Why Your Candle Tunnels—And How to Fix It for Good
- Erika A. Darden
- Apr 15
- 3 min read
We all love candles. They set the mood, fill our homes with wonderful scents, and add cozy warmth to any space.
But let's be honest—nothing is more frustrating than seeing your candle tunnel, wasting wax and shortening its life.
If you're tired of candles burning straight down the middle, leaving untouched wax along the edges, this guide is for you.
We'll explore:
Why tunneling happens
Practical prevention tips
Simple solutions for fixing tunneling
What Exactly is Candle Tunneling?
Candle tunneling occurs when the wax melts unevenly, creating a narrow hole down the candle's center. This leaves wax unused along the sides, reducing your candle’s lifespan and fragrance.
Why Do Candles Tunnel?
Several factors cause tunneling. Here's what to watch out for:
1. The First Burn Matters
If you extinguish your candle too soon during the first burn, it creates a "wax memory," causing tunneling on future burns.
2. Wick Issues
A wick that's too small or too large leads to uneven melting. Small wicks won’t melt enough wax, while large ones burn too quickly.
3. Wax Quality and Type
Different waxes (soy, paraffin, beeswax) melt differently. Poor-quality wax can easily tunnel.
4. Drafts or Air Movement
Drafts from windows, fans, or air vents cause candles to burn unevenly, creating tunnels.
Easy Ways to Prevent Candle Tunneling
Avoid tunneling with these simple tips:
Tip #1: Let It Melt Fully on the First Burn
Allow your candle to burn until the wax reaches the edges (typically 1-3 hours). This prevents future tunneling.
Tip #2: Choose Quality Wicks
At NAVABELLA, we carefully match wicks with candle sizes with our soy wax for a consistently even burn.
Tip #3: Avoid Drafty Spots
Place candles away from drafts for an even melt pool.
Tip #4: Trim Your Wick Regularly
Trim wicks to about ¼ inch before each use to avoid soot and encourage even burning.
Quick Fixes If Your Candle Already Tunneled
If your candle already has tunneling, these methods can help:
The Foil Trick
Wrap aluminum foil around the top of your candle, leaving a small opening. Burn for 1-2 hours
to melt wax evenly.
Hair Dryer Method
Use a hair dryer on low heat to smooth out uneven wax. Allow wax to cool before relighting.
Candle Warmer
Place your candle on an electric warmer to evenly melt stubborn tunneling issues.
Get the Most Out of Your Candles
Enhance your candle experience with these tips:
Best Burning Practices:
Burn candles for no more than 4 hours at a time.
Extinguish flames gently using a snuffer or lid.
Proper Storage:
Store candles in a cool, dark place away from sunlight.
Keep candles covered when not in use to avoid dust.
Common Candle Myths, Debunked
Myth: Freezing candles prevents tunneling.
Reality: Freezing candles makes wax brittle, leading to uneven burning.
Myth: A bigger wick solves tunneling.
Reality: Wick size must match candle size. Oversized wicks create excess soot and wasted wax.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can tunneling ruin my candle completely?
A: Severe tunneling can shorten candle life, but usually can be fixed if caught early.
Q: Why does tunneling happen despite following instructions?
A: Factors like wick quality, wax type, or drafts may still cause issues. Adjust candle placement and wick trimming.
Q: Do certain waxes tunnel more easily?
A: Soy and vegetable waxes tunnel more if not burned correctly initially. Paraffin and beeswax are typically more forgiving.
Final Thoughts
Candle tunneling is common, but easy to prevent and fix. Just remember:
Let your candle fully melt on the first burn.
Keep your wick trimmed.
Avoid drafty areas.
Enjoy beautifully burning candles every time with NAVABELLA—your trusted home fragrance experts.
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