Candles offer a soothing ambiance, filling our homes with delightful fragrances and a warm, comforting glow. However, all too often, we encounter the dreaded “tunneling” effect – where the candle burns down the center, leaving a ring of unused wax clinging to the sides. This not only wastes wax but also reduces the candle’s burn time and scent throw. Fear not, candle enthusiasts! This comprehensive guide provides several proven methods to fix a tunneled candle and get the most out of your favorite scents.
### Understanding Candle Tunneling
Before diving into the solutions, it’s crucial to understand why tunneling occurs in the first place. Tunneling happens when a candle doesn’t burn for long enough to melt the wax across the entire surface during its initial burns. This creates a “memory ring” – the wax melts to the same point each time, resulting in a tunnel. Several factors contribute to tunneling:
* **Insufficient Burn Time:** The primary cause is not allowing the candle to burn long enough for the wax pool to reach the edges of the jar on its first few burns.
* **Small Wick:** A wick that’s too small for the diameter of the candle won’t generate enough heat to melt the wax evenly.
* **Drafts:** Drafts can cause the flame to flicker and burn unevenly, leading to uneven melting and tunneling.
* **Low-Quality Wax:** Some waxes are more prone to tunneling than others.
* **Incorrect Candle Size for the Room:** A large candle in a small room might not burn correctly as it doesn’t get enough ventilation and even heat distribution.
### Prevention is Better Than Cure: Preventing Tunneling From the Start
The best way to deal with tunneling is to prevent it in the first place. Here are some essential tips to ensure your candles burn evenly from the beginning:
* **The First Burn is Crucial:** This is the most important step. On the first burn, let the candle burn for at least 2-3 hours, or until the entire top layer of wax has melted completely across the surface, reaching the edges of the jar. This establishes the candle’s “memory ring” and ensures even burning in subsequent uses.
* **Burn Time Matters:** For subsequent burns, always burn the candle long enough for the wax pool to reach the edges. Avoid short burns that only melt the center.
* **Trim the Wick Regularly:** Keep the wick trimmed to ¼ inch before each burn. This prevents excessive smoking, sooting, and uneven burning. Use a wick trimmer, nail clippers, or scissors to trim the wick.
* **Avoid Drafts:** Place candles away from drafts caused by open windows, fans, or air conditioning vents. Drafts cause the flame to flicker and burn unevenly, leading to tunneling.
* **Choose the Right Candle Size:** Select a candle size appropriate for the room. A large candle in a small room may not burn evenly, while a small candle in a large room may not provide sufficient fragrance.
* **Consider Candle Material:** Soy candles tend to burn cleaner and more evenly than paraffin candles. Consider the candle material before making a purchase.
### Fixing a Tunneled Candle: Step-by-Step Solutions
If your candle has already started to tunnel, don’t worry! Several effective methods can rescue it. Here are some of the most popular and reliable techniques:
**1. The Foil Method (The “Oven” Method):**
This method uses aluminum foil to create a mini-oven around the candle, trapping heat and melting the excess wax on the sides.
* **Materials:**
* Aluminum foil
* Scissors or a knife (optional)
* **Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Foil:** Cut a large sheet of aluminum foil, enough to wrap around the top of the candle jar.
2. **Create a Tent:** Wrap the foil around the top of the candle, creating a tent-like structure. Leave an opening (about 1 inch in diameter) in the center of the foil around the wick to allow the candle to burn and prevent the flame from being smothered. You want to direct the heat downwards.
3. **Burn the Candle:** Light the candle and let it burn for 2-4 hours, or until the excess wax on the sides has melted and the wax pool is even with the rest of the candle. Monitor the candle closely.
4. **Remove the Foil:** Once the wax has melted evenly, carefully remove the foil using oven mitts or tongs as the foil will be hot.
5. **Let it Cool:** Allow the candle to cool and solidify completely before burning it again.
6. **Trim the Wick:** Before the next burn, trim the wick to ¼ inch to ensure a clean, even burn.
* **Tips and Considerations:**
* Ensure the foil doesn’t touch the flame.
* Monitor the candle closely to prevent overheating.
* This method may take multiple attempts depending on the severity of the tunneling.
* Be extremely careful when removing the foil, as it can be very hot.
**2. The Heat Gun/Hair Dryer Method:**
This method uses direct heat to melt the excess wax.
* **Materials:**
* Heat gun or hair dryer
* Protective eyewear (optional)
* Spoon or spatula (optional)
* **Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Area:** Place the candle on a heat-resistant surface.
2. **Apply Heat:** Aim the heat gun or hair dryer at the sides of the candle, focusing on the areas where the wax is built up. Use a low heat setting and keep the heat gun or hair dryer moving to avoid overheating one spot.
3. **Melt the Wax:** As the wax melts, it will start to pool on the surface. Continue applying heat until the wax on the sides is melted and the wax pool is even.
4. **Optional: Remove Excess Wax:** If there’s too much excess wax, you can carefully scoop some out with a spoon or spatula while it’s melted. Dispose of the excess wax appropriately (do not pour it down the drain!).
5. **Let it Cool:** Allow the candle to cool and solidify completely before burning it again.
6. **Trim the Wick:** Trim the wick to ¼ inch before the next burn.
* **Tips and Considerations:**
* Be careful not to overheat the candle, as this can damage the wax or the jar.
* Keep the heat gun or hair dryer moving to distribute the heat evenly.
* This method is best suited for candles with relatively thin tunneling.
* Wear protective eyewear to prevent wax splatters from getting in your eyes.
**3. The Pouring Method:**
This method involves melting the entire top layer of wax and then pouring off the excess. This should be used very carefully and only if other methods fail.
* **Materials:**
* Double boiler or heat-safe bowl and saucepan
* Pliers or tongs
* Heat-resistant container for pouring
* Oven mitts
* **Instructions:**
1. **Melt the Wax:** Carefully melt the entire candle in a double boiler or a heat-safe bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water. Ensure the water doesn’t get into the wax. Alternatively, place the candle jar in the oven at a very low temperature (around 150-170°F) until the entire surface is melted. Monitor *very* carefully.
2. **Pour Off Excess Wax:** Once the wax is completely melted, carefully pour off the excess wax into a heat-resistant container. Use pliers or tongs to hold the candle jar, as it will be hot.
3. **Let it Cool:** Allow the remaining wax in the candle jar to cool and solidify completely.
4. **Trim the Wick:** Trim the wick to ¼ inch before the next burn.
* **Tips and Considerations:**
* This method is riskier as it involves handling hot wax and can potentially damage the candle jar if not done carefully.
* Be extremely careful not to burn yourself. Use oven mitts and pliers or tongs to handle hot containers.
* Ensure all water is completely kept away from the wax.
* Dispose of the excess wax properly. Do NOT pour down any drain as it can solidify and cause blockages.
* Consider the flash point of the wax and do not exceed a temperature that is unsafe for the specific candle wax.
**4. The Wick Boosting Method (Adding a Second Wick):**
If the wick is too small for the candle diameter, adding a second wick can help to melt the wax more evenly. This is best done on candles that haven’t been burned much.
* **Materials:**
* Additional candle wick (same size or slightly smaller than the original wick)
* Wick sticker or glue dots
* Pliers or tweezers
* **Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Wick:** Attach a wick sticker or glue dot to the bottom of the new wick.
2. **Position the Wick:** Carefully place the new wick on the opposite side of the original wick, ensuring it’s evenly spaced from the center. Use pliers or tweezers to help position the wick if necessary. Do not damage the original wick.
3. **Secure the Wick:** Press down firmly on the wick to secure it to the bottom of the jar.
4. **Burn the Candle:** Light both wicks and let the candle burn until the wax pool reaches the edges of the jar.
5. **Trim the Wicks:** Trim both wicks to ¼ inch before each subsequent burn.
* **Tips and Considerations:**
* Ensure the wicks are properly secured to the bottom of the jar to prevent them from falling over.
* Monitor the candle closely to prevent overheating.
* This method works best for candles with a relatively wide diameter.
* Make sure that the wicks are a safe distance away from the edges of the candle.
**5. The Spooning Method (For Small Tunneling):**
This is a manual and labor-intensive method best used for minor tunneling issues.
* **Materials:**
* Spoon (preferably a metal spoon)
* Paper towels
* **Instructions:**
1. **Soften the Wax:** Light the candle and let it burn for a short time (about 30-60 minutes) to soften the wax around the tunnel.
2. **Scoop the Wax:** Use the spoon to gently scoop out the excess wax from the edges of the tunnel. Be careful not to damage the wick.
3. **Remove the Wax:** Place the scooped-out wax onto a paper towel.
4. **Repeat:** Repeat the process until the surface of the wax is relatively even.
5. **Burn the Candle:** Burn the candle as usual, ensuring it burns long enough to create a full melt pool.
6. **Trim the Wick:** Trim the wick to ¼ inch before the next burn.
* **Tips and Considerations:**
* This method is time-consuming and may not be suitable for large tunnels.
* Be careful not to spill melted wax.
* It’s best used on candles with a firm wax consistency.
### General Tips for Candle Care and Maintenance
Regardless of the method you choose to fix a tunneled candle, here are some general tips to keep your candles burning beautifully:
* **Always Burn Within Sight:** Never leave a burning candle unattended.
* **Keep Away From Flammable Materials:** Keep candles away from curtains, furniture, and other flammable materials.
* **Keep Away From Children and Pets:** Place candles out of reach of children and pets.
* **Use a Candle Holder:** Always use a candle holder or heat-resistant surface to protect furniture.
* **Extinguish Properly:** Extinguish candles by gently blowing them out or using a candle snuffer. Avoid using water, as this can cause the wax to splatter and damage the wick.
* **Let Wax Cool Completely:** Allow the wax to cool and solidify completely before moving the candle.
* **Store Candles Properly:** Store candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. This helps prevent the wax from melting or discoloring.
* **Clean Up Spills Immediately:** If wax spills, clean it up immediately with a paper towel or cloth. You can also use a hairdryer to melt the wax and then wipe it up.
* **Consider a Candle Warmer:** If you want to enjoy the fragrance of your candle without burning it, consider using a candle warmer. These devices melt the wax without a flame, releasing the fragrance into the air.
### Conclusion
Tunneling doesn’t have to be the end of your favorite candle. By understanding the causes of tunneling and implementing the appropriate fixing methods, you can save your candles, maximize their burn time, and continue to enjoy their delightful fragrances. Remember that prevention is always the best approach, so be sure to follow the proper burning guidelines from the start. With a little care and attention, you can keep your candles burning evenly and beautifully for a long time. Enjoy the glow!