Why Did My Candle Sink in the Middle?

When a candle sinks in the middle, it’s usually because the wick wasn’t trimmed before burning. If the wick is too long, it can cause the flame to be too big, which then causes the wax to melt faster than it can be vaporized. This causes a “tunnel” to form and the candle to sink in the middle.

Candle sinkholes, why they happen, how to fix them, and preventing them

If you’ve ever lit a candle and found that it sunk in the middle, you’re probably wondering why. There are actually a few reasons why this can happen, and luckily, there are ways to prevent it from happening again. One reason your candle may sink in the middle is because the wick is too long.

When the wick is too long, it causes the flame to be larger than normal which then heats up the wax around it more quickly. This causes the wax to melt unevenly and creates a tunnel effect, causing your candle to sink in the middle. To fix this problem, simply trim your wick before each use so that it’s about 1/4 inch long.

Another reason your candle may sink in the middle is because of drafts in your room. If there’s a drafty spot in your room, it can cause one side of the flame to be taller than the other side. This again creates an uneven melting effect and will cause your candle to sink on one side.

To avoid this problem, try moving your candles away from any windows or doors where drafts might be coming through. Finally, if you see that your candles are starting to form tunnels even after taking measures to prevent it, it might be time to invest in some new candles! Sometimes candles just don’t work well with certain types of holders or environments and no matter what you do they’ll continue sinking and tunneling.

In this case, giving up on those particular candles and trying new ones might be your best bet for getting rid of sunken candles for good!

How Do You Keep Candles from Sinking in the Middle

When you buy a new candle, it’s often perfectly round and symmetrical. But after burning the candle for a while, you may notice that the wax starts to sink in the middle, creating an unsightly well. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to prevent this from happening.

Here are some tips for keeping candles from sinking in the middle: – Trim the wick before each use. This will help ensure that the flame is not too large, which can cause the wax to melt unevenly and sink in the middle.

– Burn the candle for at least an hour at a time. This will give the wax a chance to melt evenly across the surface of the candle. – Avoid drafts.

Burning a candle in a drafty area can cause hot air to blow on one side of the flame, causing the wax to melt unevenly and sink in the middle.

Credit: www.growfragrance.com

-Did You Use the Correct Size Wick for Your Candle

If you’re using a standard paraffin wax candle, then the general rule is to use a wick that’s 1/4″ to 3/8″ in diameter. If your candle is made of beeswax or soy wax, then you should use a wick that’s slightly thinner, around 1/4″ in diameter. And if you’re using a really thick candle, like an outdoor pillar candle, then you’ll need to use a thicker wick, around 1/2″ in diameter. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule.

If your candles are burning too quickly or smoking excessively, then you may need to use a thinner wick. Conversely, if your candles are burning slowly or not evenly, then you may need to use a thicker wick. The best way to determine the right size wick for your candles is to experiment until you find what works best.

Conclusion

When you light a candle, the heat of the flame melts the wax near the wick. This liquid wax is then drawn up the wick by capillary action. The heat of the flame vaporizes the liquid wax (turns it into a hot gas) and starts to break down the hydrocarbons into molecules of hydrogen and carbon.

These vaporized molecules are drawn up into the flame, where they react with oxygen from the air to create heat, light, water vapor (H2O), and carbon dioxide (CO2). As the candle burns, it slowly uses up the available fuel (the wax). The molten wax in contact with the wick starts to solidify as it cools.