You've attended a Boozy Candle Making Experienceat Hummingbird. The drinks were flowing, the conversation and laughter was chef's kiss, and the music & vibe was everything you needed. Now you've taken your very own custom candle home. You're SO proud (as you should be) and you can't wait to light this baby up because you chose the perfect scent for you! I mean there’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting glow of a wooden wick candle. And while we think we have some of the best candles on the market...like the Queen Megan THE Stallion said...even Bad Bitches have Bad Days too. Even our eco-lux wooden wick candles can encounter a few issues from time to time. (we know it's hard to pay attention when you're having so much fun and sometimes you just accidentally dump too much fragrance or glitter in your candle) If you’re experiencing problems with your HB wooden wick candles, fear not! In this blog, we’ll take a look at some common issues and how to fix them.
Did you know your candle has a memory?? The best way to prevent candle problems starts with the first burn...
Common Candle Problems and Their Fixes
Tunneling what is it and how to avoid it...
One of the most common issues with candles is tunneling, which happens when the wax burns down the center of the candle, leaving wax around the edges untouched. This can be caused by not allowing the candle to burn long enough during the initial burn or not trimming the wick properly.
To prevent tunneling, during the 1st burn allow the candle to burn long enough for the wax to pool across the entire surface of the candle. Depending on the size of the candle this could be 1-4hrs of burn time. This will ensure that the entire candle burns evenly, preventing tunneling. It’s also important to trim the wick to 1/4 inch before each use. This will prevent the flame from becoming too large and causing tunneling.
Ooops Too Late...my candle is already tunnelling
Try these quick fixes below
"The Hair Dryer Method"
What you’ll need:
- A hair dryer
- A heat-resistant mat or trivet
The hair dryer method works great to recover candle tunneling. Set your candle on a heat resistant surface. Then, you should trim the wick and remove debris from the surface.
Switch to the lowest setting in the hair dryer first and heat the entire surface. You can gradually shift to the highest setting of the dryer. Keep heating until you see the entire surface melted. Now light the candle and let it burn for at least 30 minutes before blowing it off.
Let the wax harden for 24hrs then trim your wick and burn again. But make sure you let it burn until the wax is melted from edge to edge of your candle vessel. 1-4hrs depending on the candle size.
"The Aluminum Foil Method"
What you’ll need:
- Aluminum foil
- Patience
This method is great if your candle has a small amount of tunnelling. Wrap a piece of aluminum foil around the edges of the tunneled candle, making sure to use enough foil to cover the built-up wax areas, and leave an small opening in the center for the wick to burn properly. (fire needs oxygen to burn) Then, let the candle burn for 1-4 hrs depending on the size of your vessel. The heat will melt the wax, and it should even out the surface.
Let the wax harden for 24hrs then trim your wick and burn again. But make sure you let it burn until the wax is melted from edge to edge of your candle vessel. 1-4hrs depending on the candle size.
If there are still signs of tunneling, leave the candle in the oven and check it again in 1-2 minutes.
"The Oven Method"
What you’ll need:
- Oven Preheated to 175 °F
- Cookie Sheet
- Oven Mitts
To fix tunnelling, preheat your oven to 175 °F (79 °C) Grab a cookie sheet and place the candle in the center before putting it in the oven to avoid melting the wax excessively and wasting your beautiful fragrance. Place the cookie sheet on the center rack. Set a timer for 5 min. When the time is up, use oven mitts to take out the candle. If your wax is melted from edge to edge.
Let the wax harden for 24hrs then trim your wick and burn again. But make sure you let it burn until the wax is melted from edge to edge of your candle vessel. 1-4hrs depending on the candle size.
If there are still signs of tunneling, leave the candle in the oven and check it again in 1-2 minutes.
My Flame is Too High
If the flame on your wooden wick candle is too high, it could be caused by a number of factors. One common cause is a wick that is too long. If the wick is too long, it will draw up too much wax, causing a larger flame. To fix this, trim the wick to 1/4 inch before each use.
Another cause of a high flame is a drafty location. If the candle is placed in a drafty area, such as near a window or a fan, the flame will be larger than normal. To fix this, move the candle to a more stable location.
Soot buildup
If you notice soot buildup on the inside of the candle jar or on the wick, it could be caused by a wick that is too long or a candle that has been burning for too long. To fix this, trim the wick to 1/4 inch before each use and never burn the candle for more than four hours at a time.
Uneven burning
If your candle is burning unevenly, it could be caused by a number of factors. One common cause is a wick that is not centered in the candle. If you made your candle during one of our Boozy Candle Making Experiences and the booze was boozin and the laughs over took you...no biggie we got you! To fix this, try to grab the tip of your wick (you can try your fingers but tweezers may be better if the wick has already been used) and pull it through the coconut wax to recenter it.
Another cause of uneven burning is a candle that is not level. To fix this, make sure the candle is sitting on a level surface before lighting.
Now Go Fix That Candle You Got THIS!
Hummingbird's Eco-Lux wooden wick candles are a beautiful addition to any home, but like all candles they can experience a few issues. If you experience tunneling, a flame that is too high, soot buildup, or uneven burning, use the tips in this blog to problem solve. By taking care of your wooden wick candles, you can ensure that they burn evenly and beautifully every time.