A candle will rarely look exactly the same after it has been lit. The smooth surface of a new candle is created while the wax cools under controlled conditions. Once used, it melts and solidifies again in the conditions of your own home.
Room temperature, air movement and the length of each burn can all influence its appearance. These changes are usually a natural consequence of use, rather than an indication that something has gone wrong.
Why has the surface become uneven?
Soy wax is particularly sensitive to temperature changes. Once extinguished, it may solidify with a rough, rippled or uneven surface, sometimes with small variations around the wicks.
This is normal and does not affect the fragrance or prevent the candle from burning correctly when it is relit. Rapeseed, coconut and other vegetable wax blends can also change in appearance as they repeatedly melt and solidify.
Allowing the candle to cool naturally, away from open windows, fans or direct air-conditioning, can help the wax settle more evenly.
What causes tunnelling?
Tunnelling occurs when a candle burns down through the centre while leaving a substantial wall of unused wax around the sides.
It commonly develops when the candle is extinguished before the melt pool has reached the edges, particularly during its first uses. Repeated short burns can reinforce the same narrow path through the wax.
Allow the melt pool to reach the edges before extinguishing the candle, without exceeding the recommended burning time. With multi-wick candles, always light every wick together. Direct draughts can also push the flame towards one side and prevent the wax from melting evenly.
If tunnelling continues despite following these instructions, it may indicate that the wick is not producing enough heat rather than a problem with the way the candle has been used.
Why does the wick have a black tip?
The black tip is simply the part of the wick that has already burned. Before relighting the candle, remove only this carbonised section by cutting it carefully or gently breaking away the loose tip once the wick is completely cold. Avoid shortening the wick more than necessary.
A candle is changed by every burn. The wax may no longer look untouched, but this does not mean that it has lost its purpose. Keeping the wax pool clear of debris, placing the candle away from strong air currents and using it correctly are the best ways to preserve its performance over time.
A used candle should look used. What matters is not that the wax remains perfect, but that the candle continues to burn evenly and release its fragrance as it was designed to be experienced within the room.
