1Tunneling (hole down the middle)

Did the first burn reach a full melt pool? No — Burn longer next time (2–4 hrs); educate customers with a care card.

Full melt pool but still tunneling? Yes — Wick is too small — size up one step and retest.

2Sinkholes / wet spots

Holes around the wick after cooling? Yes — Poke relief holes and do a second pour; pour cooler next batch.

Wax pulling away from the jar? Yes — Warm jars before pouring; cool candles slowly away from drafts.

3Weak scent throw

Has it cured fully (soy 7–14 days)? No — Wait — judging throw early is the #1 mistake.

Cured, still weak? Yes — Try one wick size up (hotter pool = more throw), check fragrance load %, and confirm the FO is candle-safe.

4Frosting (white patches on soy)

Is it only cosmetic? Almost always — It’s natural for soy. Pour cooler and cool slowly to reduce it; it doesn’t affect burn or scent.

5Soot / mushrooming wick

Flame taller than 1.5″? Yes — Wick too large — size down. Trim to 1/4″ before every burn.

Near a draft or vent? Yes — Move it — drafts cause flickering and soot even with the right wick.

6Rough / bumpy tops

Soy wax? Yes — Normal. Pour cooler (120–135°F) and/or do a thin second pour to level it.

Cooled too fast (fan, cold room)? Yes — Cool at room temp away from drafts next time.