If you are a fan of scented candles or just candles in general, you know it’s not all east, right? Even as simple as candles, you still encounter issues about using them and making sure you get the most out of them. So, if you are new to the candle lovers community, we will teach you how to save a candle.
How to Save a Candle When It’s Tunneling
Tunneling occurs when a candle burns empty or leaves a thick, unused mantle or rim. It is possible to avoid this by ensuring that the initial burn is long enough to melt the candle to the edge. It is because the size of the wax pool during the initial burn influences the candle’s life.
Subsequent burns will not melt the wax beyond the first wax pool. Therefore tunneling may occur if it does not melt near enough to the edge of the candle. So, how do you fix this problem?
A new candle’s initial or memory burn should be 1 hour per 1 inch in diameter. As a result, the first burn duration for a 3-inch diameter candle should be at least 3 hours. Before extinguishing the initial fire, the wax pool should approach the edges.
If tunneling has happened but has not progressed too far, you can repair it by “hugging” the candle. Then, to melt the soft wax rim, push it towards the flame. But what if the digging is too deep to be mended by what they call “hugging it?”
You can cut down the edge with a sharp knife while the wax is still warm. Take care not to scratch the rim. Otherwise, the wax may begin to leak.
How to Save a Candle When It’s Melting Sideways
Another issue you will encounter is having your candle melt sideways, and yes, you can prevent it. But, first, trim your wick for the brightest and cleanest burn. You should do cutting every 4 hours of burn duration and 14-inch length.
If you are a candle collector or want to care for your candles properly, you might consider acquiring a wick trimmer. If the tunneling is severe enough that reducing the wick isn’t adequate, you have several other choices. Aluminum foil is a fantastic heat conductor.
Simply wrap a piece of aluminum foil over the edge of your candle container to use this method. Make sure it completely covers the buildup while allowing enough room for the candle to burn effectively. Remember that oxygen fuels the flames, so avoid getting too close with the foil.
Allow the candle to burn for at least 2 hours to even out the surface. You may cook the candles in the oven as well. Preheat the oven to 175° F and remove any labels from the container.
The wax buildup will melt in about five minutes and be evenly scattered. Remove any excess wax from the wick before placing the pots on a cooling rack. This method is not commonly used for melting candles since it demands close supervision.
However, the process would be quicker if you use aluminum foil, so give this idea a shot. It is dangerous to heat candles in the oven since the container may shatter. It will guide you through the process of removing hot wax and glass from your oven.
Think about whether the risk is worthwhile. In addition to a wick trimmer, a candle snuffer is beneficial for extinguishing a candle flame. It will keep hot wax from spattering when you blow out a candle.
How to Save a Candle If Its Flame Is Too Large
Is the flame on your candle too big? A big flame on a candle typically suggests it will burn quicker and hotter, wasting precious burning hours. But, unfortunately, it is also more hazardous.
This problem poses a greater fire risk, and can shatter glass due to the increased heat. The most common cause of a huge flame is a wick that is too long. So, before each use, cut the wick of your candle to ¼ of an inch.
How to Save a Candle If the Wick Has the Appearance of a Mushroom
Mushrooming in candles is also a significant issue since it results in the formation of smoke or soot in candles. It generally occurs when you light your candles for more than 4 hours in a row. It also happens when they are put in an area with many dust particles surrounding them.
A layer of incompletely combusted materials remains on the wick, forming a carbon cap on top known as a “mushroom.” So the solution is never to continuously burn your candles for more than 4 hours. Even if you extinguish them at 3-hour intervals, trim the wick, and relight them.
How to Save a Candle If The Candlewick is Drowning in Wax
Candlewick drowning occurs when the wick becomes immersed in wax. So when it solidifies, the wax pool covers the wick, causing it not to stay lit. How to cure it is generally caused by tunneling or shorter burn durations.
You may fix this issue by burning your candle for at least two to three hours. Then, gather a Q-tip and get ready to use it. After lighting the wick, gently apply your Q-tip, sinking one end into the new pool of wax.
This exercise aims to absorb as much of the freshly melted wax as possible to save the wick. However, you must use extreme caution when doing so. Do not let the Q-tip come into contact with any portion of the candle flame.
Only use your Q-tip to contact the melting wax. If the tip catches fire by mistake, swiftly remove it aside and blow it out. After this adjustment, the candle should work flawlessly.
Conclusion
The most common issues you will encounter as a candle lover are mentioned above. But, lucky for you, we have presented solutions that will help you in these particular times. So just relax and keep this article in your sleeve whenever a problem arises, and you’re good to go!