Have you ever looked at your candle and noticed it's burning straight down the middle, leaving a thick ring of wax around the edge?
If so, you've experienced something called candle tunnelling.
Don't worry, it's one of the most common issues candle lovers encounter, and in many cases, it's easy to prevent. Let's take a closer look at why it happens and how you can help your candle burn beautifully from beginning to end.
What is candle tunnelling?
Candle tunnelling happens when only the wax around the wick melts, creating a deep tunnel through the centre of the candle while the wax around the outside remains untouched. Not only does this mean you're missing out on some of your candle, but it can also affect how well the fragrance fills your room.
Why does it happen?
he most common cause of tunnelling is not allowing your candle to burn for long enough during its first few uses. A candle naturally follows the path created during that first burn. If only the centre melts, it's likely to continue burning that way each time you light it.
Other things that can contribute include:
🕯️ Extinguishing the candle too soon.
🌬️ Burning your candle in a draught, causing the flame to burn unevenly.
✂️ Not trimming the wick correctly before each burn.
Can candle tunnelling be prevented?
The good news is yes. A few simple habits can make all the difference.
🤍 Allow the first burn to create a full melt pool that reaches almost to the edge of the vessel.
🤍 Trim the wick to around 5mm before each burn.
🤍 Burn your candle on a flat, stable surface away from draughts.
🤍 Never leave a candle burning for longer than the manufacturer's recommended time.
These small steps help your candle burn more evenly and allow you to enjoy every bit of beautifully scented wax.
Can it be fixed?
If your candle has only just started tunnelling, allowing it to burn for a little longer may help the melt pool catch up. For more significant tunnelling, some candle lovers use the foil method, where aluminium foil is loosely wrapped around the top of the candle to reflect heat back towards the edges of the wax.
If you choose to try this, always monitor your candle carefully, follow the candle manufacturer's guidance and never leave a burning candle unattended.
Every candle deserves a little care
A beautifully made candle is designed to bring warmth, fragrance and comfort into your home. With just a little care, you can enjoy a cleaner burn, a stronger fragrance and many more cosy evenings before it's time to light your next favourite scent.
Sometimes, it's the smallest habits that make the biggest difference.
🤍 Here's to life's little moments.
With love,
Tracie x
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