That sinking feeling when your favourite candle burns down the middle, leaving a ring of untouched wax? It’s the candle equivalent of a disappointing takeaway—all anticipation, no payoff. For candle enthusiasts, it’s wasted money and a disappointing experience. For makers and sellers? It's a potential reputation ruiner.
Tunnelling isn’t just an eyesore; it’s a sign your candle isn't performing as it should. It means less fragrance throw, a shorter lifespan, and a lot of frustration. But you can prevent it from happening.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to stop a candle from tunnelling while unpacking the science behind it and arming you with the knowledge to combat it. Whether you're burning your own creations or educating your customers, these tips and tricks will ensure your candles burn evenly, brightly and beautifully.
What is candle tunnelling?
Candle tunnelling, in simple terms, is when your candle burns straight down the middle, leaving a thick, unmelted wall of wax around the edge. It’s like digging a narrow shaft through a mountain, leaving most of the treasure untouched.
So, what causes this frustrating phenomenon? The answer lies in the melt pool—the pool of liquid wax that forms around the burning wick. Ideally, this melt pool should reach the edge of the container by the end of the second or third burn, ensuring even wax consumption. When it doesn't, the wick only melts the wax directly around it, creating that infamous tunnel.
Why is this such a big deal? Well, for starters, it’s a huge waste of wax. That untouched rim represents hours of potential burn time and fragrance release, literally going up in smoke (or rather, not going up in smoke). Tunnelling also leads to a weaker scent throw as less fragrance is released from the smaller melt pool. And let’s be honest, it just looks unsightly, dampening the whole candle experience.
Tunnelling isn’t the only candle conundrum out there, though. Keep an eye out for other pesky problems like mushrooming wicks (when the wick forms a large, charred ball) and excessive soot, both of which can impact the performance and aesthetics of your candles.
How to prevent a candle from tunnelling
Prevention is always better than cure, and when it comes to candle tunnelling, a few simple steps can make all the difference in making your candles burn evenly. Adopting these practices allows you to not only extend the lifespan and fragrance throw of your candles but also provide your customers with a dreamy candle experience.
Make the first burn long enough
The first burn is like planting a seed—with proper care, it will blossom into a beautiful, full bloom. Make sure you let it burn long enough for the melt pool to reach within a few millimetres of the edge of the container. This is important for establishing a good ‘wax memory’, which is the idea that you can train your candle to melt evenly from the start, preventing that pesky tunnel from ever forming. This might take a few hours, depending on the size of your candle:
- Small candles (up to 3 oz.): 1-2 hours
- Medium candles (4-8 oz.): 2-3 hours
- Large candles (9 oz. and above): 3-4 hours
Remember, these are general guidelines. The exact burn time might vary depending on the type of wax, fragrance load and other factors. The key is to ensure the entire top layer of wax is just about melted completely during the first burn.
Trim your wick to the right length
Before each burn, trim your wick to about 5mm. A long wick creates a larger flame, which can lead to uneven melting and the dreaded tunnelling. Proper wick trimming is key for a clean and even burn. It prevents mushrooming (when the wick forms a large, charred ball), reduces soot, and most importantly, promotes even wax melting.
Make it a habit to trim your wick before every lighting, using a good pair of wick trimmers or sharp scissors. Aim for a 5mm length, and if you notice any mushrooming or charring, remove it completely before relighting. A well-maintained wick is the foundation of a happy, healthy candle.
Keep your candle away from drafts
Drafts are the nemesis of a perfect candle burn. They cause the flame to flicker and dance, creating an uneven melt pool and wax build-up on one side of the container—a recipe for tunnelling. Think of it this way: a steady flame melts the wax evenly, like a gentle sun warming a field. A flickering flame, on the other hand, is like a capricious wind, creating unpredictable patterns and leaving some areas untouched.
So, where should you place your candle to avoid drafts?
- Away from windows and doors
- Away from air vents and fans
- Away from hallways/walkways where there’s lots of activity
- In cosy, sheltered corners
- Within a glass cloche or hurricane
Choose the right size container
The container you choose for your candle isn't just about aesthetics; it plays a crucial role in how your candle burns and can significantly impact whether or not tunnelling occurs. If the container is too wide for the wick, the melt pool might struggle to reach the edges, leading to tunnelling. Similarly, a small wick in a wide container won't generate enough heat to melt the wax all the way to the edges.
It's all about finding the right balance between the wick size and the diameter of your container. As a general rule of thumb:
- For small containers (up to 3 inches in diameter), use a small or medium wick.
- For medium containers (3-4 inches in diameter), use a medium or large wick.
- For large containers (4 inches and above), use a large or extra-large wick or consider double wicking your creation.
Of course, this is just a starting point. The ideal wick size will also depend on the type of wax you're using, the fragrance load, and other factors. Experimentation is key to finding the perfect fit for your candles.
Follow these simple tips, and you can significantly reduce the risk of tunnelling and set your candles up to burn flawlessly from start to finish. And remember, a well-cared-for candle not only looks and smells better but also lasts longer, providing hours of enjoyment and fragrant bliss!
How to stop a candle from tunnelling any further
Candle started tunnelling? Don't give up! We know that the first few burns are super important, but sometimes we can't leave it lit long enough. If this has happened to you, try the aluminium foil trick. It's like a mini sauna, melting that stubborn wax rim for an even burn. The heat melts the tunnel walls, giving your candle a fresh start.
Remember, this is great when your candle wasn't burned long enough at first, not for wicking problems. Here’s how to do it:
- Assess the tunnel: Before applying the foil, light your candle and observe how it burns for a few minutes. This allows you to see how deep the existing tunnel is and gauge how much of the surrounding wax needs to be melted down. This visual check will help you estimate how long you'll need to keep the foil on to achieve a full melt pool.
- Prepare the foil: Tear off a sheet of aluminium foil that's roughly twice the diameter of your candle container. This will provide enough overhang to fully cover the top and sides, creating a snug fit.
- Fashion a chimney: Use a sharp object like a pen or a toothpick to carefully create a hole in the centre of the foil. The hole should be about the size of a 5 pence coin—large enough for the flame to access oxygen and release some heat, but small enough to retain most of the warmth inside.
- Wrap and cover: Gently place the foil over the candle, ensuring it completely covers the top and extends down the sides to the rim of the container. Crimp the foil gently around the edges to create a secure dome shape, trapping the heat and directing it towards the wax.
- Burn and observe: Let your candle burn with the foil on for at least an hour, or longer if the tunnel is deep. The goal is to achieve a full melt pool that reaches the edges of the container. During this time, keep a close eye on your candle. If the foil starts to discolour or the flame appears too large or smoky, it's a sign that the foil is trapping too much heat. Carefully lift the edges of the foil slightly to allow more heat to escape.
- Remove and enjoy: Once the melt pool has reached the edges and the top layer of wax is fully melted, carefully remove the foil using a heat-resistant glove or utensil. Extinguish the flame and allow the wax to cool and solidify completely before relighting.
You should notice a significant improvement in the burn pattern, with the wax melting more evenly and the tunnel gradually disappearing with subsequent burns.
Safety first!
- Never leave a burning candle unattended. It's a basic rule of candle safety, but it's worth repeating. Even with the foil trick, it's crucial to keep a watchful eye on your candle at all times.
- Ensure there's at least a 1-inch gap between the flame and the foil at all times. This prevents the foil from catching fire and ensures proper air circulation.
- If the foil starts to discolour or the flame becomes unusually large or smoky, it's a sign that the foil is trapping too much heat. Carefully lift the edges of the foil slightly to create ventilation and allow excess heat to escape.
Wrapping up how to stop a candle from tunnelling
The aluminium foil trick is like a life jacket for your tunnelling candle; a simple rescue mission that can save it from a watery grave (or rather, a waxy one). While it might not perform miracles on severely tunnelled cases, it's certainly worth a shot before you declare your candle a lost cause.
But this trick is more than just a DIY fix, it's a chance to build rapport with your customers and show them you care about their candle experience. Sharing this knowledge, whether through a little booklet tucked into their order or a social media post for your follower base, positions you as a candle expert and shows that you're invested in their experience with your product beyond the sale.
There’s no doubt that your customers will appreciate the extra effort, and they'll see your candles as premium products worthy of their love and attention. It’s a win-win: happy customers, a glowing reputation, and candles that burn beautifully from the first light to the last flicker.