Expert: Neecie - 6/8/2011

Question
Hi! I came into the kitchen yesterday while doing laundry and found my candle burning great, except for the wax pouring out the hole in the side! NOOOOOO! It's my fav and hate to have to throw it away. Can I fix it somehow?
Thanks, Raychelle

Answer
Hi Raychelle,

There could be a couple of things that you perhaps could do.  I am assuming you are burning a pillar candle of some sort.  First thing that comes to mind is that perhaps the wick is off set some how.  If that is the case you may be able to move it just a bit once you've blown out the candle and the wax is still somewhat soft.  I think that is why a hole developed in your candle.  The flame is too close on one side of your candle.  When there is no flame and the wick is cool to the touch, try and move it just a bit.  If you're able to move the wick then I would suggest that you try and cut down the wax to where the hole is.  That way your eliminating the hole all together.  The only draw back is that your wasting all that wax.  But, at least your not going to have a mess either.  I'm not sure how effective it would be to take some semi-soft wax and plug the hole.  I would think that at some point it just may happen again.  Because of what I mentioned above.  One other tip that I would like to suggest is that, it's very important to trim your wicks.  Trimming your wicks eliminates some of the soot that can occur, it can create a better burn for your candle.  Just trim it to about a ¼" and you may also avoid the wick from tipping from one side to another as well.

I hope that helps some!