Skip to content

Cart

Your cart is empty

Article: Yes, Candles Have Memory

Yes, Candles Have Memory

Yes, Candles Have Memory

Candle memory is one of those candle quirks that not many people know about but can make a big difference in how your candle performs over time. Essentially, it refers to the wax’s ability to "remember" the burn pattern from its first use.

The way you treat a candle the very first time you light it will impact how it burns every time after that. Burn it right, and you’ll get an even, beautiful burn. But if you don't, things could get a little, well… uneven. Enter: candle tunneling.


What is Candle Tunneling?

Candle tunneling is exactly what it sounds like—it’s when the candle burns straight down the middle, leaving a thick ring of untouched wax along the sides. Imagine a candle with a sunken center and walls of wax surrounding it. While this might look harmless, it’s actually wasting a good amount of your candle’s wax, and nobody wants that!


Why Does Candle Tunneling Happen?

The most common culprit behind tunneling is not allowing your candle to burn long enough during its first use. If the first burn doesn’t melt the entire surface layer of wax, a small memory ring forms around the wick. That ring becomes a pattern for all future burns, which is why your candle ends up burning down the middle and leaves you with wasted wax.


What Are the Benefits of a Candle That Doesn’t Tunnel?

Burning your candle properly from edge to edge means you’re getting the most out of every ounce of wax. When a candle doesn’t tunnel, it burns more evenly, which not only looks nicer but also gives you more burn time. No wasted wax stuck on the sides means you’re maximizing the life of your candle—and that’s a win for both your wallet and your cozy ambiance.


How To Prevent Candle Tunneling

Preventing candle tunneling is simple, and it all comes down to the first burn. When you light your candle for the first time, let it burn long enough so the entire surface of the wax melts from edge to edge. This helps create a smooth burn memory that will guide future burns and prevent tunneling.


Here’s a general rule of thumb: a candle will melt about 1 inch of wax width per hour. So, depending on the size of your candle, here’s how long you should let it burn on the first use:

  • 2 inches wide: 2-3 hours
  • 3 inches wide: 3-4 hours
  • 4 inches wide: 4-5 hours
  • 5 inches wide: 5-6 hours

Keep in mind, this is just a general guideline. The exact time may vary based on the type of wax and the conditions around you. The main goal is to let the wax melt all the way to the edges. Doing this helps ensure that future burns follow the same even pattern.

It may feel like a lot of time, but allowing your candle to fully melt across the top during its first burn is crucial to preventing tunneling and making sure you get the most out of your candle in the long run. Remember, a little patience now means better, longer-lasting burns later!


How To Fix a Tunneled Candle

If your candle has already tunneled, don’t worry—it’s not the end of the world, and you can still fix it! One of the easiest methods is the “foil trick”.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Wrap a piece of aluminum foil around the rim of the candle, leaving a small hole at the top around the wick.
  2. Light the candle and let it burn for a couple of hours until the wax along the edges melt away
  3. That's it!

The foil helps trap heat, allowing the wax to melt evenly across the surface again. Once it’s back to normal, be sure to burn it long enough on future burns to prevent tunneling from happening again.


Final Thoughts

Candle memory and tunneling are easy-to-miss details that can impact how well your candle performs, but they’re also easy to manage. By giving your candle enough time on the first burn, you’ll ensure an even melt and get the most out of your candle. And if tunneling does happen, the foil method can help you fix it and get your candle back on track.

So, next time you light a candle, take a little extra time on that first burn. Your future cozy moments will thank you!

MORE CANDLE CHATS

What is Throwaway / Single-Use Culture?

What is Throwaway / Single-Use Culture?

In today's world, we live in an era of convenience, but with that convenience comes a significant cost: the rise of throwaway culture. But what exactly is it, and how did we get here? Let’s break i...

Read more
Scent Throw: What makes a candle weak / strong?

Scent Throw: What makes a candle weak / strong?

Ever notice how some candles fill a room with fragrance, while others barely make a scent impression? That's where "scent throw" comes in. Scent throw refers to how far and strong a candle’s fragra...

Read more