What is candle “tunneling”?
Candle “tunneling” occurs when only a small ring of wax melts around the wick while burning, rather than the entire surface liquefying evenly. This leads to wasted wax, and as the tunnel deepens over time, relighting the wick can become difficult or even impossible
While tunneling can sometimes be due to a poorly designed candle—such as a wick that’s too small for the container. It’s more commonly caused by an initial burn that’s too short. If a candle isn’t allowed to burn long enough on its first use for the wax pool to reach the edges, a hardened barrier forms, affecting future burns.
This phenomenon, known as a candle’s “memory,” happens because wax that has previously melted softens more easily than untouched wax. As a result, when you relight the candle, the melted wax follows the established pattern, reinforcing the tunneling effect.
Frustrating, right? Not only is tunneling unsightly, but it also shortens your candle’s lifespan since much of the wax remains unused. When a candle is properly maintained, it will utilize mostly all of the wax in the container (see the photo on the right below).
So, how can you fix candle tunneling and get the most out of your candle?
So how do we prevent tunneling?
Proper candle care ensures an even burn and prevents tunneling. To achieve this, always allow the wax to melt all the way to the edge of the container (or close to it) each time you light your candle. This is especially crucial for the first burn, which typically takes 1–2 hours, depending on the candle’s size.
If tunneling occurs despite your best efforts, don’t worry—there are a few ways to fix it. But first, a quick safety reminder: Never leave a burning candle unattended. Always keep it away from pets, children, drafts, and flammable materials. Additionally, trimming your wick to ¼ inch before each burn (using a wick trimmer works best) helps ensure a cleaner, more even burn.
Now, let’s go over three effective ways to fix candle tunneling.
The Hair Dryer Method (Our Favorite!)
This quick and easy method helps reset your candle’s “memory.”
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- First, extinguish the flame if the candle is lit.
- Then, using a hair dryer on a low setting, carefully melt the surface wax until it evens out to the container’s edge. Be sure to hold the dryer at a safe distance to prevent wax from splattering.
- Once the wax is fully melted across the surface, let it cool and harden evenly before relighting.
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The Aluminum Foil Method
A common fix for tunneling, aluminum foil helps redirect heat to melt stubborn, unmelted wax.
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- Wrap a strip of foil around the top of the candle, folding it inward like a tent over the tunneled wax while keeping an opening at the center for the flame.
- Let the candle burn for 1–2 hours, allowing the wax pool to reach the edges.
- Be cautious—the foil can get hot, so let it cool before handling or adjusting.
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The Wax Removal Method
If tunneling persists, you can manually level the wax by scooping out the unmelted portions with a spoon until it’s even with (or lower than) the melted center. This removes the wax “memory,” allowing the candle to burn evenly moving forward. Just remember to dispose of the wax in the trash—never down the drain, as wax can cause clogs!
By following these steps, you can extend the life of your candle and enjoy a cleaner, more even burn every time. Happy candle burning!
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Great post!