How to Fix Candles that Burn Unevenly

Achieving an even burn is essential for a prolonged and satisfying candle experience. An even burn occurs when the entire surface of the wax melts uniformly, resulting in a smooth and flat surface once the candle has cooled.

In this guide, we will share some tips on how to fix candles that burn unevenly and maintain their flawless appearance. We will also discuss how to prevent uneven burns in the first place.

Identifying an Even Burn

To determine if your candle is burning evenly, observe the following:

• The melt pool extends to the edge of the jar.
• The flame is calm and steady.
• The unmelted layer of wax is level.

An even burn also means that your candle is not tunnelling. Tunnelling is a phenomenon where only the centre portion of the wax melts, leaving the outer rim solid. This can cause the candle to burn out faster and look unappealing.

How to Make a Candle Burn Evenly

1. Make the First Burn Count

The first burn is crucial in ensuring an even burn. Wax has a “memory” that influences its melting behaviour in subsequent burns. A complete first burn sets the stage for an evenly burning candle.

To achieve this, allow the entire surface layer of the wax to melt during the first burn. A good rule of thumb is to burn the candle for at least one hour per inch of container diameter.

2. Keep Candles Away from Drafts

Drafts from windows or vents can cause the flame to flicker or bend, leading to an uneven burn. Ensure your candle is placed away from consistent drafts to avoid lopsided melting.

3. Burn Candles on a Level Surface

Burning candles on a level surface ensures the melt pool remains even. If the surface is uneven, the candle will burn unevenly.

4. Use a Long Lighter or Long Matches to Light the Candle

Using a long lighter or long match to light a candle greatly enhances the safety and ease of the process. When you use short matches or a standard lighter, you often have to tilt the candle to reach the wick, especially as the candle burns down.

This tilting could potentially cause the hot wax to spill, leading to a mess or even a burn risk. Moreover, reaching into the candle with a short match or lighter can put your hand uncomfortably close to the flame, increasing the risk of accidental burns.

With a long lighter or long match, you can reach the wick without tilting the candle or putting your hand near the flame. This method is not only safer but also helps preserve the integrity of the candle, ensuring an even and clean burn.

5. Don’t Extinguish with Water

Extinguishing a candle with water is not recommended. The sudden temperature change can cause the glass candle holder to shatter, and the water can cause the hot wax to splatter, both of which are safety hazards.

Additionally, if water gets into the wax, it can cause problems when you try to relight the candle. As mentioned earlier, using a candle snuffer or wick dipper are a safer and more effective method to extinguish a candle flame.

6. Don’t Blow Out the Flame

Blowing out a candle flame can actually lead to a number of issues. First, it can cause the hot wax to splatter, potentially causing a mess or even a burn risk.

Second, it often results in excessive smoke, which can be unpleasant and could even set off smoke detectors. Instead, consider using a candle snuffer or dipping the wick into the melted wax using a wick dipper.

These methods extinguish the flame without causing splatter or excessive smoke.

7. Cool Before Reusing

After extinguishing a candle, it’s important to let it cool completely before relighting it. This allows the wax to solidify and the wick to rest. If a candle is relit too soon after being extinguished, it can result in an uneven burn, or “tunnelling”, where the candle burns down the middle but leaves wax around the edges.

Waiting for the candle to cool before reusing helps ensure a longer, cleaner, and safer burn.

How to Fix a Candle That’s Burning Unevenly

If you notice your candle is burning unevenly, you need to forcibly melt the entire surface of the wax to “reset” its memory. Once the melted wax settles into a smooth, even surface, your candle should burn more evenly. There are several methods to achieve this, which are covered in an article about how to fix candle tunnelling.

We hope this information helps you enjoy a longer and more pleasant candle-burning experience. If you love candles as much as we do, check out some of our other articles about candle care and fragrances. And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!