Why We Poke Holes in Our Candles

A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Quality Candle Making

If you’ve ever watched a candle being made—or noticed small holes in the wax during production—you might wonder: why do candle makers poke holes in candles?

At Isle of Rose Candle Co., every step of our process is intentional. Poking holes in our candles isn’t a flaw or shortcut—it’s a quality-control technique that helps ensure a better burn, stronger scent throw, and a more beautiful finished candle.

Here’s why we do it.

Soy Candles Naturally Trap Air

We use natural soy wax, which behaves differently than paraffin wax.

As soy wax cools and hardens, it can:

• Shrink slightly

• Trap small air pockets

• Create hidden voids around the wick

These air pockets aren’t always visible on the surface, but if left untreated, they can impact how a candle burns over time.

Preventing Sinkholes & Uneven Wax

One of the main reasons we poke holes in our candles is to prevent sinkholes—dips or cavities that can form around the wick as the wax sets.

By gently poking holes during the curing process:

• Trapped air is released

• Additional wax can fill hidden gaps

• The wax structure around the wick becomes solid and even

This extra step helps ensure your candle burns evenly from the first light to the last.

Better Burn Performance, Start to Finish

A well-structured candle means:

• A steadier, more consistent flame

• An even melt pool

• Less tunneling down the center

• Cleaner, more reliable performance overall

This attention to detail helps your candle burn the way it was meant to—slowly, evenly, and beautifully.

Improved Scent Throw

Air pockets don’t just affect burn quality—they can also interfere with how fragrance is released.

By eliminating voids in the wax:

• Heat distributes more evenly

• Fragrance oils are released consistently

• Scent throw feels smoother and more balanced

For small-batch, hand-poured candles, these details make a noticeable difference.

A Mark of Handcrafted Care

This isn’t a step you’ll see in mass-produced candles.

Poking holes and refilling wax takes time, patience, and hands-on care. It’s one of many behind-the-scenes steps we take to ensure every candle meets our standards—before it ever reaches your home.

It’s also why no two candles are ever exactly the same—a true hallmark of handmade craftsmanship.

What This Means for You

When you choose an Isle of Rose candle, you’re choosing:

• A candle carefully inspected and refined by hand

• Better burn quality and performance

• Thoughtful craftsmanship from start to finish

• A product made slowly—not rushed

Because we believe the little details matter.

Hand-Poured Candles, Made the Right Way

From wick placement and wax temperature to curing time and finishing touches, poking holes is just one of the many steps we take to create candles that burn beautifully and feel special in your space.

✨ That’s the difference of small-batch candle making.