How to Fix Candle Tunneling and Prevent It from Happening Again

Did you know that there is a right and wrong way to burn your candle ?

Learn how to fix candle tunneling and prevent it from happening again.

We’ve all been there. You light your favourite candle, excited for that warm glow and calming scent… but a few burns later, you notice a deep tunnel forming around the wick, with wasted wax clinging to the sides. This frustrating issue is called candle tunneling, and the good news? It’s completely fixable and preventable.

In this blog post, we’ll explain what causes candle tunneling, how to fix it (yes, including the foil method), and how to stop it from happening in the first place.

What Is Candle Tunneling?

Candle tunneling occurs when only the centre of your candle burns down, leaving a ring of unmelted wax around the edge. Over time, the wick drops deeper into the tunnel, making it hard to relight and reducing the candle’s overall burn time and fragrance throw.

Why does candle tunneling happen?

• You blew it out too soon during the first burn

• The wick is too small or short for the candle size

• The environment is too cold or drafty

• The wax has formed a “memory ring” that gets reinforced each time you burn it

How to Fix Candle Tunneling (3 Proven Methods)

1. The Aluminum Foil Method This is the most popular DIY fix for candle tunneling.

• Light the candle

• Wrap aluminum foil around the top, creating a dome with an opening for the flame

• Let it burn for 1–2 hours

• The foil traps heat and encourages the outer wax to melt evenly

2. The Hair Dryer Trick

• Use a hair dryer on low heat to melt the top layer of wax

• Focus on the unmelted edges

• Smooth the surface with a spoon or spatula if needed

3. The Low-Heat Oven Technique

• Preheat oven to around 60°C (140°F)

• Place candle on a tray and heat for 10–15 minutes

• Watch carefully, then let cool before relighting

How to Prevent Candle Tunneling (For Good)

Here’s how to get a full, even burn every time:

1. Let the first burn reach the full melt pool

• Burn for 1 hour per inch of diameter (usually 4 hours)

• This sets the “wax memory” and trains your candle to burn evenly

2. Trim your wick before every burn

• Ideal wick length: ¼ inch (5mm)

• Long wicks create soot and short burns

3. Keep candles away from drafts or cold surfaces

• Uneven air flow disrupts the melt pool

• Avoid burning near windows, vents, or in chilly rooms

4. Choose quality candles with the right wick-to-jar ratio At Heart & Soul Candle Co., we design each candle to create a full melt pool and long-lasting burn. Hand-poured in small batches using natural soy wax, our wicks are perfectly matched to each vessel.

The Ritual Behind the Burn

Burning a candle isn’t just about fragrance, it’s about atmosphere, intention, and presence. By learning to care for your candle, you extend the ritual. You honour the wax, the wick, and the moment of calm it brings.

Candle Tunneling FAQs

Q: Why is my candle tunneling?

A short initial burn, poor wick sizing, cold environments or wax memory can cause tunneling.

Q: Can I fix a tunneled candle?

A Yes! Use the foil dome method, a hair dryer, or warm it gently in the oven to reset the wax surface.

Q: How long should I burn a candle the first time?

A 1 hour for every inch in diameter, usually 2 to 4 hours, to ensure a full melt pool.

Q: Will trimming the wick help prevent tunneling?

A Absolutely. A properly trimmed wick controls flame height and ensures an even burn.

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