Are you tired of your candle creating a tunnel while burning leaving the wax at the edges intact? This is called candle tunneling and is the most common issue among candle makers. But it won’t be a matter of concern any longer because you’re about to discover how to fix candle tunneling.
There can be many reasons behind candle tunneling, the most prominent one being too short wick size. If the wick is too short, the candle wax at the edges will not melt due to uneven heat distribution. As a consequence, you’ll see a ring-like formation in your candle jar which will eventually result in the formation of a tunnel in the center.
Not allowing the candle to burn for an adequate time on its first burn is another resulting factor for this problem. This not only wastes the wax but also harms the experience of enjoying the beauty of your candle. To resolve this problem, give this article a read and discover handy solutions to apply at home.
What Causes Candle Tunneling?
Here are a few possible reasons of candle tunneling:
- Short Wick: Too short wick size only holds the power to melt down nearby wax, resulting in candle tunneling.
- Low Room Temperature: Room temperature can also affect how your candle burns. If the temperature of the room is too low, the candle wax at the edges will not melt as it should.
- Memory Ring: Not allowing the candle to burn for longer when it is lit for the first time creates a memory ring. Thus, resulting in the creation of a tunnel right at the center.
How To Fix Candle Tunneling?
Fixing candle tunneling is possible with these 3 easy tricks:
1. Use Aluminium Foil Wrap
This is one of the most convenient ways to save your candle from tunneling down. All you need is a few (2-3) layers of aluminum foil to cover the mouth of the candle container. Remember to make a hole in the wrap because we don’t want the heat flame to unlit. Alternatively, you can also wrap the foil from around the corners while not covering the center (as shown in the image below).
This will create a roof-like structure over the container leaving the center for flame to combust. Either of the ways you follow, ensure not to burn your hands. The aluminum foil will help the heat distribute evenly and hold the edges warm.
With time, you’ll notice that the candle wax from the edges will melt down. Be cautious while taking the foil off from the container as it’ll be very hot.
2. Use a Heat Gun/Hair Dryer
Using a heat gun or hair dryer can quickly fix the issue of candle tunneling. Set the heat blow speed to the lowest and direct the heat gun (or hair dryer) towards the edges of the candle container. The heat will melt the wax in just a few seconds.
3. Invest In A Candle Topper
Candle toppers are an alternate solution for tunneling candles. These can be purchased online and serve the purpose you’re looking for. Generally recommended for covering single-wicked large candle containers, you simply need to place them on the jars as a lid. They save the flame from the draft of wind and work splendidly in making a candle melt more evenly.
What To Do With Unmelted Candle Wax?
If none of the above-listed ways on how to fix candle tunneling work for you, reuse the leftover wax in the following ways:
(i) Transform Into Wax Melts
This is one of the best workarounds for tunneling candles. If you can’t save your candle from tunneling, simply reheat the remaining wax in a double boiler. This method is super easy because you just need to place the container in boiled water (ensure no water droplet enters the candle container/jar). The wax will melt in some time, then stir it with a spatula or wooden spoon and pour it into a silicone mold or clamshells.
Bear in mind that you just need to heat the wax until it is warm and avoid overheating. This way, you’ll get wax melts that you can use with a wax burner. It is recommended to use wax melts with heat-resistant wax melt liners to avoid the hassles of after cleaning.
(ii) Use A Mug Warmer
If you don’t want to beat the bush thinking about leftover candle wax due to tunneling. Using a mug warmer can help utilize it to add a more delightful fragrance to your room. Place the candle container on the mug warmer and it’ll keep the fragrance going for the next few hours. Make sure to set the temperature to a point that only melts the candle slowly and doesn’t overheat the mug.
(iii) Scoop Out The Wax
Another feasible alternative before you is to scoop out the remaining unmelted wax. This can sound a little weird but works like a charm and don’t worry because you can make wax melts out of that wax. Sometimes an issue referred to as wax memory can also create an unwanted tunnel inside the candle. Then you can take out the remaining wax with a spoon, collect it, and reheat it to make wax melts.
Pro Tip: Clean the spoon with a tissue before the wax sets on it. Ensure you don’t directly wash the spoon as wax can clog the drain.
(iv) Replace The Wick
This is the last resort if you don’t want to use the just discussed three ways to use remaining wax. If you’ve never made a candle before, it is going to be a daunting task because you need to do a little research to select the right wick size for the remaining candle wax. Your first step is to order a candle container, a wick centering tool (you can also use ice cream sticks, they act like a wooden wick centering tool), and wick stickers. Once you have these things, place the wick into the container with the help of a wick sticker and wick centering tool.
Now fill a saucepan with 2-3 inches of water and boil it. Afterward, take it off the heat and place the candle container inside the pan. Allow a little time for the wax to melt, then carefully remove the wick. Stir the wax and once it melts completely, transfer it to the prepared container.
Then wait for a couple of hours before using the candle again.
This was all about how to fix candle tunneling at home. Nevertheless, it’s better to learn how to prevent candle tunneling before it happens. So continue reading.
Tips To Prevent Candle Tunneling
Here are a few tips which won’t cause a situation wherein you have to search how to fix candle tunneling:
- Never use a wick that doesn’t melt your candle 1 inch in diameter of the candle size with every passing hour.
- While lighting a candle, ensure to let the wick burn for a little longer so that the heat reaches across the candle’s edges.
- If you want to enjoy a scented candle optimally, then it is recommended to use it when you’ve time to enjoy it fully in one sitting.
- Place the candle in a room with moderate temperature and away from air drafts.
- If you’re going to use a candle over time, trim 1/4th of the wick every time before use to avoid tunneling.
- Use a candle with multiple wicks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What Is Candle Tunneling?
Candle tunneling happens when you observe that your candle wax isn’t melting from the edges but only from the center, creating a tunnel. This results in the wastage of wax and inappropriate burning.
2. What Are The Reasons Behind Candle Tunneling?
There isn’t one single reason behind this issue. Candle tunneling can occur when: (i) the wick of the candle is too short, (ii) due to low room temperature, or (iii) you don’t provide enough time for the candle to burn for longer for the first time.
3. What Is Wax Memory?
Wax memory is an issue that can happen when we don’t light a candle for long enough for the first time. This makes it troublesome for a part of the candle to melt because it restricts the melt pool from reaching across the edges completely. This can also result in candle tunneling.
Wrapping Up
It is always better to prevent the situation of candle tunneling (creation of a ring-like formation in your candle jar). But if it’s too late for that now, learning how to fix candle tunneling can assist you in saving your candle. To allow the candle to burn completely without any tunneling, you can use aluminum foil, a candle topper, a hair dryer, or a heat gun. Nevertheless, you can always play around with leftover candle wax to create wax melts out of them.