Candle lovers and DIY candle makers alike often encounter a common issue: candle tunnelling. That frustrating moment when your candle burns straight down the middle, leaving unburned wax around the edges. Fortunately, avoiding candle tunnelling is simple when you follow a few key steps. Whether you’re making candles at home or simply want to extend the life of your store-bought candles, these tips will help ensure a clean, even burn every time.
What Is Candle Tunnelling?
Candle tunnelling occurs when a candle burns straight down the middle, leaving a ring of un-melted wax around the edges. Over time, this reduces the life of your candle and wastes wax that should have burned. It’s often caused by improper burning habits or using the wrong wick size.
If you’re making your own candles, the good news is that tunnelling can easily be prevented with the right approach.
Top Tips to Prevent Candle Tunnelling
1. Choose the Right Wick SizeOne of the most important steps in candle making is selecting the correct wick size for your candle. A wick that’s too small won’t produce enough heat to create a full melt pool (the wax melted across the candle's surface), leading to tunnelling.
How to choose the right wick size:
- Measure the diameter of your candle container.
- Refer to a wick sizing guide for the wax type you’re using.
- For wide containers, consider using a larger wick or multiple wicks for even burning.
- Wooden wicks are an excellent option for more even heat distribution and slower burn times.
2. Position Your Wick Perfectly in the Centre
If your wick isn’t centred, you’ll likely end up with uneven burning. Always ensure the wick is dead centre in the container. Using a wick centering tool, or something to stick the wick to the bottom can help with precision, especially when pouring hot wax into your candle jar.
3. Burn Your Candle Long Enough on the First BurnThe first burn is crucial to prevent tunnelling. When you light your candle for the first time, allow it to burn long enough so that the wax melts all the way to the edges. This can take anywhere from 1-3 hours, depending on the size of your candle.
Why is this important?
Wax has a memory! If you extinguish your candle before a full melt pool is achieved, it will continue to tunnel on future burns.
Regular wick maintenance can go a long way in preventing tunnelling. Trim your wick to about 1/4 inch before each burn to help the candle burn evenly and prevent excess soot and smoking. A well-trimmed wick encourages a slow, controlled flame and minimizes the risk of tunnelling.
5. Pour Wax at the Right Temperature When Making Your Own CandlesIf you’re a DIY candle maker, the temperature at which you pour your wax plays a big role in how your candle burns. Pouring wax that is too hot or too cold can result in an uneven surface or cause air pockets, both of which can lead to tunnelling.
Tip for perfect wax pouring:
- Aim for around 60-65°C (140-150°F) when pouring your wax into the container. This will vary depending on the type of wax.
- Ensure your working environment is free from drafts to allow the wax to set evenly.
Already experiencing tunnelling? Don’t throw out that candle just yet! You can fix tunnelling with a simple trick involving aluminium foil. Wrap foil around the top of the candle, leaving a small opening at the centre. Light the candle and allow it to burn for a few hours—the foil will help direct heat to the edges, melting the leftover wax.
7. Consider Wooden Wicks for a Smoother BurnWooden wicks are an excellent choice for those looking to minimize tunnelling. They tend to burn more evenly than traditional cotton wicks and help distribute heat better, which leads to a more consistent melt pool. Plus, the crackling sound of wooden wicks adds an extra sensory element to your candle experience.
The Best DIY Candle Kits for a Perfect Burn
Ready to start making your own candles? Our DIY candle-making kits at Art & Parcel come with perfectly sized wooden wicks, premium wax, and all the tools you need for flawless candles. Whether you’re new to candle making or a seasoned pro, our kits are designed to help you create candles that burn evenly, last longer, and smell amazing.
Final Thoughts: Take Your Candle Care to the Next Level
By following these simple steps, you can easily avoid candle tunnelling and enjoy a longer-lasting, more beautiful candle. Whether you’re buying candles or making your own, it’s all about choosing the right wick size, burning your candle properly from the start, and practicing good wick care.
Looking to perfect your candle-making craft? Check out our DIY candle kits for everything you need to create candles that burn just right—every time. Explore our range now!