How to prevent candle is the topic of this Scent Snob post, part of our archive of candle, diffuser and home fragrance coverage.
Table of Contents
To try and prevent a candle from tunneling burn it for a long period of time the on the first burn. For a candle in a container, you want to try and get the entire top of the candle liquid wax. For a pillar candle, burn until the liquid wax it to 1/4″ of the edge.
The first burn sets the stage for the life of the candle. The opening of the candle will almost never get larger than the size of the initial wax pool. On a standard size jar candle, if you only burn the candle for an hour on the first burn and create a 1″ wax pool, you’ll be left with a significant amount of hard, dry wax around the edge of the jar that will likely never melt. It generally takes 1 hour per inch in diameter. Try to burn the candle for long periods of time as often as you can after the initial burn to keep the candle from tunneling later.
Creating a candle that doesn’t tunnel is a combination of many things. The quality and type of wax is one component. Some waxes melt easier and quicker than others but may not necessarily be the one that works best with the fragrance or that provides the best fragrance throw. Many candle lines use a blend of different waxes to get the right combination.
A significant factor in preventing tunneling is selecting the proper wick for the wax, fragrance and container. Votivo uses the same wax for every candle but adjusts the wick and the fragrance for the proper burn. The trick is to find the wick that provides a large enough flame to melt the wax without overpowering it or the container. A well crafted poured candle will burn level within 1 1/2 to 3 hours after lighting. The larger the container, the larger the challenge. Some candle lines are trickier than others. Rigaud is the easiest.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the candle. They know their wick, wax and container best. If the instructions list to only burn for 3 or 4 hours at a time – there is a reason. Best to follow their specific instructions.
More about how to prevent candle
If you are enjoying how to prevent candle, a few simple habits help you get the most from it. Whether how to prevent candle is new to you or an old favorite, it is worth a closer look. Many readers search for how to prevent candle when planning a purchase or a gift.
- Trim the wick to about a quarter of an inch before every burn so the flame stays steady and clean.
- On the first burn, let the wax melt all the way to the edges of the container to help prevent tunneling.
- Keep the candle away from drafts, fans and anything flammable, and never leave a burning candle unattended.
- Stop burning when about half an inch of wax is left in the container, and let it cool fully before relighting.
For background, see this overview of scented candles on Wikipedia.
That is our look at how to prevent candle. If it caught your interest, browse the related posts below for more candles, diffusers and fragrance ideas from the Scent Snob archive.
A quick scent guide
Care matters. Store candles and fragrance oils away from heat and direct sun, keep lids on, and follow the maker’s instructions to keep a scent smelling its best.
Start small when you try something new. A single candle, a sample or a small bottle lets you live with a scent before you commit to more.
Think about where the scent will live. Bright citrus and green notes tend to suit kitchens and bathrooms, while warm spice, vanilla and wood often suit living rooms and bedrooms.
Scent is personal. A fragrance that feels cozy to one person can feel heavy to another, so use our notes as a starting point and trust your own nose.
Questions about how to prevent candle
What is how to prevent candle?
How to prevent candle is the subject of this Scent Snob post. The article above shares what we wrote about it, and the brand or retailer is the best place to confirm current details.
Where can I learn more about how to prevent candle?
Start with the links in this post, then check the brand’s own website or a trusted retailer for up-to-date information and availability.
How do I choose a scent like how to prevent candle?
Think about the room, the season and the mood you want, then try a small size or sample first if you can.
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Header photo: Titus Tscharntke, Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).
