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Welcome to Original Wax
Orders placed between 19th December 2024 and 2nd January 2025 will be fulfilled by 10th January 2025. We apologize for any inconvenience!
Welcome to Original Wax
Orders placed between 19th December 2024 and 2nd January 2025 will be fulfilled by 10th January 2025. We apologize for any inconvenience!
Welcome to Original Wax
Orders placed between 19th December 2024 and 2nd January 2025 will be fulfilled by 10th January 2025. We apologize for any inconvenience!

What is candle tunneling and how to prevent it?

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...

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:

  • 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.

  • Wick Length: If the wick is too short or improperly sized for the candle, it may lead to inefficient burning and subsequent tunneling.

  • 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:

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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:

  • Burn the Candle Longer: This will allow the remaining wax around the wick to melt.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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