Can You Reverse Candle Tunneling?

What Is Candle Tunneling?

Candle tunneling refers to when a hole or a tunnel forms down the center of a candle as it burns (https://tlccandleco.com/blogs/tlc-talks/what-is-candle-tunneling-and-how-do-you-prevent-it). This happens when the wax around the wick melts faster than the wax further out towards the edges of the container. The result is a deep, narrow tunnel in the candle.

Tunneling is caused by an improper wick size to wax pool ratio (https://www.harlemcandlecompany.com/blogs/journal/candle-care-101-how-to-fix-prevent-candle-tunneling). Ideally, the wax immediately surrounding the wick should melt at the same rate as the rest of the top layer of wax. If the wick is too large for the diameter of the candle, it will create too much heat and tunnel down through the center without melting the outer wax evenly.

Why Does Tunneling Happen?

Tunneling typically occurs for two main reasons:

The first is that the wick is too small for the volume of wax or the width of the vessel (Source). A wick that is too small will not be able to melt all of the wax surrounding it as the flame is not large enough. This results in just a tunnel of melted wax around the wick, while the rest remains solid.

Secondly, tunneling can be caused by pouring the wax at too low of a temperature (Source). The wax needs to be hot enough when poured to create a cohesive structure. If poured while too cool, the wax will not adhere properly and can result in tunneling during burning.

Preventing Tunneling

There are a few key tips for preventing tunneling in the first place:

Proper wick sizing is crucial. The wick must be wide enough to form a full melt pool, but not so wide that it burns too quickly and tunnels down. Most candle makers recommend testing different width wicks to find the optimal size for your wax type and candle dimensions. A general rule of thumb is the wider the candle diameter, the wider the wick should be.

Pouring wax at the right temperature is also important. Wax that is too hot when poured can contract too much as it cools, which causes tunneling. Aim for the manufacturer’s recommend pour temperature, around 150-165°F. Allow the wax to cool slightly between pours when making layered candles.

Other tips like allowing proper cure time and occasional “wicking up” as the candle burns can also prevent tunnels.

Fixing Tunneling Candles

There are a few different methods you can try to fix a tunneled candle and make it burn more evenly again. The first step is always to trim the wick, cutting it back down to the normal wick length for that candle [1]. This will help prevent the wick from bending over into the tunnel and ensure a proper flame size.

Next, you’ll want to address the uneven wax. One effective technique is to use a heat gun or hairdryer to gently re-melt and level out the wax surface [2]. Set the heat on low and slowly sweep over the tunneled areas until the wax softens and evens out. Be very careful not to overheat or scorch the wax. Work slowly and check often until the surface returns to smooth.

With the wick trimmed and wax re-leveled, you can now relight the candle and it should burn more evenly without tunneling. Pay close attention the first few burns and adjust the wick further if needed. This heat gun method is a simple way to revive tunneled candles and extend their life.

Wick Up the Tunnel

One simple way to fix a tunneled candle is to carefully trim the wick and then use the wick to soak up wax from the bottom of the tunnel. First, make sure the candle is completely cool and unused wax around the wick is trimmed off.

Next, carefully use scissors or nail clippers to trim the wick to 1⁄4 inch length. Trimming the wick will expose fresh wick material that will soak up more wax.

Finally, gently move the trimmed wick around the bottom of the tunnel to soak up melted wax. Avoid scrubbing too hard, as you don’t want the wick to bend or break. The wick will naturally draw wax up through capillary action. As the candle burns again, the shortened wick with soaked up wax will help melt more wax around the edges to diminish the tunnel.

Wicking up the tunnel can redistribute wax and lead to more even burning. But take care not to cut the wick too short or move too aggressively. With a delicate touch, wick up the tunnel for an easy candle tunneling fix. For more tips, see this article on fixing candle tunneling.

Add More Wax

One of the easiest ways to fix a tunneled candle is to simply add more wax into the tunnel. Here’s how to do it:

1. Start by removing any wick trimmings or debris from inside the tunnel using tweezers or a skewer. You want the tunnel to be clean before adding more wax.

2. Choose a wax that matches the existing candle wax as closely as possible. Opt for the same brand, color, and wax type if you can. If the original wax type is unknown, soy or beeswax blends tend to work well.

3. Chop or break the new wax into small chunks. This helps the wax melt faster and makes it easier to pour.

4. Place the wax pieces into a heat-safe container and melt them slowly over low heat on the stove or in a double boiler. Do not allow the wax to boil or get too hot.

5. Once the wax is completely melted, carefully pour it into the tunneled section of the candle. Try to avoid the wick so you don’t displace it from the center.

6. Add enough new wax to fill the tunnel up to the same level as the rest of the candle. Smooth over the top surface with a knife or spoon.

7. Allow the candle to cool completely before lighting again. The new wax will blend with the existing layers for an even burn.

Adding fresh wax can restore tunneled candles to their original shape. Just remember to work slowly and use a wax designed for candles whenever possible for best results.

Use a Heat Gun

One way to fix a tunneled candle is by using a heat gun or hair dryer to gently melt the wax on the surface. The key is using a low-medium heat setting and holding the heat source a few inches above the candle. Wave it slowly back and forth over the tunneled areas to gently melt the wax and fill in the holes or gaps. The wax will start to melt and pool at the top, allowing you to smooth it out into an even, flat surface (source).

A heat gun is ideal because it provides a wide, gentle stream of warm air that will not get too hot. Avoid holding it in one spot too long. Move it continuously to slowly melt the wax. The key is taking it slow to avoid overheating or scorching the wax. Allow the wax to cool and harden between short melting sessions. This gradual process gives you more control to perfectly level off the tunneled areas.

One risk with using too much concentrated heat is melting the wax too rapidly, which can cause more tunneling. The wax around the wick melts fastest, while the edges remain firm. This uneven melting can worsen the problem. A heat gun on lower settings avoids this issue. Patience and taking your time is key for the best results.

When to Toss a Tunneled Candle

There comes a point when a tunneled candle is too far gone and needs to be discarded. Two main signs indicate it’s time to toss out a candle:

Wick too short – If the wick becomes very short from the tunneling, it likely won’t be able to burn properly anymore. The flame could start to smoke or go out frequently. At this point, the wick is usually too short to be reused or trimmed for further burning.

Tunnel too deep – If the tunnel extends very close to the bottom of the jar, there won’t be enough wax remaining to hold the wick up. The wick could fall into the melted wax pool and create a dangerous fire hazard. As a rule of thumb, toss tunneled candles when the tunnel depth nears 1 inch from the bottom.

While it’s better for the environment to reuse and repurpose items when possible, heavily tunneled candles become unsafe burn risks. Prioritize safety and discard candles that can no longer burn properly.

Safety Tips

When working to fix a tunneled candle, it’s important to keep safety in mind. Here are some tips:

Work in a well-ventilated area. When using methods that involve heat like a hair dryer or heat gun, you’ll want good airflow to prevent buildup of fumes. Open windows or work outside if possible.

Allow the candle to fully cool before attempting to fix tunneling. Molten wax can cause serious burns. Let the candle sit for at least 2-3 hours after blowing it out before handling.

Have a fire extinguisher on hand. As a precaution when using heat sources near wax and wicks.

Use heat sparingly. Too much direct heat can cause the candle to overheat, ignite, or explode. Keep heat sources moving and don’t hold in one spot too long.

Work slowly and carefully. Rushed fixing attempts can lead to messes, injury, or damage. Take your time and be cautious when tunneling out wax or adding new wax.

Consider safety gear like oven mitts and eye protection. Molten wax can splash and flame up unexpectedly. Protect your hands and eyes.

Keep children and pets away from the work area. The wax and tools involved can be hazardous if handled unsafely.

Never leave a heat source unattended. Stay present the entire time you’re using a hair dryer, heat gun, or other heating method.

Creatively Repurpose

Instead of throwing out a tunneled candle, you can repurpose the wax in creative ways. One option is to melt the wax and pour it into silicone molds to make wax melts or tarts. To do this, remove any wick left in the candle and chop it into smaller pieces. Place the pieces in a heat-safe glass measuring cup or a small metal tin. Put the glass/tin in a pot of simmering water to melt the wax slowly, being careful not to let water splash into the wax. Once melted, carefully pour the wax into silicon molds and let cool completely before removing the wax melts or tarts.

You can also reuse tunneled wax for other DIY projects. Melt the wax as described above and pour it into jars or containers to make new smaller candles. Or use it to seal letters and envelopes with wax seals. Get creative with the wax by adding colors or scents before pouring it into molds. The options are endless for giving the wax new life!

Sources:
https://www.glowasyougo.com/furlough-friday-how-to-re-wick-candles/
https://www.marthastewart.com/7690300/how-get-wax-out-of-candle-jar