How to Prevent Tunneling in Container Candles

Whenever you visit a thrift store, you're bound to see candles that have tunneled if you shop the used candle section like I do. And I believe that is normal for pillar candles, but I often see container candles (glass or metal) that have been discarded because of tunneling.

Pillar Candle showing normal tunneling

So what is that tunneling phenomenon? In a container candle, it's a whole lot of wax and money wasted!! It looks just like it sounds--a tunnel forms around the wick, traveling downward instead of outward to the edges. Eventually, the candle will become useless when the tunnel gets too deep to allow oxygen to reach the flame.

Tunneling occurs when the candle's "memory" is not formed. Yes! container candles have memory! Here at SoothingScentsSoyCandles.com (SSSC), I include a "memory burn" note inside the lid of every candle sold. And it reads:

To prevent “tunneling" in container candles, you must conduct a “memory burn” the first time your candle is lit. This means allowing the candle to burn for approximately 2 hours OR until there is a wax pool at least 1/4” deep across the entire diameter.  Subsequent burns should last long enough to reach entire diameter, but do not have to be as deep. Monitor the burn and keep wicks trimmed 1/4” to 3/8”.

So now you know!!

A partially melted Cranberry-scented soy container candle