Why Do Candles Tunnel? Causes and Solutions for Even Burning
Have you ever lit a candle only to find that it burns down the center, leaving a tunnel of wax around the wick? This phenomenon is known as tunneling and is a common problem among candle enthusiasts. Not only does it waste valuable wax, but it also reduces the overall burn time and fragrance throw of the candle.
There are several reasons why candles tunnel. One common cause is the size of the wick. If the wick is too small for the diameter of the candle, it will not be able to melt the wax evenly across the surface. This can lead to a tunnel forming down the center of the candle.
Another cause of tunneling is the quality of the wax. If the wax is of poor quality or has been stored incorrectly, it may not melt evenly and can lead to tunneling. Additionally, if the candle is not burned long enough for the wax to melt all the way to the edges, it can create a tunnel that will continue to deepen with each subsequent burn.
Fortunately, there are several solutions to prevent tunneling and ensure even burning. These include trimming the wick before each burn, allowing the candle to burn for at least two hours on the first burn to create a full melt pool, and choosing high-quality, properly stored wax. By following these tips, you can enjoy a longer-lasting, more fragrant candle with a beautiful, even burn.
What is Tunneling?
When a candle burns down the center, leaving a thick wall of wax around the edge, it is known as tunneling. Tunneling occurs when the candle is not burned evenly, and the wax pool does not reach the edges of the container.
This can be frustrating for candle lovers, as it not only wastes wax but also affects the candle’s overall burn time and fragrance throw. Tunneling can also create an uneven surface, making it difficult to relight the candle.
How to Identify Tunneling
Tunneling is easy to identify. Look for a small wax pool in the center of the candle, surrounded by a thick wall of wax around the edges. You may also notice that the wick is buried deep within the wax, making it hard to light.
If you suspect your candle is tunneling, it’s important to address the issue early on. The longer you burn a candle with tunneling, the more difficult it becomes to fix the problem.
There are several causes of tunneling, including improper wick size, burning the candle for too short a time, or using a drafty location. In the next section, we’ll explore these causes in more detail and provide solutions to prevent tunneling from happening.
Causes of Tunneling
When you light a candle, you expect it to burn evenly and beautifully until the end. However, sometimes candles burn down the middle, leaving a tunnel of wax around the wick. This phenomenon is called tunneling, and it’s a common problem that can be caused by several factors.
Wick Size
The size of the wick is a crucial factor that can affect the way your candle burns. If the wick is too small, it won’t be able to melt the wax evenly, causing tunneling. On the other hand, if the wick is too large, it will burn the wax too quickly, creating a large flame that can also cause tunneling. It’s essential to choose the right wick size for your candle based on the diameter of the container and the type of wax you’re using.
Wax Quality
The quality of the wax can also affect the way your candle burns. Some types of wax are more prone to tunneling than others. For example, paraffin wax is known for tunneling because it has a high melting point and can create a hard wax shell that doesn’t melt evenly. Soy wax, on the other hand, has a lower melting point and is more likely to burn evenly. It’s essential to choose a high-quality wax that’s specifically designed for candle-making to avoid tunneling.
Drafts and Airflow
Drafts and airflow can also affect the way your candle burns. If there’s a draft in the room, it can cause the flame to flicker and burn unevenly, leading to tunneling. Similarly, if the candle is in a closed container with no airflow, it can create a hot spot that can cause tunneling. It’s important to place your candle in a draft-free area and ensure that there’s enough airflow around it to prevent tunneling.
Summary
In summary, several factors can cause tunneling in candles, including the size of the wick, the quality of the wax, and drafts and airflow. By choosing the right wick size, using high-quality wax, and placing your candle in a draft-free area with enough airflow, you can prevent tunneling and enjoy a beautiful, even burn.
Solutions for Even Burning
Now that we understand the causes of candle tunneling, let’s discuss some solutions to achieve even burning:
Trim Your Wick
One of the simplest solutions to prevent tunneling is to trim your wick. A long wick will cause the candle to burn too quickly, resulting in uneven melting and tunneling. To ensure an even burn, trim your wick to ¼ inch before each use. You can use scissors or a wick trimmer to do this.
Choose Quality Wax
The quality of the wax used in your candle can also affect the burn. Lower quality wax tends to tunnel more easily than higher quality wax. Look for candles made of soy wax or beeswax, as these are known to burn evenly and cleanly.
Avoid Drafts and Airflow
Drafts and airflow can cause uneven burning, so it’s important to place your candle in an area where it won’t be affected by these elements. Avoid placing your candle near open windows or doors, fans, air conditioning vents, or any other source of airflow.
Use a Candle Accessory
There are several candle accessories available that can help prevent tunneling and promote even burning. A candle topper, for example, can help distribute heat evenly and prevent drafts from affecting the flame. A wick dipper can also be used to extinguish the flame and ensure that the wick is centered and straight for the next burn.
Rotate Your Candle
To ensure that your candle burns evenly, it’s important to rotate it periodically. This will help distribute the wax evenly and prevent tunneling. Simply rotate your candle a quarter turn after each burn.
Use a Candle Warmer
If all else fails, you can use a candle warmer to melt the wax evenly without burning a wick. This will ensure that you get the most out of your candle, without any tunneling or waste.
- Trim your wick to ¼ inch before each use
- Choose quality wax
- Avoid drafts and airflow
- Use a candle accessory
- Rotate your candle
- Use a candle warmer
Conclusion
It can be frustrating when your candles tunnel, but it is a common problem that has simple solutions. The primary cause of tunneling is an incorrect burning method, such as not allowing the candle to burn for long enough to create a full melt pool. Other factors that can cause tunneling include the quality of the wax, the wick, and the container.
By following the tips and solutions provided in this article, you can prevent your candles from tunneling and enjoy an even burn. Remember to always trim your wick to a quarter of an inch before lighting, allow the candle to burn for at least two hours to create a full melt pool, and avoid burning candles in drafty areas.
If you have tried all the solutions and your candles still tunnel, it may be time to try a different brand or type of candle. Experiment with different waxes, wicks, and containers until you find the perfect combination for an even burn.
With the right burning techniques and candle selection, you can enjoy the full beauty and fragrance of your candles without the frustration of tunneling. Happy burning!
