Welcome to Sugar Orchid, where we believe that every candle should burn brightly and evenly, filling your space with delightful scents and cozy ambiance. In the world of candle enthusiasts, there is a common enemy known as tunneling - the bane of candle lovers everywhere. But fear not, for we are here to provide you with the expert tips on the importance of proper candle burning to avoid tunneling and make the most out of your beloved candles.
What is Tunneling and Why is it a Problem?
Tunneling occurs when a candle burns straight down the center, leaving a thick wall of un-melted wax along the edges. Not only does this affect the aesthetics of your candle, but it also reduces the fragrance throw and overall burning time. Essentially, tunneling robs you of enjoying the full potential of your candle.
Choose Quality Candles
Invest in high-quality candles like the ones offered at Sugar Orchid. Quality candles are made from premium wax blends and wicks that are designed to burn evenly, minimizing the chances of tunneling. Cheaper candles often contain inferior ingredients that are more prone to tunneling.
Trim Your Wick
Before lighting your candle, always remember to trim the wick to about 1/4 inch. A long wick can cause the candle to burn too hot, leading to uneven melting and potential tunneling. Keeping the wick short and trimmed ensures a clean, even burn.
First Burn Matters
During the first burn, allow the candle to melt all the way to the edges of the container. This sets the "memory" of the wax and helps prevent tunneling in future burns. It may take a few hours, but it's a crucial step in maintaining an even burn throughout the life of the candle.
Rotate Your Candles
Make sure to rotate your candles periodically. If you notice tunneling starting to occur, extinguish the candle and use a blunt object to gently press the softened wax towards the edge of the container. This helps redistribute the wax and correct any tunneling issues.
Avoid Drafts
Keep your candles away from drafts or air vents as they can cause uneven burning. Drafts can disrupt the flame and lead to incomplete melting of the wax, increasing the likelihood of tunneling. Place your candles in a draft-free area for optimal burning.
Use a Candle Snuffer
When it's time to extinguish your candle, avoid blowing it out if possible. Blowing can create uneven wax pools and contribute to tunneling. Instead, use a candle snuffer to gently extinguish the flame. This helps maintain a clean, even burn for future use.
Try Candle Accessories
Consider using candle accessories like wick trimmers and candle shades to enhance your burning experience. Wick trimmers help maintain the correct wick length for even burning, while shades can protect your candle from drafts and help regulate the temperature for a perfect burn.
Experiment with Burning Times
If you typically burn your candles for short periods, try extending the burn time occasionally. Allowing the candle to burn for longer periods helps the entire top layer of wax to melt, preventing tunneling. Just make sure to follow safety guidelines and never leave a burning candle unattended.
Storage Matters
Properly storing your candles can also impact their burning performance. Keep your candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Storing candles upright can help maintain even distribution of the wax, reducing the chances of tunneling.
Enjoy the Full Potential of Your Candles
By following these simple yet effective tips for proper candle burning, you can say goodbye to tunneling and enjoy the full potential of your favorite candles. At Sugar Orchid, we believe that every candle deserves to shine brightly and bring warmth to your space. Happy burning!