Why is my candle tunneling? Everything you need to know to avoid tunneling
A tunneling candle is a common problem, both with commercially produced and handmade candles. This phenomenon occurs when the wax melts only in the center around the wick, leaving a thick layer of solidified wax on the edges of the container.
The result: wasted wax, less effective fragrance diffusion, and a candle that lasts much less time than expected.
In this article, we will see why a candle dulls , how to avoid this problem from the first uses , and what solutions exist to fix a candle that has already dulled .
What is candle tunneling?
Tunneling occurs when the wax burns incompletely. The flame creates a tunnel around the wick, while the wax on the sides remains solid. Each time the candle is lit, it "remembers" this reduced diameter and continues to burn in the same way.
This phenomenon is particularly visible on jar candles or large diameter candles.
Why does a candle hollow out?
1. An initial combustion that was too short
The very first use of a candle is crucial. If the candle is extinguished before the entire surface of the wax has melted to the edges , it retains this initial melting pattern. On subsequent uses, the wax will continue to melt only in that area.
This is the most common cause of tunneling.
2. An unsuitable wick
A wick that is too thin, too short, or poorly centered will not generate enough heat to melt the wax across the entire width of the container. This can lead to:
- a flame that is too weak
- an uneven casting,
- a gradual deepening of the candle.
Each candle must be designed with a wick that is appropriate for the diameter of the jar and the type of wax used .
3. An unfavorable environment
The environment in which the candle burns also plays an important role:
- drafts,
- The room was too cold.
- non-planar surface
- very hard wax (paraffin or certain mixtures).
All these factors can prevent heat from being distributed properly and promote uneven melting of the wax.
How to prevent a candle from tunneling? The right steps
Treating the initial burn
To avoid tunneling, it is essential to let the candle burn until the entire surface is liquid , from the center to the edges of the container.
As a general rule:
- small containers: 1.5 to 2 hours,
- Medium-sized containers: 2 to 3 hours,
- Large containers: 3 to 4 hours.
This step creates a homogeneous "wax bath" and ensures even combustion thereafter.
Maintaining the wick
Before each ignition, it is recommended to:
- Trim the strand to approximately 5 mm .
- check that it remains properly centered.
- remove combustion residues.
A well-maintained wick produces a stable flame and sufficient heat for even melting.
Positioning your candle correctly
Always install your candle:
- on a flat surface,
- sheltered from drafts,
- in a room at room temperature.
This allows the heat to spread evenly throughout the wax.
How to recover from a candle that is falling?
Good news: a candle that is hollowing out is not necessarily lost.
Let it burn longer
If the tunnel is still shallow, sometimes it is enough to leave the candle lit for 3 to 4 hours so that the wax on the edges eventually melts and levels itself out.
The aluminum foil method
This method consists of:
- Wrap the top of the container with aluminum foil.
- leave an opening in the center above the flame,
- concentrate the heat to melt the wax on the sides.
Once the surface is uniformly liquid, remove the aluminum and allow the wax to solidify naturally.
Manual correction
For more pronounced tunnels, it is possible to:
- scrape off the excess wax from the edges,
- Gently heat the surface,
- Push the melted wax towards the center to create a flat surface around the wick.
Adapt the use according to the type of candle
Candles in large jars
The larger the diameter, the longer the burning time needs to be. Large candles require patience to avoid tunneling during the first few uses.
Hard waxes (paraffin or specific blends)
These waxes require more heat. A properly sized wick and sufficient burning time are essential for complete melting.
Handmade plant-based candles
Vegetable waxes (soy, rapeseed, coconut) have a very strong wax memory . It is therefore essential to ensure successful initial burns and to intervene quickly if tunneling begins.
In summary
Tunneling is not an irreversible defect, but the result of unsuitable combustion conditions. By adopting the correct practices from the first use, you can fully enjoy your spark plug:
- homogeneous combustion,
- better fragrance diffusion
- optimal lifespan.
Taking care of your candle prolongs the pleasure and respects the craftsmanship behind each creation.
