Presentation illustration: IPANEMA candle by KMK PARIS.
A tunnelling candle develops a deeper passage around the wick while some wax remains along the sides. Before trying to “rescue” it, check the instructions and conditions of use. Do not extend burning beyond the stated limit or change the wax, wick or container to force an even melt.
For KMK PARIS candles, including IPANEMA, keep the product page and label to hand. If the instructions do not address your situation, ask for advice about the specific product before using it again.
Recognise the phenomenon without jumping to conclusions
“Tunnelling” commonly describes wax being consumed mainly in the centre, leaving a substantial ring around the edge. However, an observation just after lighting is not enough to judge the overall performance: melting begins near the wick and evolves during use.
In its explanation of how candles work, Yankee Candle lists short uses, draughts, ambient temperature and uneven heat distribution among the possible causes of tunnelling. These provide points to examine, not a certain diagnosis for your candle.
A photograph of the wax alone cannot attribute the problem to misuse, a wick or manufacturing. The model and its use history also need to be known.
Why the instructions are the first reference
Advice varies according to the candle’s design. Cycle duration, wick care and the wax level at which use must stop should be read in the instructions for the particular product.
A recommendation found for another brand or format does not automatically become a rule for your candle. This is especially important when advice says to wait until the whole surface melts: it must never lead to exceeding the manufacturer’s maximum time.
If the surface does not match the instructions’ description at the end of the permitted cycle, stop that cycle. The right response is to document the situation, not keep burning until a particular appearance is achieved.
Checks to make once the candle is cold
- The exact product: name, format, brand and batch number if shown on the product.
- Previous cycles: approximate duration of each use and when tunnelling appeared.
- The environment: proximity to a draught, a stable surface and placement in line with the instructions.
- Visible condition: the hollow’s shape, wick position, debris or unusual marks, without interfering with the wax.
- The instructions: wick maintenance performed only as the manufacturer specifies.
Photograph the extinguished, completely cooled candle from above and from the side, as well as its label. This small set of images helps customer service understand the context without asking you to relight it to show the problem.
When should you suspend use?
A cracked or damaged container, a flame touching the side, substantial smoke or abnormal behaviour calls for stopping, not an attempt to correct it while hot. Yankee Candle’s instructions prohibit, among other things, using a cracked container or letting the flame touch its side.
Extinguish according to the instructions, without water, and let the candle cool completely before touching or moving it. The National Candle Association also reminds users never to leave a burning candle unattended or move it while the wax is liquid.
What is best avoided
Do not wrap the container in aluminium foil, heat the candle in an oven or microwave, or pour out hot wax. Do not add oil, perfume or another wick. These changes are not part of ordinary maintenance and alter the product’s intended conditions.
For a KMK PARIS candle, send the information gathered through the Maison’s contact page. A useful enquiry describes what you observe, since when and under what conditions, without concluding the cause in advance.
Choose your scented gesture with more understanding
Discover the differences between spray and candle and explore guidance on combining fragrance and décor.