage: Store candles in a place with a stable temperature, away from direct sunlight and temperature extremes.
• A selection of high-quality candles: Invest in candles made from high quality wax and manufactured to the highest standards and norms. High-quality candles usually have better burning characteristics and are less prone to tunneling. You can find such candles in Candle World.

How to fix a tunneling candle?

If you have already experienced tunneling of your candle, all is not lost. There are several methods that can help repair a tunneling candle:

• Aluminum foil: One of the most popular ways to fix a tunneling candle is to use aluminum foil. Wrap the top of the candle from the outside with aluminum foil. The foil will help retain heat, which will speed up the even melting of the wax. Let the candle burn in this way for about an hour, until the entire surface of the wax has melted. Control the entire process.
• Manual correction: For smaller tunnels, you can manually remove excess wax around the tunnel. Use a knife or spoon to gently scrape off excess wax and level the surface.
• Candle caps: There are special candle caps, which can be placed on candles in glass. They help direct the heat back to the entire surface of the wax, preventing further tunneling.

Candle tunneling is a common problem, but it can be effectively prevented and repaired. Proper first burning, regular wick trimming, and choosing quality candles are key. If the candle is already tunneling, methods such as the use of aluminum foil or manual correction can help restore even burning. By taking care of your scented candles, you can enjoy their full potential and effectively avoid the frustration of tunneling.