Melted A Hole In Your Candle? Here’s Why It Happened And The Simple Fix
If you’ve ever been burning a candle, only to find a deep tunnel straight through the middle, you’re not alone. It feels wasteful and a little annoying, especially when there’s so much wax left untouched on the sides. The good news is this doesn’t mean you have a bad candle or made a mistake in the way most people think. It’s a common issue with a very simple explanation and an even simpler fix.
Why Candles Tunnel Instead Of Burning Evenly
That hole in the wax forms because the wax didn’t melt all the way to the edges of the candle during the first few times it was burnt. Candles continue to melt only as wide as they did the time before. So, if the flame is extinguished too early, the wax never learns to spread all the way to the edges. Over time, the flame just keeps digging downward instead. This happens more often with larger candles or when they are burned for short periods of time.
The First Burn Matters More Than You Think
Experts often call the first burn the most important one. Ideally, you want the melted wax pool to reach the edges of the container or candle before blowing it out. This can take one to three hours depending on the size of the candle. It might feel like a long time, but it sets the candle up to burn evenly for the rest of its life. Skipping this step is the fastest way to end up with that dreaded wax tunnel.
How Drafts And Wick Size Play A Role
Air movement can pull the flame in one direction, causing uneven melting too. Burning a candle near a fan, open window, or vent can encourage tunneling too, for this exact reason. Wick size matters too. A wick that is too small for the candle does not generate enough heat to melt the full surface. Some candles are simply poorly wicked, which means they need a little help to burn correctly.
The Simple Fix Using Foil
If your candle already has a hole in it, never fear, it can still be saved. Wrap a loose tent of aluminum foil around the top of the candle, leaving an opening for the flame. This traps heat and helps melt the wax along the edges. Let the candle burn until the surface evens out. Once the wax resets, remove the foil and continue to use the candle like normal. It feels almost too easy, but it works remarkably well.
Small Habits That Keep It From Happening Again
Trimming the wick to about a quarter inch before each burn helps control the flame and spread the heat out evenly. Burning candles long enough to create a full melt pool also makes a big difference. Avoid drafts when possible. These small habits keep candles burning evenly and help you get the full candle that you paid for, without wasted wax stuck to the sides.
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Candle tunneling looks like a candle destroyed, but once you know why it happens, it’s easy to prevent in the future and even easier to fix. With a bit of patience and a simple foil trick, your candles can burn beautifully from start to finish. And honestly, being able to save a favorite candle is a great feeling.
Bliss Donahue-Power
