Candle-making is a fascinating and rewarding hobby that allows you to create beautiful, fragrant candles to decorate and light up your space. However, it can be frustrating when you find sinkholes in your candles, which can ruin their appearance and affect their burn time.
In this article, learn how to fix candle sinkholes without heat gun in 12 easy steps.
Sinkholes in candles are small craters that form on the surface of the candle as it cools, leaving an unsightly and uneven surface.
While a heat gun is commonly used to fix sinkholes, not everyone has one. In this article, we will explore some alternative methods to fix candle sinkholes without a heat gun.
What Are Candle Sinkholes?
Candle sinkholes are depressions or craters that form on the surface of a candle when it cools down. They are usually caused by the wax contracting as it cools, leaving behind pockets of air that result in a cavity or depression on the candle’s surface.
Sinkholes not only affect the appearance of a candle but can also cause issues with the candle’s burn time and scent throw. While using a heat gun is a popular method for fixing sinkholes, there are alternative methods that do not require direct heat or the use of flame.
How Are Sinkholes Formed?
Sinkholes in candles can be caused by various factors. One of the most common causes is air pockets in the wax. When the candle is poured, air can become trapped in the wax, creating empty spaces that later collapse and form sinkholes. Another common cause is an uneven burn.
If the candle is not burned evenly, the wax can melt unevenly, creating depressions and sinkholes. Over-wicking and under-wicking of the candle can also contribute to the formation of sinkholes. In addition, environmental factors such as temperature and humidity can cause sinkholes to form.
Importance of Fixing Candle Sinkholes For Optimal Candle Burning
While sinkholes are a common problem with candle-making, they can be fixed with simple techniques, without the need for a heat gun.
Fixing candle sinkholes is important because they affect the aesthetic appeal of the candle and may also lead to uneven burning. This may lead to the shortening of the candle’s life and strength over time and may also lead to the weakening of the flame.
Candle cleaning is also important in the sense that it may prove to be very cost-effective in the long run, especially with luxury candle brands that tend to sell costly candles.
Using Heat Guns to Fix Sinkholes
Using a heat gun is one of the most common methods for fixing candle sinkholes. This involves heating the surface of the candle to melt the wax and smooth out the sinkhole. However, using a heat gun can be dangerous and requires a certain level of expertise and caution.
If not done properly, it can damage the candle and even cause injury. Therefore, many people prefer to fix candle sinkholes without using a heat gun, using alternative methods that are safer and easier to execute. In this article, we will explore some of these methods in detail
How to identify if sinkholes are due to air pockets or wick displacement?
To identify if a sinkhole is due to air pockets or wick displacement, you can examine the shape of the sinkhole.
If the sinkhole is circular with smooth edges, it is likely caused by an air pocket. This happens when the wax cools too quickly and solidifies around an air bubble. As the candle continues to burn, the air pocket heats up and the wax melts, causing the sinkhole.
If the sinkhole is irregularly shaped and has jagged edges, it is likely caused by wick displacement. This happens when the wick moves away from the center of the candle while it is still cooling, causing the wax to sink in around the wick. As the candle burns, the wax around the wick melts, creating the sinkhole.
How to Fix Sinkholes Without a Heat Gun
Follow these 12 simple steps to clean the candle and get rid of the sinkholes that might form.
1. Identify the Sinkhole
First, identify the sinkhole by inspecting the surface of the candle. Sinkholes typically appear as small, shallow depressions in the wax.
2. Heat Up a Bowl of Water
Fill a bowl with hot water, making sure it’s not boiling. You can also use a hair dryer on the lowest heat setting.
3. Hold the Candle Over the Steam
Hold the candle over the steam or hair dryer, focusing on the area with the sinkhole. The heat will melt the wax, and the hole will fill up as the wax starts to flow.
4. Smooth Out the Surface
Once the wax has melted, use a spoon or knife to smooth out the surface of the candle, making sure it’s level and even. Be careful not to burn yourself. If you don’t have extra wax or don’t want to use a hair dryer or hot water, you can also try using a warm knife or spoon to fill in sinkholes.
5. Heat Up a Spoon With Hot Water
Heat up a spoon or knife by holding it under hot running water for a minute or so. You can also heat it up by dipping it in boiling water for a few seconds.
6. Dry off the Spoon
Dry the spoon or knife with a towel or paper towel. Hold the spoon or knife over the sink or a paper towel to catch any drips.
7. Create a Pool of Wax
Carefully press the heated spoon or knife into the sinkhole to melt the wax slightly and create a small pool of liquid wax.
8. Fill the Hole
Use the spoon or knife to transfer some excess wax from the candle to the sinkhole. Be sure to fill the hole completely and smooth out the surface with a spoon or knife.
9. Let It Cool
Let the wax cool and harden completely before lighting the candle.
10. Scrap and Smooth the Candle
Once the wax is hardened, use a flat blade, such as a butter knife, to gently scrape away any excess wax around the sinkholes.
11. Repeat the Process
If the sinkholes are still visible, repeat the process until they are filled to your satisfaction.
12. Store and Use
Once you’re satisfied with the surface of the candle, let it cool and harden completely before lighting it again.
Preventing Sinkholes in Candles
Here are some tips to prevent sinkholes from forming in your candles to begin with:
Avoid drafts
Make sure that your candle is placed in an area where it won’t be exposed to any draft. This can cause the wax to cool unevenly and lead to the formation of sinkholes.
Use the right wick
Make sure to use the right wick size for your candle. If the wick is too small, it can cause the wax to tunnel and form sinkholes. If the wick is too big, it can cause the wax to melt too quickly and create air pockets.
Burn your candle long enough
Make sure to burn your candle long enough to create a full melt pool across the entire surface of the candle. This will prevent the formation of sinkholes and tunneling.
Trim the wick
Make sure to trim the wick to the appropriate length before lighting the candle. A long wick can cause the wax to melt too quickly and create air pockets, leading to sinkholes.
Choose high-quality wax
Use high-quality wax for your candles, as it is less likely to form sinkholes than lower-quality wax.
By following these tips, you can prevent sinkholes from forming in your candles and ensure that they burn evenly and last longer.
Conclusion: How To Fix Candle Sinkholes Without Heat Gun
In conclusion, candle sinkholes can be a frustrating and unsightly issue, but there are several methods to fix them without using a heat gun.
Whether you choose to melt and smooth the wax with a hair dryer or hot water, fill the holes with excess wax, or use a warm knife or spoon to fill in the sinkholes, these methods can help salvage your candle and prevent the need to throw it away.
Additionally, taking steps to prevent sinkholes from occurring in the first place, such as trimming the wick and keeping the candle away from drafts, can help prolong the life of your candle and prevent this issue from happening in the future. With these tips, you can enjoy your candles without the frustration of sinkholes.
