How to Stop Candle Tunnelling (Easy Fixes That Actually Work)

How to Stop Candle Tunnelling (Easy Fixes That Actually Work)

Candle tunnelling is one of the most common – and most frustrating – candle problems. You light a new candle, enjoy it for a while, and then notice that only the centre is melting while thick wax builds up around the edges. Not only does this waste wax, but it also shortens the life of your candle and weakens the scent throw.

This guide will walk you through:

  • What candle tunnelling is
  • Why it happens
  • Step-by-step methods to fix it
  • How to prevent tunnelling permanently

What is Candle Tunnelling?

Candle tunnelling occurs when a candle burns straight down the centre, leaving unmelted wax around the edges of the container. Instead of forming a full melt pool across the surface, the wax creates a “tunnel” around the wick.

Not only does it waste your candle, but it also shortens burn time. The good news? Candle tunnelling is easy to fix – and even easier to prevent. It also leads to:

  • Wasted wax
  • Shorter burn time
  • Poor scent throw
  • Uneven burning

If you’ve been wondering how to stop candle tunnelling, the good news is that it’s fixable. Even better, it’s easy to prevent once you understand why it happens in the first place

Why Candle Tunnelling Happens

Understanding the cause is key to stopping candle tunnelling for good.

1. The First Burn Was Too Short

The number one cause of candle tunnelling is not burning the candle long enough the first time. Candles have a “memory,” meaning the wax will continue to melt only as wide as it did on the first burn.

If the wax doesn’t melt edge-to-edge during that first burn, tunnelling is very likely to occur.

2. Wick Size is Too Small

If the wick is too small for the candle’s diameter, it won’t generate enough heat to melt the wax evenly across the surface. This is more noticeable in wider container candles.

3. Wick isn’t Trimmed Properly

An untrimmed wick can cause:

  • Uneven flames
  • Excessive flickering
  • Poor heat distribution

This can contribute to tunnelling over time.

4. Drafts and Airflow

Burning a candle near:

  • Open windows
  • Fans
  • Air vents

can cause uneven melting and tunnelling because the flame isn’t stable.

5. Soy and Natural Wax Characteristics

Soy wax burns at a lower temperature than paraffin. This is a good thing (cleaner burn), but it means soy candles need longer burn sessions to create a full melt pool.

How to Stop Candle Tunnelling

If your candle is already tunnelling, don’t worry – you can still try and fix it.

Method 1: The Foil Method

The foil method is a reliable way to fix candle tunnelling.

How to Do It:

  1. Wrap aluminium foil around the top of the candle
  2. Leave a small opening at the centre for the flame
  3. Light the candle and let it burn for 1–2 hours
  4. Continue until the wax melts evenly across the surface

The foil traps heat and redistributes it toward the edges, allowing the wax to catch up.

📌 Tip: Never leave a candle unattended while using the foil method and make sure the opening is wide enough for the flame.

Method 2: Burn the Candle Long Enough

Once tunnelling starts, short burn sessions will only make it worse.

Rule of thumb:

➡️ Burn your candle 1 hour per inch of container diameter

Example:

  • 3-inch candle → burn for at least 3 hours

Method 3: Trim the Wick Correctly

Before every burn:

  • Trim the wick to 0.5cm
  • Remove any mushrooming on the wick

This helps maintain a steady flame and even heat distribution.

Method 4: Re-melt the Surface Wax

If tunnelling is severe:

  • Use a heat gun or hair dryer (on low)
  • Gently melt the top layer until even
  • Let it cool completely before relighting

How to Prevent Candle Tunnelling in the Future

Prevention is easier than fixing tunnelling after it starts.

1. Always Do a Proper First Burn

Your first burn should:

  • Create a full melt pool across the top of the candle
  • The melt pool should reach the edges of the container
  • Last long enough based on candle size

This single step prevents most tunnelling issues.

2. Avoid Short Burn Sessions

Burning a candle for 20–30 minutes repeatedly almost guarantees tunnelling. If you don’t have time for a full burn, it’s better not to light the candle at all.

3. Burn Candles in Draft-Free Areas

Keep candles away from:

  • Fans
  • Open windows
  • High-traffic areas

A steady flame equals an even burn.

4. Choose High-Quality Candles

Well-made candles are designed with:

  • Correct wick sizing
  • Balanced wax formulas
  • Consistent burn performance

Cheaper candles often tunnel more due to poor construction.

Do Soy Candles Tunnel More Than Other Candles?

This is a common misconception.

Soy candles don’t tunnel more – they just behave differently.

Because soy wax burns cooler:

  • It requires longer burn times
  • It melts more slowly
  • It rewards proper candle care

When burned correctly, soy candles:

  • Last longer
  • Burn cleaner
  • Produce less soot

Candle tunnelling isn’t a defect – it’s almost always a burn-care issue. With the right techniques, you can fix tunnelling, prevent wasted wax, and enjoy longer-lasting, better-smelling candles.

If you’re tired of candles that tunnel, explore our clean-burning soy candles, hand-poured and tested for even burns and long-lasting scent throw.

Other Questions 

How long should I burn a candle the first time?

Burn it long enough to create a full melt pool – usually 2–4 hours, depending on size.

Does candle tunnelling affect scent throw?

Yes. Tunnelling reduces the amount of melted wax, which weakens fragrance release.

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