7 Simple Steps to Care for Your Candle and Prevent Tunneling

Candles are a beloved addition to any home, offering a warm and cozy atmosphere, soothing scents, and a sense of calm. However, nothing can be more disappointing than a candle that tunnels, leaving wasted wax and an uneven burn. In this guide, we will show you how to care for your candle properly so that you can enjoy it for longer, prevent tunneling, and get the most out of your investment.

1. Trim your wick

Trimming the wick is one of the most important steps in caring for your candle. A long wick can cause your candle to burn too quickly and result in tunneling. Before lighting your candle, use a wick trimmer or scissors to trim the wick to 1/4 inch. This will ensure a clean, even burn and prevent tunneling. Baisun candles are pre-trimmed so that they are ready-to-light right out of the box; however, we recommend trimming some of the combusted wood after each burn. Be careful not to cut off too much. 

2. Burn Your Candle for Long Enough

When you light your candle, let it burn for long enough to allow the wax to melt all the way to the edges of the container. This is called "pooling." If you only burn your candle for a short time, a tunnel will form in the center of the wax, and you'll have wasted wax on the sides. A good rule of thumb is to burn your candle for at least one hour for every inch of its diameter. This will ensure that your candle burns evenly and doesn't tunnel.

3. Avoid Drafts

A drafty room can cause your candle to burn unevenly and tunnel. Make sure to keep your candle away from any air currents, such as an open window or fan. If your room is drafty, consider using a candle snuffer to extinguish your candle instead of blowing it out, as blowing can cause the wax to splatter and create a mess.

4. Use the right size candle holder

Using the right size candle holder is essential to prevent tunneling. Your candle should fit snugly in its holder, with at least a half-inch of space between the candle and the sides of the container. If the holder is too big, the candle will melt too quickly and create a tunnel. If the holder is too small, the wax will spill over the sides, creating a mess.

5. Burn your candle in intervals

Burning your candle for too long can cause it to tunnel. To prevent this, burn your candle for no more than 3-4 hours at a time. After extinguishing the flame, let the wax cool and solidify before relighting the candle. This will help prevent tunneling and prolong the life of your candle.

6. Store your candle properly

Proper storage is important to prevent your candle from melting or losing its scent. Store your candle in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and make sure to keep it away from any heat sources. Also, make sure to store your candle upright to prevent any wax from leaking.

7. Repurpose your candle wax

When your candle has burned down to the bottom, don't throw it away! You can repurpose the wax by melting it down and pouring it into a new container or using it to make wax melts. This way, you can continue to enjoy the scent and benefits of your candle even after it has burned down.

Conclusion:

Taking care of your candle properly is essential to prevent tunneling and prolong its life. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy your candle for longer and get the most out of your investment. 

Step up your candle care game today and pick up your very own pair of Wick Trimmers today!