If you're a candle lover like me, you know that there's nothing quite like the ambiance and fragrance a candle brings to your space. But today, we're diving into a common issue that many candle enthusiasts face—candle tunneling!"
What is tunnelling?
Tunneling occurs when the candle burns down the center, leaving wax on the sides. This not only wastes wax but can also affect the candle's scent throw and overall burn quality. Let’s take a closer look at why this happens.
Candle tunneling can happen for several reasons, including:
1. Burning Time: If you burn a candle for too short a time, it won’t melt all the way to the edges.
2. Drafts: Airflow can cause uneven burning.
3. Wick Issues: A wick that’s too long can lead to an uneven flame. The wrong or faulty wick may have been used.
How to Prevent Candle Tunneling
1. Burn Time: Always burn your candle for at least 2-3 hour each time. This allows the wax to melt evenly.
2. Wick Trimming: Keep your wick trimmed to about 3 mm before each burn to ensure a steady flame.
3. Avoid Drafts: Place your candles in areas free from drafts and wind.
How to Fix Tunneling
1. My personal favorite: when the wax around the container has soften a little - use a wooden skewer to scrape and remove the side wax - you can then add a little a time back to wax pool when it develops.
2. Foil Method: Wrap aluminum foil around the top of the candle to trap heat and help melt the sides.
3. Heat Gun or Hair Dryer: Carefully use a heat source to melt the wax on the sides, but be cautious to avoid overheating.
Conclusion
And there you have it! With these tips and tricks, you can enjoy your candles without the frustration of tunneling. I
