Discover Candle Memory

Candle memory refers to the phenomenon where a candle, after being burned, retains a "memory" of its previous burn. This memory can affect the way the candle burns in subsequent uses.

When a candle is first lit, the wax melts and forms a pool of liquid wax around the wick. This melted wax is then drawn up the wick and burned. As the candle burns, the wax pool expands and contracts, and the wick is consumed. When the candle is extinguished, the wax pool cools and solidifies.

If the candle is not allowed to burn long enough to form a full wax pool, a "memory ring" can form around the wick. This memory ring can restrict the wax pool in subsequent burns, causing the candle to burn unevenly and potentially creating a tunneling effect where the wick burns down the center of the candle, leaving a ring of unburned wax around the edge.

To avoid an unwanted candle memory, it is recommended to burn the candle for long enough during the initial burn to allow the wax pool to reach the edges of the container or candle. This ensures that the candle burns evenly and prevents the formation of a memory ring.

Want to avoid unwanted candle memory and tunneling? Read the next section on candle tunneling.