Anyone who has ever used a candle has probably encountered the issue of tunneling. This phenomenon can be frustrating, especially when you want to fully enjoy your favorite scents. In this post, we will take a closer look at what candle tunneling is, why it occurs, and how to prevent it.
1. What is Candle Tunneling?
Candle tunneling is a phenomenon that occurs when the wax burns only along the edges of the wick, leaving a core of unburned wax in the center. As a result, a characteristic tunnel is formed, leading to wasted wax and a shortened burning time for the candle.
2. Why Does Tunneling Occur?
Tunneling can be caused by several factors:
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Insufficient Burning Time: When a candle is not burned long enough for the wax around the wick to melt, tunneling occurs. It is generally recommended to burn a candle for at least 1 hour for every 2.5 cm in diameter.
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Wick Length: If the wick is too short or improperly sized for the candle, it may lead to inefficient burning and subsequent tunneling.
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Low-Quality Wax: Wax of inferior quality or with a high number of additives may struggle with even burning, promoting tunneling.
3. How to Prevent Candle Tunneling?
To avoid candle tunneling, consider following these simple guidelines:
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Proper Burning Time: Try to burn the candle for a sufficient amount of time. Ideally, this should be at least 1 hour for every 2.5 cm (1 inch) in diameter.
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Trimming the Wick: Regularly trim the wick to about 0.5 cm (1/4 inch) before each use. An excessively long wick can lead to excessive smoking and inefficient burning.
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Choosing High-Quality Candles: Opt for candles made from natural wax, such as soy wax, which tend to burn evenly. Our candles at OriginalWax are carefully crafted from high-quality waxes, minimizing the risk of tunneling.
4. What to Do If Your Candle is Already Tunneling?
If you notice that your candle is already tunneling, there are a few ways to remedy the situation:
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Burn the Candle Longer: This will allow the remaining wax around the wick to melt.
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Use Aluminum Foil: You can wrap the top of the candle with aluminum foil to create a tent, helping to retain heat and allow the wax to melt evenly.
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Shorten the Wick: If the wick is too long, trimming it to the appropriate length can improve burning efficiency.
Conclusion
Candle tunneling is a common problem that can easily be avoided by following a few simple guidelines. Remember to burn your candle for the right amount of time, trim the wick regularly, and choose high-quality candles. At OriginalWax, we ensure that our candles are meticulously crafted so that you can fully enjoy their fragrance and aesthetics.