A series of candle making blogs, tips and guides to help candlemakers from all skill levels improve their craft. This should allow the appropriate amount of time to melt the top layer of wax. The simplest way to prevent candle tunneling burn issues from occurring is to make sure that you are lighting your candle correctly. Does anyone have any tips on how to prevent this? Keep your eyes peeled for our emails, and there’s anybody else who you think would enjoy our content - please share our page! While this may be disappointing, it doesn’t mean that you can’t still enjoy your candle.

When the wax has all melted, carefully remove the aluminum foil using an oven mitt or other protection (the foil will be very hot!) The fist time you light your candle, you should allow it to burn long enough to melt the entire top layer of wax (from edge to edge) and about a 1/4″ deep. One way to fix a tunneling candle is to get the wax to a level that the flame can melt it all the way across the diameter of the candle. Some waxes, like our A27 Performance Soy Blend has been developed to be intentionally 'harder' meaning it has a higher melting point, making it more suitable for warmer climates, pillar candles or melts. This extremely common phenomenon is known as 'tunnelling'. If the tunneling is not corrected fast, the candle will continue to tunnel for the life of the candle. This is not enough time to properly melt larger candles fully and will inevitably result in tunneling. Being careful to not cut the wick or yourself. Put the hair dryer on the hottest setting and move it over the surface of the candle to melt the top layer. in a draft-free area to ensure that it will burn evenly. To do this, light the candle and then place a tent of aluminum foil over the top.

Skip to navigation Skip to content. Poke a hole in the top so that smoke can escape. Candle tunneling can occur in any candle, regardless of the quality or type of wax, but it is more likely to happen with cheap candles. Even if your candle tunneling is to the point that you can no longer light the wick, a candle warmer will still heat the existing wax enough to release gentle scents. Yes, you have probably been lighting candles incorrectly for years. If you are like me, picky about your scented candles (fragrance, look, etc. Wax has memory, and the first burn tends to set. Wax has memory, and the first burn tends to set the radius of the melt. Well, the good news is that you can fix the candle tunneling if you catch it fast enough. Home; Candles. Don’t worry though, scented tea lights are a great way of enhancing the atmosphere of your room without having to worry about burning a candle for long periods. The hot air will melt and smooth the wax, making it more level. While this may be disappointing, it doesn’t mean that you can’t still enjoy your candle. We have two common suggestions for this: 1) Scoop the higher wax out with a spoon or a butter knife until the flame can melt the wax evenly. You might still be able to save it. Unsuitable wax blend: An often-overlooked element as a cause for candle tunnelling is the type of wax used in the creation of the candle. I used soy wax chips that I bought from a candle store online. Your email address will not be published. However, this is only a guideline, and you should continue to check on the candle and blow it out only when the first layer of wax has completely melted. Free shipping on all orders over $75. Extinguishing a candle too early may lead to the formation of a tunnel. Even if your candle tunneling is to the point that you can no longer light the wick, a candle warmer will still heat the existing wax enough to release gentle scents. Candle Tunneling is when a candle burns down the centre, leaving a rim of hard wax around the outside.

Shop our entire collection of candles, including scents inspired by states, hometowns, memories and more! If the hairdryer doesn’t work, you can also try the oven. If you create a tunnel on the first burn, the next time you light the candle, it will melt the wax in the tunnel first, making it deeper and continuing to leave unmelted wax around the edges. Every single time you use that candle. ), Use an appropriate wax type for the type of candle you're making, Don't overload your candle with thick, viscous fragrance oil (this can make your wax harder to burn through). Candle tunneling is when the candle does not melt across the whole width of the candle and creates a tunnel straight down the center. As a general rule, it takes about one hour of burn time for each inch of the candle’s diameter. If you didn’t, you can still salvage the wax that was left stuck against the walls of the container.

Simply turn on the warmer whenever you are in the mood for that perfect fragrance. Instead, you can get a candle warmer, which warms the wax in the bottom of container candles. Yes, there is a correct way to light a candle. How to Prevent Candle Tunneling.

Download and use the free testing sheet put together by All Seasons Wax Company to fine-tune your process and research how to get the best result. The first burn is critical to prevent candle tunneling. The good news is it wasn’t your fault. Did you know that there is a correct way to light and use a candle? Irregular burning practices: Candles should always burn for long enough so that the wax pool has enough time to reach the edges of the candle vessel.

Just remember the next time you burn the candle, to burn it as if it was the first time. Subscribe to stay in the loop on new product launches, promotions, and more. Whilst visually unpleasant, and leading to wasted, unburnt wax, candle tunnelling is completely normal and, if you treat your candle correctly, avoidable. The bad news is you wasted money on a scented candle. As a general rule, it takes about one hour of burn time for each inch of the candle’s diameter. Wax has memory, and the first burn tends to set the radius of the melt. Then pull out the wax ring and you should be left with a flat candle again. Across our range you'll find different blends each meticulously crafted and balanced to help create candles which perform consistently in all conditions.