Intro
How to fix candle tunnelling is a question you may be asking. This is a common issue that can compromise the overall candle quality and reduce burn time, affecting the release of fragrances. According to a survey conducted by the National Candle Association, approximately 7 out of 10 households in the United States use candles regularly, highlighting the widespread popularity of candles as a source of ambience and aroma (National Candle Association, n.d.).
How to Fix Candle Tunnelling
Fiona MacGregor, a seasoned candle maker with over 15 years of experience in the industry, shares her knowledge on how to fix candle tunnelling. In this article, we’ll discuss the best practices for preventing tunnelling in candles, including proper wick selection, burning techniques, and wax type, to help you get the most out of your candles and contribute to the $3.14 billion global candle market (Statista, 2021).
Wick Size: Choosing Properly Sized Wicks to Fix Candle Tunnelling
Selecting the right wick size is crucial in learning how to fix candle tunnelling. A wick that is too small for the candle’s diameter will struggle to generate enough heat to melt the wax evenly across the entire surface. On the other hand, a wick that is too large can create a large flame, producing excessive heat and causing the candle to burn unevenly. To choose a wick that is appropriate for your candle’s size and wax type, follow these steps:
Measure the diameter of your candle: Using a ruler or measuring tape, measure the diameter of your candle at its widest point. The diameter is the straight line that passes through the centre of the candle, connecting two points on its edge.
Consult a wick-sizing chart: Wick manufacturers often provide sizing charts that indicate the recommended wick size based on the candle’s diameter and wax type. You can find these charts on the manufacturer’s website or in candle-making supply stores. Look for the wick size that corresponds to the diameter of your candle and the type of wax you’re using.
Test burn the candle: When making your own candles, it’s essential to test the wick size to ensure it provides an even burn and prevents tunnelling. After choosing a wick size based on the chart, make a test candle and burn it for a few hours to observe how it performs. Adjust the wick size as needed based on your observations.
By following these steps, you can choose the appropriate wick size to fix candle tunnelling and ensure an even, consistent burn for your candles. Proper wick selection is key to preventing tunnelling and enhancing your overall candle-burning experience.
Case Study: John’s Wick Trimming Habit
John, a busy professional, enjoyed burning candles in his home office to create a relaxing atmosphere. However, he frequently experienced candle tunnelling and was unsure how to fix the issue. After reading about the importance of wick maintenance, John started trimming the wick to about ¼ inch before each burn.
He quickly noticed a difference in the way his candles burned, as the flames were more consistent and stable. By maintaining the wick, John was able to fix the tunnelling issue and extend the life of his candles, ultimately enjoying a more pleasant and consistent candle-burning experience.
Wax Type: The Importance of Quality Wax in Preventing Tunnelling
The type of wax used in a candle can impact how it burns. Some waxes, like soy or beeswax, have a slower burn time and can help prevent candle tunnelling. In contrast, paraffin wax tends to burn faster, which can contribute to tunnelling if not burned properly. To identify the type of wax used in a candle, consider the following tips:
Check the label: Many candles have labels that clearly state the type of wax used. Look for terms like “100% soy wax,” “beeswax,” “coconut wax,” or “paraffin wax” on the packaging or the bottom of the candle.
Examine the texture: Different wax types have distinct textures that can help you identify them. Soy wax is typically softer, with a smooth and creamy appearance, while beeswax is harder and has a slightly sticky feel. Paraffin wax, on the other hand, is usually harder than soy wax but not as hard as beeswax, and it may have a slightly oily texture.
Observe the colour: Natural waxes like soy and beeswax often have a characteristic colour that can help identify them. Soy wax is usually white or off-white, whereas beeswax has a warm, golden hue. Paraffin wax, however, can vary in colour as it’s often dyed, making it less reliable for wax identification.
Test the scent: Some waxes have a natural scent that can provide clues to their type. Beeswax often has a subtle, sweet honey-like aroma, while soy wax has a mild, neutral scent. Paraffin wax is typically odourless unless it’s scented with added fragrances.
Consult the manufacturer or retailer: If you’re still unsure about the type of wax used in a particular candle, you can reach out to the manufacturer or retailer for more information.
By identifying the type of wax used in a candle, you can better understand its burning characteristics and take appropriate measures to prevent tunnelling. Choosing candles made with quality wax, like soy or coconut, can help ensure a more enjoyable and tunnel-free candle-burning experience.
First Burn: Creating the Right Memory for Your Candle
The first burn sets the stage for how your candle will burn throughout its life. It’s crucial to ensure that the entire surface of the wax melts during the first burn, creating a “memory” for the candle. This process can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the candle’s size. Establishing a proper memory during the first burn can help prevent candle tunnelling in the long run. To ensure that the entire surface of the wax melts during the first burn, follow these steps:
Trim the wick: Before lighting the candle, trim the wick to approximately 1/4 inch in length. This helps promote an even burn and prevents the wick from producing excessive smoke or soot.
Find a draft-free area: Place the candle in a draft-free area to prevent uneven burning caused by air currents. Drafts can cause the flame to flicker, leading to an uneven melt pool.
Allow ample burn time: Depending on the size of your candle, the initial burn should last between 2 to 4 hours, or until the entire surface of the wax has melted. For larger candles, this may take longer. Be patient and avoid extinguishing the candle before the entire surface has melted, as this can lead to tunnelling.
Keep an eye on the burn: Monitor the candle during the first burn to ensure the wax is melting evenly across the surface. If you notice the wax melting unevenly, try rotating the candle to redistribute the heat or move it to a more draft-free location.
By following these steps to ensure the entire surface of the wax melts during the first burn, you’ll create a proper “memory” for your candle. This helps prevent tunnelling and prolongs the life of your candle, allowing you to fully enjoy its fragrance and ambience.
Burn Time: Ensuring a Consistent Burn
To prevent tunnelling, it’s essential to burn your candle for an adequate amount of time. As a general rule, allow your candle to burn for one hour per inch of its diameter. This will help ensure that the entire top surface of the candle melts evenly, preventing the formation of a tunnel.
Heat: Using External Heat Sources to Fix Candle Tunnelling
If you’re already experiencing tunnelling, there are ways to fix candle tunnelling using external heat sources. Two popular methods are the hair dryer method and the aluminium foil method. With the hair dryer method, carefully heat the candle’s surface with a hair dryer until the wax melts evenly. For the aluminium foil method, wrap the top of the candle in aluminium foil, leaving a small opening for the flame, and let the candle burn for a while. The foil will trap heat and help melt the wax evenly.
Hair Dryer Method on How to Fix Candle Tunnelling:
One candle lover mentioned that their favourite scented candle had tunnelled after a few uses, leaving a significant amount of wax around the edges. Determined to salvage the candle, they decided to try the hair dryer method. They used the hair dryer on a low heat setting, carefully directing the warm air towards the tunnelled wax. After a few minutes, the wax began to melt and even out, allowing the candle to burn evenly once again. They noted that the method not only fixed the tunnelling issue but also restored the candle’s fragrance throw.
Real-Life Example: The Hair Dryer Method
Emma, an avid candle collector, was disappointed when she discovered that one of her favourite candles had started tunnelling. Determined to salvage the candle, she decided to try the hair dryer method to fix the tunnelling issue.
Carefully holding the hair dryer a safe distance from the candle, Emma applied heat evenly to the surface until the wax melted, filling in the tunnel. She then allowed the candle to cool and solidify before lighting it again. To her relief, the candle burned evenly, and the tunnelling issue was resolved. Emma’s success with the hair dryer method highlights a practical and accessible solution for fixing candle tunnelling in the home.
Aluminium Foil Method on How to Fix Candle Tunnelling:
Another candle enthusiast shared their experience with a large pillar candle that had developed tunnelling. They decided to use the aluminium foil method to rectify the issue. They wrapped the top portion of the candle with aluminium foil, leaving a small opening for the flame. As the candle burned, the heat was trapped by the foil, causing the tunnelled wax to melt evenly. After about an hour, they removed the foil and found that the surface of the candle was now level, with no signs of tunnelling. They were able to continue enjoying the candle without any further issues.
Candle Care: Simple Practices to Prevent Tunnelling
Taking care of your candle can significantly reduce the likelihood of tunnelling. Trim the wick to about ¼ inch before each burn, and ensure the candle is placed on a stable and heat-resistant surface. Regularly cleaning the candle’s surface to remove any debris or dust can also help maintain an even burn and reduce the risk of tunnelling. Ideally, you should clean the candle’s surface before each use, or at least once a week if you burn it frequently.
Rotate Your Candles: Prevent Uneven Burning
Sometimes, the candle may start burning unevenly due to external factors like drafts or uneven surfaces. To counteract this and prevent tunnelling, rotate your candle 90 degrees every hour or so during the burn. This simple technique helps distribute the heat evenly, allowing the wax to melt consistently across the entire surface.
Store Candles Properly: Keep Away from Heat and Direct Sunlight
Proper storage is an essential part of candle care. When not in use, store your candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Exposure to high temperatures or sunlight can cause the wax to soften or become misshapen, which may contribute to tunnelling when the candle is burned.
Wax Softening: According to a study conducted by the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV, exposure to high temperatures can cause the wax to soften and lose its shape. This softening can lead to an uneven surface, which may contribute to tunnelling when the candle is burned.
Wax Discoloration: A study published in the Journal of the American Oil Chemists’ Society found that exposure to light, particularly ultraviolet (UV) radiation, can cause discolouration in wax (Pillai & Kuloor, 1967). This discolouration may not only affect the aesthetic appearance of the candle but also impact its performance, potentially leading to tunnelling or uneven burning.
Fragrance Deterioration: In a study on the stability of fragrances in scented candles, researchers found that improper storage conditions, such as exposure to high temperatures or direct sunlight, can cause the fragrance to deteriorate over time. This deterioration can affect the overall quality of the candle and its ability to release a consistent fragrance, which may indirectly contribute to tunnelling issues.
Choose Candles with a Wide Diameter
Candles with a wider diameter tend to burn more evenly as they provide more space for the wax to melt across the surface. When shopping for candles, opt for those with a larger diameter to minimize the risk of tunnelling. However, keep in mind that the wick size should still be appropriate for the candle’s size to ensure an even burn.
Dangers of Candle Tunnelling
While candle tunnelling may seem like a minor issue, it can pose some risks. Tunnelling can cause the wick to become unstable and lead to an uneven burn, increasing the likelihood of a candle flare-up or fire. Additionally, tunnelling can limit the release of fragrances from the candle, reducing its overall effectiveness. By taking the necessary precautions to prevent tunnelling, you can ensure a safer and more enjoyable candle-burning experience.
Frequently Asked Questions about Candle Tunnelling
Q: What types of candles are most susceptible to tunnelling?
A: Candles with a narrow diameter and an improperly sized wick are more prone to tunnelling. Additionally, lower-quality candles or those made with certain types of wax, like paraffin, may be more susceptible to tunnelling if not burned properly.
Q: Can I still use a candle that has tunnelled?
A: Yes, you can still use a tunnelled candle by fixing the tunnelling with external heat sources, like the hair dryer or aluminium foil methods mentioned earlier in the article. However, it’s important to monitor the candle closely while burning to ensure safety.
Q: How can I tell if my candle is tunnelling?
A: Signs of candle tunnelling include a narrow, deep hole forming around the wick and uneven melting of the wax along the candle’s edge. If you notice these issues, take steps to fix the tunnelling and prevent it from worsening.
Conclusion
The factors that contribute to candle tunnelling and implementing the tips and best practices discussed in this article on how to fix candle tunnelling, you can significantly reduce the chances of it happening and extend the life of your candles. Proper wick selection, quality wax, first-burn practices, and regular candle care are all essential aspects of preventing tunnelling and ensuring an enjoyable candle-burning experience.
By investing in luxury candles and taking the time to care for them, you can enjoy the delightful fragrances and ambience of your candles without the frustration of tunnelling. With an estimated 1.42 billion candles sold annually in the United States alone (National Candle Association, n.d.), it’s essential to maximize your candle enjoyment and promote safe burning practices. So, take action today to prevent and address candle tunnelling and enhance your candle-burning experience.
References:
National Candle Association. (n.d.). Industry Facts. Retrieved from https://candles.org/
Statista. (2021). Size of the global candle market from 2016 to 2027. Retrieved from https://www.statista.com/
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