What is tunneling in candles?
Tunneling refers to the formation of a hole down the middle of a candle while it burns, leaving unused wax on the sides. This can prevent the candle from burning evenly and greatly reduce its burn time. Tunneling is a common problem that many candle lovers encounter, but there are several methods you can employ to prevent it and ensure your candles burn evenly throughout their lifespan.
Trim the wick before each use
One of the main causes of tunneling in candles is an untrimmed wick. When the wick is too long, it can result in a larger flame that burns the wax unevenly. To prevent tunneling, make sure to trim the wick to a quarter of an inch before each use. This will help to create a smaller, more controlled flame that will burn the wax evenly and reduce the likelihood of tunneling.
Burn the candle for an extended period of time
Another common reason for tunneling is not allowing the candle to burn long enough during each use. When you only burn a candle for a short amount of time and then extinguish it, the wax around the edges may not melt completely, resulting in tunneling. To prevent this, make sure to burn your candle for at least one hour for every inch in diameter. This will ensure that the entire top layer of wax melts and prevents tunneling.
Avoid burning candle in a drafty area
Air drafts can also contribute to tunneling in candles. When a candle is exposed to a draft, it may burn unevenly and increase the likelihood of tunneling. To prevent this, make sure to burn your candles in a draft-free area. This could mean avoiding areas near open windows, vents, or fans. By eliminating air drafts, you can help ensure that your candles burn evenly and reduce the chances of tunneling.
Utilize a candle warmer
If you find that your candles consistently tunnel despite following the above tips, you may want to consider using a candle warmer instead. A candle warmer is a device that gently heats the wax of the candle without a flame. This allows the wax to melt uniformly and prevents tunneling. Simply place your candle on the warmer and let it melt until the desired fragrance is released. Candle warmers can be a great alternative for those who want to enjoy the fragrance of a candle without the risk of tunneling.
