CANDLE HELP

How to Prevent Candles From Tunneling

Start Clean to Burn Clean

The very first burn sets the foundation for the life of your candle. Creating a full melt pool during the initial burn helps ensure an even, clean burn every time thereafter.

When lighting your candle for the first time, allow it to burn long enough for the melted wax to reach the entire edge of the container — typically about 3–5 hours depending on candle size. This helps prevent tunneling, which occurs when the candle burns straight down the center instead of evenly across the surface.

Candles develop a natural “wax memory.” If the first burn is too short, the candle may continue burning unevenly during future use.

Once a full melt pool has formed:

  • Extinguish the candle using a candle snuffer if possible
  • Allow the candle to cool completely before relighting
  • Hemp wicks are naturally self-trimming and usually do not require trimming
  • Only trim the wick if it begins to mushroom or becomes excessively long

For best performance:

  • Do not burn candles longer than 5 hours at a time
  • Keep candles away from drafts, fans, open windows, children, pets, and flammable materials
  • Always burn within sight
  • Place candles on a heat-resistant surface, as the bottom of the container can become very hot near the end of the candle’s life


How to Fix a Candle That Has Tunneled

If your candle has already started tunneling, don’t worry — it can usually be corrected.

The goal is to reset the candle’s wax memory by gently heating the outer wax so it melts evenly across the surface again.

Foil Method

  1. Light the candle.
  2. Wrap aluminum foil around the top edge of the container, creating a dome or tent shape.
  3. Leave a small opening at the top for airflow.
  4. Allow the candle to burn for approximately 15–30 minutes, or until the hardened wax around the edges melts evenly.
  5. Carefully remove the foil once a full melt pool forms.
  6. Extinguish the candle and allow it to cool completely.

Your candle should now burn much more evenly moving forward.

Important: Monitor the candle closely during this process. Too much liquid wax can cause the flame to drown if left unattended too long.


Cut Your Candle Wick Too Short?

A wick may become too short if it is accidentally over-trimmed or falls into melted wax.

If the Wick Fell Into Melted Wax

Use tweezers to gently lift the wick upright and hold it in place until the wax begins to firm around it again.

If the Wick Is Buried

You can restore the candle by removing some excess wax:

Heat Gun Method

Use a heat gun to melt the top layer of wax and carefully pour out a small amount of excess wax.

Alternative Method

If you do not have a heat gun:

  1. Turn the candle slightly on its side
  2. Carefully melt and pour a small amount of wax onto foil or into a foil pie pan
  3. Relight the candle
  4. Allow it to burn until a full melt pool reaches the edges again

If the flame still appears too small, repeat the process until the wick can properly sustain the flame.


How to Clean and Reuse Your Candle Jar

Method 1: Oven Method

This method works well for cleaning multiple jars at once.

  1. Scrape out as much wax as possible using a spoon or butter knife.
  2. Preheat the oven to 180°F.
  3. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
  4. Place candle jars upside down on the tray.
  5. Heat for approximately 15 minutes until remaining wax melts.
  6. Carefully remove the tray from the oven.
  7. Wipe the inside of the jars with paper towels while still warm.
  8. Wash thoroughly with soap and warm water.


Method 2: Microwave Method

  1. Remove as much wax as possible using a spoon or knife.
  2. Remove the wick tab and remaining debris.
  3. Microwave the jar for approximately 20 seconds.
  4. Wipe away softened wax with a paper towel.
  5. Wash with soap and warm water.

Important: Only microwave jars that contain no metal components.


Method 3: Freezer Method

  1. Place the candle jar in the freezer for several hours.
  2. Once frozen, use a butter knife or spoon to pry out the hardened wax.
  3. Remove any remaining wick tabs or residue.
  4. Wipe clean with a paper towel and wash thoroughly.


Candle Safety Reminder

Always burn candles responsibly:

  • within sight
  • Keep away from children and pets
  • Never burn near curtains or flammable objects
  • Stop use when approximately 1/2 inch of wax remains at the bottom of the jar

Enjoy a clean, even burn every time.