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What is candle tunneling?

Tunneling happens when only a small portion of the wax around the wick melts while the candle is burning. Instead of having the entire surface of the wax melt evenly, it will appear as though the flame is burrowing into the candle and creating what resembles a small, vertical tunnel - hence the name.

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Why is my candle tunneling?

Candle tunneling occurs when the center of the wax burns down. Sometimes candle tunneling is caused by a candle that isn't large enough for the size of the candle, but more often it's caused by the timing of the first burn.

You can also ask should you cut candle wick before burning?

Keeping the candle wick trimmed helps control the amount of melted wax (i.e., fuel) that the candle has access to, which helps limit the amount of soot it creates. The trimmed wick also helps the candle burn more evenly, controlling the soot and prolonging the life of the candle. And another question, can i use a toothpick as a candle wick? To use a toothpick as a candle wick, all you need are a candle, a toothpick, and a pair of pliers. The point of using a toothpick is to let the candle burn more efficiently as the shorter wick doesn't produce a bright flame. As the wax melts, the toothpick gets coated in molten wax and burns brighter.

What can I use as a wick?

For homemade wicks, you can use tightly rolled-up newspapers, toilet paper, paper towels, twine, or any cotton fabric like strips from an old t-shirt, though, with a couple of these, the item itself acts as a wick. Make sure you also always have matches or a lighter on hand. Then, what are the different types of candle wicks? There are three types of cored candle wicks, cotton, paper & zinc. Zinc is the most rigid followed by paper and cotton.

Why is my candle tunneling on first burn?

Sometimes candle tunneling is caused by a candle that isn't large enough for the size of the candle, but more often it's caused by the timing of the first burn. It makes it harder to light the candle as it burns down.

Are wood wicks better?

We've found that wooden wick candles have a better scent throw when burning. Wooden wicks create a horizontal flame that throws more heat into your candle quicker, so even though it burns slower and lower, a wooden wick candle with heat up your fragrances and creates a scent throw into your room in less time. One may also ask what is the healthiest candle wick? To play it safe, look for 100 percent cotton, hemp, or wood wicks.

By Philander Hively

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