The Hidden World of Candle Tunnelling: Why Candles Tunnel (2024)

Understanding Candle Tunnelling

Candle tunnelling occurs when a candle burns down the middle, leaving a ring of unburned wax around the sides. Not only is it unsightly, but it also shortens the life of your candle, as the unused wax goes to waste.

Why Candles Tunnel

There are several reasons why candles tunnel, including:

1. Insufficient burn time: If you don’t burn your candle long enough for the entire surface to melt during the first burn, it can cause tunnelling in future burns.
2. Improper wick size: A wick that’s too small for the candle’s diameter may not produce enough heat to melt the entire surface, leading to tunnelling.
3. Low-quality wax: Inferior wax may not burn as evenly, causing tunnelling issues.

How to Prevent Candle Tunnelling

Here are some tips to prevent candle tunnelling and get the most out of your candles:

1. Allow for a full melt pool: During the first burn, let the candle burn until the entire surface has melted, which usually takes one hour per inch of candle diameter.
2. Choose the right wick size: Opt for candles with wicks sized appropriately for the candle diameter, ensuring an even burn.
3. Invest in high-quality candles: High-quality candles, like those from the Highland Candle Company, use premium wax and wicks, reducing the risk of tunnelling.

Highland Candle Company: Your Solution to Tunnel-Free Candles

At the Highland Candle Company, we use eco-friendly coconut and soy waxes in our candles, ensuring a clean and even burn. Our stunning range of candles, including Cairngorms, Ness, Skye, and Ullapool, are handcrafted to perfection, ensuring a tunnel-free experience. For more information on candle tunnelling, check out this helpful article from Candle Science.

How do I stop my candles from tunnelling?

To prevent tunnelling, ensure a full melt pool during the first burn, use candles with appropriately sized wicks, and invest in high-quality candles made from premium wax.

Why are my candles tunnelling after pouring?

Candles may tunnel after pouring due to improper wick size, poor wax quality, or insufficient cooling time. Make sure to use the right wick size and high-quality wax for an even burn.

Why do beeswax candles tunnel?

Beeswax candles may tunnel if the wick is too small, if they aren’t burned long enough during the first burn, or if they’re made with poor-quality beeswax. Choose candles with the correct wick size and high-quality beeswax to avoid tunnelling.

Are pillar candles supposed to tunnel?

Pillar candles should not tunnel if they’re made with high-quality wax and the appropriate wick size. Ensure a full melt pool during the first burn and use candles with properly sized wicks to prevent tunnelling.

Is it bad if a candle tunnels?

Tunnelling is undesirable because it shortens the life of your candle and wastes wax. It’s essential to follow proper candle-burning practices to prevent tunnelling and maximize the lifespan of your candles.

Can you fix a badly tunnelled candle?

While it can be challenging to fix a badly tunnelled candle, you can try to melt the remaining wax in a double boiler and pour it into a new container with a new wick, or use a heat gun to carefully melt the wax, allowing it to fill in the tunnel.

Why do homemade candles cave in?

Homemade candles may cave in if there’s an improper wick size, the wax is of low quality, or if they haven’t cooled long enough. Use the correct wick size and high-quality wax, and allow sufficient cooling time to prevent caving in.

How long should a candle sit after pouring?

A candle should sit undisturbed for at least 24 hours after pouring to ensure proper cooling and setting. Cooling time may vary depending on the size and type of wax used.

How do you make candles burn evenly?

To ensure an even burn, let the candle burn long enough to create a full melt pool during the first burn, use candles with the appropriate wick size, and invest in high-quality candles made from premium wax.