Candle Helper - The Dangers of Candle Tunneling and How to Prevent It

Have you ever noticed that your candle isn't burning evenly, leaving a "tunnel" of wax around the wick? This phenomenon is called tunneling, and it can affect the way your candle burns and how long it lasts. In this article, we will explore what causes candle tunneling and how to prevent it.

What is Candle Tunneling?

Candle tunneling is when a candle burns straight down the center, leaving wax on the sides of the container. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including the type of wax, wick size, and burn time. Tunneling can be frustrating because it wastes wax and can make your candle burn faster than expected.

Causes of Candle Tunneling.

The most common cause of candle tunneling is not burning the candle for long enough during the first use. When you light a candle for the first time, it's important to let it burn until the wax melts all the way to the edge of the container. This will help to prevent tunneling and ensure that the candle burns evenly.

Other factors that can cause tunneling include the type of wax used in the candle. Some waxes, such as soy wax, are more prone to tunneling than others. Wicks that are too small can also cause tunneling because they don't create a large enough pool of wax to melt the wax around the edges of the container.

Using a wick that is the appropriate size for your candle is also important. A wick that is too small will not create enough heat to melt the wax around the edges, causing tunneling. On the other hand, a wick that is too large can create a flame that is too big and can cause the wax to burn too quickly.

Fortunately, there are several easy ways to prevent candle tunneling and ensure that your candles burn evenly from start to finish. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Trim the wick: Before lighting your candle, trim the wick to ¼ inch. A longer wick can cause the candle to burn too hot and fast, leading to tunneling.

2. Let it burn: When you light your candle for the first time, allow it to burn long enough to create a full melt pool (i.e., all the wax has melted to the edges). This may take several hours, depending on the size of your candle.

3. Burn for the right amount of time: To prevent tunneling, it's important to burn your candle for long enough each time you light it. Aim for at least 1 hour of burn time for every inch in diameter of your candle.

4. Keep it level: Ensure that your candle is on a level surface when burning. If it's tilted, the wax will melt unevenly and lead to tunneling.

5. Avoid drafts: Drafts can cause your candle to burn too quickly and unevenly. Keep your candle away from open windows, fans, and vents.

By following these simple tips, you can prevent candle tunneling and get the most out of your favorite candles. Not only will they look and smell great, but they'll also last longer, giving you more enjoyment for your money. 

In conclusion, candle tunneling can be frustrating, but it can be prevented with proper burning techniques. Choosing the right wax, wick size, and burn time can all help to prevent tunneling and ensure that your candle burns evenly and lasts longer. So the next time you light a candle, take a moment to ensure that you're burning it properly to prevent tunneling and get the most out of