Beginners Guides
What Causes Candle Tunneling
Comparable to a secret passageway tucked away inside a candle, tunneling occurs when the flame creates a narrow tunnel down the middle, leaving the rest of the wax untouched. This can be frustrating for candle lovers, as it takes away from the aesthetic appeal and can impact the candle’s performance.
But fear not, for I am here to shed light on the mysterious phenomenon of candle tunneling. In this article, we will delve into the scientific intricacies of candle burning, exploring the various factors that contribute to this unwanted occurrence.
From uneven wax distribution to improper wick trimming, low-quality candles to drafts and airflow, we will uncover the root causes and present effective solutions.
So, gather around as we embark on a journey to decipher the secrets of candle tunneling and learn how to prevent it from casting a shadow on our candlelit moments.
Key Takeaways
- Candle tunneling is caused by factors such as uneven wax distribution, improper wick trimming, low-quality candles, drafts, and airflow.
- Paraffin wax, with its higher melting point, is more prone to tunneling.
- Proper wick maintenance and regular trimming, as well as burning the candle for a sufficient amount of time, can help prevent tunneling.
- Using candles with larger diameters and ensuring proper ventilation can also help prevent tunneling.
Understanding the Science of Candle Burning
You’re probably wondering why your candles always burn down the middle, leaving a hole in the center while the wax on the sides remains untouched. Well, let me explain the science behind this phenomenon.
Candle tunneling occurs due to a combination of factors, including candle burning experiments and the role of candle wax composition.
When a candle burns, the heat from the flame melts the wax near the wick. This liquid wax is then drawn up the wick and vaporizes, providing fuel for the flame. However, if the candle is not burned for a sufficient amount of time, the wax will only melt in the immediate vicinity of the flame. This creates a tunnel-like hole down the center of the candle, while the wax on the sides remains solid.
The composition of the candle wax also plays a role in tunneling. Some types of wax, such as paraffin, are more prone to tunneling than others. This is because paraffin wax has a higher melting point, making it harder for the heat from the flame to melt the outer edges of the candle evenly.
Understanding the science of candle burning and the role of candle wax composition is crucial in preventing tunneling and achieving an even wax distribution.
Now, let’s delve into the subsequent section about uneven wax distribution without delay.
Uneven Wax Distribution
To prevent uneven wax distribution, it’s important to ensure proper wick maintenance and regular trimming. This ensures that the heat from the flame is evenly distributed across the surface of the candle, allowing the wax to melt evenly. Here are three key factors to consider for achieving this:
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Wick length: A wick that’s too long can cause the flame to burn too hot, resulting in uneven melting and tunneling. Trim the wick to about a quarter of an inch before each use to maintain a steady, controlled burn.
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Burn time: Allowing the candle to burn for at least one hour per inch of its diameter helps avoid tunneling. This provides enough time for the wax to melt evenly across the entire surface, preventing a tunnel from forming.
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Candle care: Properly caring for your candle can also contribute to even wax distribution. Keep the candle away from drafts, as they can cause uneven heat distribution. Additionally, avoid moving the candle while it’s burning, as this can disrupt the wax pool and lead to tunneling.
Now, let’s delve into the next section about improper wick trimming and its impact on candle burning.
Improper Wick Trimming
Improper wick trimming can spark a fiery rebellion within your candle, leading to a chaotic dance of flickering flames. This aspect of wick maintenance is often overlooked, but it plays a crucial role in ensuring a clean and even burn.
When a wick is not trimmed to the recommended length, it can cause the candle to tunnel. Tunneling refers to when the candle burns straight down the center, leaving a thick layer of unburned wax around the edges. This not only wastes valuable candle wax but also prevents the candle from reaching its full potential.
Proper wick trimming is an essential part of candle care. Before lighting your candle, it’s important to trim the wick to about 1/4 inch in length. This allows for a controlled and steady flame, ensuring that the wax is melted evenly and the candle burns efficiently. Regularly trimming the wick also helps to prevent the formation of soot and excess smoke, keeping the candle clean and free from any potential fire hazards.
Next, let’s delve into the issue of low-quality or improperly made candles, which can also contribute to candle tunneling.
Low-Quality or Improperly Made Candles
Using low-quality or improperly made candles can result in an uneven burn, leading to wasted wax and a diminished candle experience. When it comes to candle manufacturing, the quality of materials used plays a crucial role in ensuring a clean and even burn. Cheap or subpar materials may not burn properly, causing the wax to tunnel down the center of the candle and leaving a thick layer of unused wax on the sides. This not only reduces the overall burn time but also results in an inefficient use of the candle.
Additionally, low-quality wicks may not be properly sized or centered, further contributing to uneven burning. Inadequate candle manufacturing can also lead to other issues. Poorly made candles may have air pockets or gaps in the wax, which can cause the flame to flicker and burn unevenly. This can create an unsteady burn that contributes to tunneling. Furthermore, candles that are not properly tested or quality checked may have inconsistent formulas or fragrances, affecting their burn performance.
Transitioning into the next section about drafts and airflow, it’s important to understand how these factors can also impact candle burn.
Drafts and Airflow
Drafts and airflow can significantly affect the burn of a candle. Studies have shown that even a slight breeze can cause a candle flame to flicker up to 45 degrees off center. This can lead to uneven burning and the formation of candle tunnels.
To prevent this, it’s important to take measures to reduce drafts and ensure proper ventilation in the space where the candle is being burned. Reducing drafts is crucial for maintaining an even burn. This can be achieved by closing windows and doors, especially on windy days. It’s also helpful to place candles away from air vents and high-traffic areas where people frequently pass by. Additionally, using candle accessories such as shades or covers can create a barrier against drafts and promote a more consistent burn.
Ventilating spaces is equally important. Adequate airflow helps to prevent the formation of tunnels by ensuring that the heat is distributed evenly throughout the candle. Opening a window or using a fan can help in this regard, but it’s important to strike a balance to avoid excessive airflow, which can also cause issues with the burn.
In the subsequent section about burning candles for short periods of time, it’s essential to consider the impact of drafts and airflow on the overall burn. By taking steps to reduce drafts and properly ventilating the space, you can maximize the enjoyment and longevity of your candle.
Burning Candles for Short Periods of Time
To get the most out of your candle, try burning it for shorter periods of time. This is a simple yet effective way to avoid tunneling and prevent your candle from wasting wax. When a candle is burned for a short period of time, it allows the entire surface to melt evenly. This means that the next time you light your candle, it’ll burn evenly across the entire diameter, preventing tunneling.
Burning a candle for shorter periods of time also helps to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the wax. When a candle burns for too long, the outer edges of the wax can become cooler than the center, leading to uneven melting and tunneling. By burning the candle for shorter intervals, you can ensure that the wax melts uniformly and efficiently, avoiding any wasted wax and keeping the candle burning evenly.
Now that you know the benefits of burning candles for shorter periods of time, let’s move on to the next step: using candles with large diameters. By utilizing candles with larger diameters, you can further prevent tunneling and maximize the burn time of your candles.
Using Candles with Large Diameters
Opting for candles with larger diameters creates a mesmerizing display of warmth and light, while ensuring an even and long-lasting burn. When it comes to candle diameter considerations, there are a few key factors to keep in mind.
Firstly, a larger diameter allows for a larger pool of melted wax. This means that the flame has more fuel to burn, resulting in a more consistent and steady burn.
Secondly, a wider candle allows for better air circulation around the flame. This helps prevent the formation of a high temperature zone near the wick, which can cause uneven burning and tunneling.
Lastly, candles with larger diameters often have thicker wicks, which can help maintain a strong and steady flame.
To prevent candle tunneling, there are a few techniques you can try. Trim the wick to 1/4 inch before each use to ensure a clean and even burn. Also, make sure to let the candle burn for at least two hours during the first use to create a full melt pool. This helps prevent tunneling by melting the wax evenly across the entire surface.
Now, let’s move on to the next section about avoiding container candles.
Avoiding Container Candles
When you want to create a captivating and worry-free ambiance, container candles may not be your best choice. While container candles are popular and convenient, they’re more prone to tunneling compared to other types of candles. Tunneling occurs when the candle burns straight down the center, leaving unmelted wax along the sides. This happens because the heat isn’t distributed evenly, causing the wax to melt in a tunnel-like shape.
One reason why container candles are more susceptible to tunneling is the limited oxygen supply inside the container. The confined space restricts air circulation, making it difficult for the flame to burn efficiently. As a result, the wax closest to the wick melts faster, creating a tunnel and leaving untouched wax around the edges.
Furthermore, proper wick maintenance is crucial when using container candles. A well-trimmed wick promotes even burning and helps prevent tunneling. Trim the wick to about ¼ inch before lighting the candle and regularly check for any signs of mushrooming or soot buildup. Keeping the wick properly maintained ensures that the flame burns steadily and evenly, reducing the likelihood of tunneling.
To avoid the issues associated with container candles, consider using pillar or taper candles instead. These types of candles burn more evenly and are less prone to tunneling.
In the next section, we’ll discuss proper candle placement and burning techniques to further enhance your candle experience.
Proper Candle Placement and Burning Techniques
When it comes to avoiding candle tunneling, proper candle placement and burning techniques are essential. As a candle enthusiast, I’ve learned that taking the time to understand these techniques can greatly enhance both the safety and longevity of your candles.
Firstly, it’s crucial to always place your candles on a heat-resistant surface and away from any flammable materials. This simple candle safety precaution can prevent accidents and potential fire hazards.
Additionally, ensure that the candle is placed on a level surface to promote even burning and prevent uneven tunneling.
Furthermore, it’s important to choose the right type of scented candles to minimize the risk of tunneling. Opt for candles made with high-quality wax and lead-free wicks, which can significantly reduce the chances of tunneling occurring. Also, selecting candles with a wider diameter can help distribute the heat more evenly, avoiding the formation of tunnels.
By following these candle placement and burning techniques, you can enjoy a longer and more even burn, while also reducing the risk of accidents.
Now, let’s delve into troubleshooting and fixing candle tunneling issues, as there are steps we can take to address this concern and preserve the beauty of our candles.
Troubleshooting and Fixing Candle Tunneling Issues
To address the issue of tunneling, it’s important to troubleshoot and implement solutions that will help candles burn evenly and beautifully.
One of the troubleshooting techniques for preventing tunneling is to trim the wick before each burn. A long wick can cause the flame to burn too hot, leading to uneven melting and tunneling. By trimming the wick to about a quarter of an inch, you can ensure a more controlled and even burn.
Another technique is to burn the candle for a sufficient amount of time during each use. When a candle is only burned for a short period, it creates a small melt pool that doesn’t reach the edges of the container. This can create a tunneling effect, as the wax in the center remains untouched. To prevent this, allow the candle to burn long enough for the entire top layer of wax to melt and reach the edges.
Additionally, it’s important to place the candle in a draft-free area. Air currents can disrupt the flame and cause uneven burning. By placing the candle away from fans, open windows, or high-traffic areas, you can ensure a more consistent burn and minimize tunneling.
By implementing these troubleshooting techniques and following proper burning practices, you can prevent tunneling and enjoy a candle that burns evenly, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in your space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can candle tunneling be prevented by using a specific type of wax?
Using a specific type of wax can help prevent candle tunneling. Alternative candle waxes, such as soy or beeswax, have been found to provide better burn performance compared to traditional paraffin wax. Factors influencing candle tunneling include wick size, fragrance load, and container size. To combat tunneling, it’s important to choose a proper wick, avoid overloading the candle with fragrance, and ensure the container is wide enough for the wax to pool evenly.
How long should I burn a candle to avoid tunneling?
To avoid tunneling, it’s important to burn a candle for an adequate amount of time. Generally, it’s recommended to burn a candle for at least one hour for every inch in diameter. This allows the wax to melt evenly and prevents tunneling. Proper candle care also plays a role in preventing tunneling, such as trimming the wick to 1/4 inch before each use and keeping the candle away from drafts.
Is it safe to burn a candle in a drafty room?
In a drafty room, it may not be safe to burn a candle due to the impact of temperature on candle burning. The flickering flame can be easily extinguished by the air currents, resulting in an uneven burn.
Different types of drafts, like a window or a fan, can also cause the flame to flicker and dance, potentially leading to an increased risk of fire hazards. Therefore, it’s advisable to keep candles away from drafty areas to ensure safety.
Are there any specific candle holders that can help prevent tunneling?
Some candle holders can help prevent tunneling by allowing the wax to melt evenly. One alternative is a lantern-style holder with a chimney that directs the heat towards the sides of the jar, preventing uneven melting.
Another option is a candle warmer, which uses a gentle heat source to slowly melt the wax. These alternative methods for preventing tunneling can help maintain a consistent burn and extend the life of your candle.
Can I fix a candle that has already started tunneling?
Yes, you can fix a candle that has already started tunneling. To do so, you need to create a ‘burn memory’ by allowing the candle to burn long enough to melt the entire surface. This will prevent further tunneling and ensure an even burn in the future.
Additionally, if you have tunneling candles, you can repurpose them by melting the excess wax and using it to make new candles or wax melts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the perplexing phenomenon of candle tunneling can be attributed to a multitude of factors. From uneven wax distribution to improper wick trimming, the science behind candle burning is truly a fascinating field.
It seems that low-quality or improperly made candles are also culprits in this conspiracy. And let’s not forget about those pesky drafts and airflow, always stirring up trouble.
If you want to avoid this waxy conundrum, steer clear of candles with large diameters and opt for non-container candles. Remember, proper candle placement and burning techniques are key to preventing tunneling.
So, light up your candles with caution and make sure to troubleshoot any tunneling issues that may arise.
Stay enlightened, my friends.
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I’m Amelia, and I love making candles. It all started when I was given a kit as a gift. I loved the process so much that I decided to make my own candles. I soon realized that I had a real talent for it. Before long, my friends and family were asking me to make candles for them too. Word spread, and soon I was inundated with orders. I love the creativity that goes into making each candle unique. And I love the satisfaction of knowing that people are using something I made with my own hands.
A lot of people consider candles to be vital for setting a calm atmosphere. Candles can improve our mood, cover up bad odors, and create the ideal ambiance for a cozy night in. While buying candles from stores can be pricey, crafting your own candles at home is simple and affordable.
How to Make Scented Candles
All you need are some candle wicks, wax, and fragrance oil. You can find these materials online or at your local craft store. And when it comes to choosing a scent, the sky is the limit. I love conifer-based scents like pine and spruce, but you can select whatever fragrance you like best. So why not ditch the store-bought candles and try making your own? With time and effort, you can have beautiful, handcrafted candles that will make your home smell amazing.
How To Make Homemade Scented Candles
Candle making is an ancient art that has been practiced for centuries. The basic principles of candle making are simple, but there are a few things to keep in mind to produce a high-quality, scented candle.
Candles are a great way to add a touch of ambiance to any room, and homemade candles are even more special. Not only are they usually cheaper than store-bought candles, but you can also customize them to suit your style.
Making candles is also great for using leftover wax or scent oils. And with just a few simple supplies, you can make a variety of different scented candles in no time at all. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Wax ( Beeswax, soy wax, or paraffin wax)
- Wick
- Scented oil
- Pourable container ( like a Mason jar)
- Double boiler or melting pot
- Stirring utensil
- Candy thermometer ( optional)
Select the Type of Wax
First, choose the type of wax you want to use. Beeswax is the best choice for beginners because it’s easy to work with and doesn’t require additives. However, it can be more expensive than other types of wax.
Soy wax and paraffin wax are both less expensive options and will give your candles a longer burn time.
Choose The Wick
Once you’ve decided how you want to use it, it’s time to choose your wick. Candle wicks are made from various materials, but the most common type is cotton.
The size of your wick will depend on the diameter of your candle and the type of wax you’re using. For example, if you’re using soy wax with a diameter of 3 inches, you’ll need a wick at least 6 inches long.
The Fragrance
Once you’ve chosen your wax and wick, it’s time to add the fragrance. You can use any type of scented oil, but I recommend using essential oil. Essential oils are concentrated and have a strong scent, so you won’t need to use them as much.
Add one teaspoon of oil for every pound of wax to add the fragrance. So if you’re using 2 pounds of soy wax, you’ll need to add two teaspoons of oil.
Now that you have all your materials, it’s time to start melting the wax. The best way to do this is with a double boiler or melting pot. If you don’t have either, you can improvise using a pot filled with water and a heat-safe bowl.
Prep Your Container
When making candles, it is essential to use a sturdy glass container. This will prevent the wax from melting and causing a fire. I like to use 16-ounce Mason jars because they are perfect for a candle. If you already have a candle jar that you want, you can clean out the wax and repurpose the container. Once your candle jars are clean and dry, it is time to melt the wax.
Melt the Wax and Add Scent
To soften the wax, you will need a double boiler. Fill the bottom of the double boiler with water and place it on the stove over medium heat. Place the wax on the top of the double boiler and stir until it is melted. Once the wax is melted, you can add your fragrance oil and colorant. Stir gently until everything is mixed together.
Place the wax in the top part of the double boiler or the heat-safe bowl and set it over low heat. Stir the wax occasionally until it’s completely melted. If you’re using paraffin wax, you’ll need to add a stabilizer to prevent the wax from crystallizing as it cools. You can find stabilizers at most craft stores or online.
Once the wax is melted, remove it from the heat and let it cool for about five minutes. Then, add your fragrance oil and stir well. Next, place your wick in the container you’re using for your candle. If the wick is too long, you can trim it down to size.
Attach the Wick and Pour Wax
Now that your wick is in place, it’s time to pour the wax. Candle-making wax can be pretty hot, so be careful as you remove it from the heat. Then, carefully pour the wax into your container. Slowly pour the wax into the container, careful not to splash it. You can let the wax cool a bit: Once it has cooled for about 15 minutes, it’s time to pour it into the container.
If you’re using a wide container, you can also balance two chopsticks over the top of your container to hold the wick in place. Doing this will help keep the wick centered in the candle once the wax hardens.
If you want to add color to your candles, now is the time. You can use liquid candle dye or crayons to add color. Simply add a few drops of paint or break off a piece of crayon and stir it into the melted wax.
Once you’ve finished making your candles, it’s essential to let them set completely before you try to use them. Otherwise, the wax can be soft and difficult to work with. I usually let my candles sit overnight, so they have plenty of time to harden. Once they’re completely set, you’ll need to trim the wick.
Trim the Wick
This is important because it helps to prevent the candle from smoking when it’s lit. You can use scissors or a wick trimmer to do this. Make sure the wick is trimmed to about ¼ of an inch. Once you’ve done that, your candle is ready to burn.
And that’s it! You’ve now made your very own scented candle. Enjoy! Once you’ve poured the wax, allow it to cool and harden completely before trimming the wick and lighting your candle. Enjoy!
Now that you know the basics of making scented candles experiment with different waxes, wicks, and fragrances to create your unique candles. Have fun!
How to Make Scented Candles 101 Basics Video
My name is Jane and I absolutely adore candles. They can be found all over my house – in every room and on every surface. I am drawn to the delightful scent of candles and how they create a warm and cozy atmosphere.
Candles hold a special place in my heart. They help me unwind and destress after a tiring day. They evoke joyful memories and bring me a sense of tranquility and serenity. I truly cannot picture my life without candles!
If you’ve ever experienced the unfortunate situation of getting candle wax on your clothing, you understand the challenge of removing it. The wax tends to seep deep into the fabric, making it appear nearly impossible to eliminate.
Thankfully, with a little knowledge about physics, wax removal can be easy. Depending on the fabric of the garment, different strategies can be used. In general, it’s important not to rub the wax in, as this will only cause it to penetrate further into the fabric.
A quick solution is to put the garment in the freezer. This will harden the wax and allow for much of it to be removed. The garment can then be washed typically (hotter is better).
Wax Removal Made Easy
Everyone has experienced the frustration of dealing with a wax stain. Whether it’s from a candle, a spilled piece of candy, or an errant drop of shampoo, wax can be difficult to remove from fabric. However, with a little knowledge of physics, it’s not that hard to get rid of wax stains. The key is to understand how heat and cold affect wax.
At low temperatures, wax is hard and brittle. This is why putting a garment in the freezer can be an effective way to remove wax stains. The cold temperature will make the wax hard, allowing you to scrape it off easily. Just be sure not to rub the stain, as this will only spread the wax deeper into the fabric.
If freezing isn’t an option, you can also use heat to remove a wax stain. Wax has a low melting point of 140 Fahrenheit ( 60°C), so placing a blotting paper over the stain and running an iron over it will cause the wax to melt and transfer onto the paper. Just be sure to use a low setting on the iron, as too much heat can damage delicate fabrics. Removing wax stains from fabric should be no problem with these simple tips.
Removing Wax from Cotton Fabrics
Candle wax can be a frustrating stain to remove from clothing, but with a little know-how, it can be easily dealt with. The best method for cotton fabrics is to harden the wax by placing the garment in the freezer.
Once the wax is hardened, it can then be scraped off. Any remaining grease stains can be removed via a normal wash, as the solvents in laundry detergent are designed to dissolve grease. Alternatively, the wax residue can be “ironed out” by placing blotting paper over the area and running an iron over it. With a little effort, candle wax stains need not be permanent.
Removing Wax from Silk Fabrics and Wool
Waxing is a popular way to protect fabrics from spills and stains, but it can be difficult to remove when cleaning the garment. Cotton fabrics can be treated with an iron set to low heat; the heat will melt the wax and transfer it to a piece of paper placed over the stain.
This method is not recommended for more delicate fabrics like silk and wool, as the heat can damage the fabric. Instead, place the garment in the freezer until the wax hardens and gently scrape it off with a blunt knife. If there is any wax remaining, it’s best to take the garment to a dry cleaner. Removing wax from any fabric will be a breeze with these simple tips.
Removing Wax from Synthetic Fabrics
Fabrics are made of materials like silk, wool, cotton, and many more. Each fabric has its way of being cleaned and handled. For example, you cannot put a silk dress in the washing machine with detergent and expect it to look fabulous.
It simply won’t happen. Different materials require different handling, so we often take our clothes to the dry cleaners. But what about when we accidentally spill something on our clothes at home? First things first, don’t panic! It’s not the end of the world, and there are ways to remove almost any stain from any fabric.
One common fabric mishap is when we accidentally drop the wax on our clothing. Whether from candles or using an old-fashioned iron, it can be tricky to get rid of wax stains. The good news is that there are a few proven methods for removing wax from synthetic fabrics. The first thing you should do is try to let the wax harden in the freezer. Once it’s hardened, you can try to remove it with a butter knife or a credit card. If that doesn’t work, then your best bet is to take the garment to a dry cleaner.
If you’re feeling brave, you can also try to remove the wax with an iron. Place a blotting paper over the stain and set the iron to low heat. Slowly run the iron over the paper until the wax transfers onto it. This method can be tricky, so it’s best to test it on an inconspicuous area of the fabric first. With a little patience and some trial and error, you should be able to get the wax out of your synthetic fabrics.
My name is Jane and I absolutely adore candles. They can be found all over my house – in every room and on every surface. I am drawn to the delightful scent of candles and how they create a warm and cozy atmosphere.
Candles hold a special place in my heart. They help me unwind and destress after a tiring day. They evoke joyful memories and bring me a sense of tranquility and serenity. I truly cannot picture my life without candles!
Newell Brands owns the popular Yankee Candle brand, which it acquired when it purchased Jarden in 2016. Jarden is recognized for its wide range of brands including Yankee Candle, Sharpie, and Mr. Coffee.
From humble beginnings…
1969 was a big year. The first humans set foot on the moon, the Beatles gave their final public performance, and 16-year-old Mike Kittredge made his mother a present that would change his life. Too poor to buy a gift, Mike improvised, melting down some crayons to make candles. His neighbor was so impressed that she convinced him to sell it to her.
With his money, he bought more wax and made two more candles – one for his mom and one to sell. And so Yankee Candle was born. Over the next 50 years, the company would grow into a multimillion-dollar business, but it all started with a simple act of love from a son to his mother. Christmas may come and go, but the story of Yankee Candle is timeless.
…to America’s favorite brand of premium scented candles
Yankee Candle started in a small Massachusetts country gift shop in 1969. The company’s founder, Michael J. Kittredge II, used a melted crayon to make his first candle as a Christmas gift for his mother.
From that humble beginning, Yankee Candle has become the most recognized name in the candle business and the country’s best-selling candle brand. Today, with over 600 fragrances, Yankee Candle offers a wide range of seasonal and specialty scented candles, home and car fragrance products, and candle accents and accessories.
Yankee Candle’s goal is to create products that help make your house feel like a home. Whether looking for a fresh scent for your kitchen or a cozy aroma for your bedroom, Yankee Candle has a fragrance.
Most Yankee Candle candles are made by master chandlers (candlemakers) in Massachusetts. Yankee Candle candles and accessories can be found in Yankee Candle’s nationwide base of over 300 company-owned stores. Yankee Candle also has a dynamic catalog, online business, and an expanding North American wholesale customer network that includes over 14,000 specialty retailers in the U.S.
The future looks bright for new growth and expanding opportunities as Yankee Candle continues to write new chapters in this true American success story.
The $15.4 billion deal was one of the largest in Newell’s history, and it immediately gave the company a significant presence in the candle, marker, and coffee maker markets. With the addition of Jarden’s brands, Newell is now better positioned to compete in various categories and markets. Thanks to the acquisition, Newell is now one of the world’s leading suppliers of candles, markers, and coffee makers.
Yankee Candle Today Employs more than 6,000 Workers Worldwide
Since its founding in 1969, Yankee Candle has been dedicated to providing the highest quality candles and accessories. Today, the company remains true to that commitment, employing more than 6,000 skilled workers worldwide. Yankee Candle candles and accessories can be found nationwide in hundreds of company-owned retail stores and at Authorized Yankee Candle® Retailers throughout the United States. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift or simply want to enjoy a pleasurable candle-burning experience, Yankee Candle is sure to have what you’re looking for. With a wide range of styles and scents, there’s something for everyone at Yankee Candle.
Yankee Candle History
Yankee Candle was founded in 1969 by Michael J. Kittredge II, who was just 16 years old. Kittredge made his first candle out of a used crayon, some melted wax, and a coffee can. He then sold his candles door-to-door and at craft fairs. The company has come a long way since those early days and is now the leading manufacturer of scented candles in the United States. Kittredge retired from Yankee Candle in 2001, and the company was sold to Jarden Corporation for $1.75 billion in 2014. Yankee Candle is still headquartered in South Deerfield, Massachusetts, and continues to produce high-quality candles that fill homes with warmth and light.
Starting by Chance – Christmas 1969
It was Christmas 1969, and 16-year-old Mike Kittredge was struggling to find a way to buy his mother a present. He didn’t have much money, so he decided to melt some crayons to create a homemade candle. His neighbor saw the candle and wanted one of her own.
With that small stake, Mike bought enough wax to make two candles — one for his mom and another to sell. That simple act of creativity and entrepreneurship would eventually grow into a multi-billion-dollar company known as Yankee Candle. Today, Yankee Candle is one of the most popular brands in the world, and it all started with a teenage boy’s efforts to give his mom a special Christmas present.
Yankee Candle in 1970-1972
Mike had always been interested in crafting, so when he stumbled upon a lost wax candle-making kit, he was eager to try it. Using the supplies from the kit, he made two candles — one for his mom and another to sell. His dad was so impressed with the finished product that he suggested they open a small retail shop. With his father’s help, they did just that, and their business steadily grew over the next few years. Mike’s Candles has hundreds of retail stores and over 35,000 authorized retailers worldwide. Thanks to Mike’s passion for candle-making, what started as a small hobby has blossomed into a hugely successful business.
Yankee Candle 1973 until Today
The year 1973 was an eventful one for the young company that would come to be known as Yankee Candle. Founded only four years earlier, the company was tiny, with just twelve employees. But those twelve employees were about to embark on an ambitious new project: moving the entire operation into an old paper mill in Holyoke, Massachusetts.
The mill was in rough shape, and it would take a lot of work to get it up and to run. But the company’s founders were excited about the potential of their new home. They saw it as a chance to build something unique and committed themselves to make it happen. They turned the mill into a thriving candle-making business in the months and years that followed. Yankee Candle is one of the world’s leading candle manufacturers, and its story began in that old paper mill in Holyoke.
I’m Amelia, and I love making candles. It all started when I was given a kit as a gift. I loved the process so much that I decided to make my own candles. I soon realized that I had a real talent for it. Before long, my friends and family were asking me to make candles for them too. Word spread, and soon I was inundated with orders. I love the creativity that goes into making each candle unique. And I love the satisfaction of knowing that people are using something I made with my own hands.
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