How to Fix Candle Tunneling: Easy Tips to Burn Perfectly Every Time

There are various factors that may lead to candle tunneling. By understanding why, you can easily prevent it from happening. Below are the common reasons for candle tunneling:

• Improper first burn – Not allowing the wax pool to reach the edges

The first time you light a candle is crucial. If you don’t let it burn long enough, it won’t melt the wax up to the edges. Instead, a "memory ring" forms up and as it continues to burn, only the wax close to the flame melts. It will burn within that narrow tunnel, even in future use. 

• Short burn times – Extinguishing the candle too soon

Burning your candle for short periods of about 10 minutes and blowing it off doesn’t ensure enough burn time to melt the surface wax fully. This can lead to tunneling over time since the center wax melts faster than the edges. Even if you relight it, the edges remain untouched. 

• Wick size issues – Using a wick that’s too small for the jar

The wick size is another likely cause for tunneling. A small wick won’t emit enough heat to melt the wax evenly to the edges. It is a common problem for lower-quality or homemade candles where the wick size isn’t correctly matched to the jar size.

• Drafty environments – Uneven burning due to airflow

The areas in which you place lit candles can also contribute to tunneling. You should avoid areas close to an air vent, a fan, or an open window. The airflow causes the flame to flicker, and some parts of the wax surface melt faster than others, hence tunneling. 

How to fix candle tunneling after it happens 

Although it is annoying, candle tunneling is easily fixable! Whether your candle has just started tunneling or is deep into the wax. Here are ways you can restore an even burn:

Fix 1: Use an aluminum foil to wrap the candle 

This is a simple fix, especially for candles with mild tunneling. It is easy to do it yourself. You just need to wrap aluminum foil around the candle top. The foil helps trap heat, allowing the edges of the wax to melt and even out.

Steps

1. Light your candle.

2. Get an appropriate size of aluminum foil. Wrap it around the top edge of the candle with enough opening in the center for the flame.

3. Let it burn for 1–2 hours while the trapped heat melts the excess wax.

4. Remove the aluminum foil carefully and let the wax settle evenly.

Fix 2: Use a hair dryer to melt the candle’s top layer

Another straightforward method to fix tunneling is to use a hairdryer. It works quickly by melting the top surface of the wax all the way to the edges. You should opt for this fix if there is minor tunneling or when you are in a hurry. 

Steps

1. Start by placing the candle on a heat-resistant surface.

2. Set a hair dryer to high heat, aiming it at the unmelted wax around the edges.

3. Move the dryer in circular motions until the wax becomes even.

4. Let the wax cool and harden before relighting.

Fix 3: Use a candle warmer or mug warmer

If deep tunneling makes the wick hard to relight, using a candle warmer is the best solution. It melts wax from the bottom up, helping to liquefy the entire candle evenly.

Steps

1. Place the candle on a candle warmer or mug warmer (without lighting the wick).

2. Let it sit for 1–2 hours until the top wax layer melts completely.

3. Allow the wax to cool before relighting the candle.

Fix 4: Scoop the unmelted wax so it is the same height as the melted part

For severe candle tunneling, this is the most efficient solution. You should remove the excess, unmelted wax to help reset the candle burn. 

Steps

1. Use a spatula, spoon, or butter knife to scrape away the high edges of unmelted wax gently.

2. Stop when the wax is even with the melted center.

3. Relight the candle and let it burn evenly.

What’s the best candle for a warm, cozy glow? 

Are you looking for a candle to infuse and fill your space with warmth and comfort? Stān dle aromatic candles are a must-have. They are handcrafted, small-batch creations with a focus on quality and attention to detail. 

Our candle collection features a variety of thoughtfully curated fragrances to suit different moods and preferences. Some notable scents include:

• Sandalure 18: It offers a rich blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, pepper, geranium, clove, sandalwood, patchouli, and vanilla. 

• Lavendure 21: This is made of a soothing mix of black currant, lemon, mandarin, lavender, eucalyptus, fir needle, amber, and oakmoss.

All Stān dle candles are 100% soy wax, offering a clean and long-lasting burn. The minimalist design of the candle’s concrete vessels is also vital. Besides an elegant touch to your decor, you can repurpose the vessel after the candle has burned.

Hot tips to prevent tunneling when burning candles

Do you want to keep your scented candles burning evenly and lasting longer? Preventing tunneling from the start is key! Below are tips to give you the most out of every burn:

• Burn the candle long enough on every use

You should practice burning your candle long enough for the wax to melt all the way to the edges before blowing it out. This will set the memory of the wax and help prevent tunneling in future burns. The best practice is to let the candle burn for one hour per inch of candle diameter. So, if your candle is three inches wide, let it burn for at least three hours.

• Avoid burning candles for longer than 4 hours

While it is recommended that candles be burned long enough, burning them for too long isn’t proper. After a 4-hour burn time, the wick gets too long, leading to excessive soot, overheating, and even candle tunneling. To avoid this, you should extinguish the candle, let the wax cool, trim the wick to ¼ inch, and relight it later for an even burn.

• Use a candle topper

A candle topper is a specially designed metal lid that regulates candle heat. It traps the heat inside the jar, allowing the wax to melt evenly from the center to the edges. This is especially useful for large jar candles or when burning in a slightly drafty room. To fix the issue, you should place a topper on your candle before tunneling starts.

FAQs

1. How long should I burn my candle to prevent tunneling?

For the first burn, we recommend that you always let the wax melt all the way to the edges of the jar. A good rule is to burn for one hour per inch of candle diameter. If you want high-quality candles that aren’t prone to tunneling, you should buy Stān dle candles. They are 100% soy wax, scented with amazing flavors, have a concrete vessel, and have a 50-hour burn time.  

2. Can I still fix a candle that has already tunneled deeply?

Yes. Candle tunneling is easy to fix, no matter how deep it has tunneled. You can try various fixes, such as using aluminum foil, a candle warmer, or scooping excess wax. These solutions will help reset the burn. If the wick is drowned, melting the wax with a hairdryer can help revive it. For the best quality candles, you should check out Stān dle candles. They feature a luxurious blend of fragrance oils, natural fiber wicks, and custom wax formulations.   

3. Why does my candle keep tunneling even after fixing it?

If tunneling keeps coming back, it could be due to short burn times, wick size issues, or a drafty environment. To fix the tunneling problem once and for all, you should practice proper candle burning. This can start with ensuring that your candle burns long enough each time and is away from strong airflow. We recommend getting Stān dle candles for the finest burn and longevity. 

4. Is it safe to use aluminum foil on a burning candle?

Yes, but with caution. Never cover the entire top opening. Instead, you should leave space for airflow. Also, always monitor the candle while using foil, and avoid placing it near flammable materials. Check out Stān dle for the best aromatic candles with a clean, even burn. 

5. What type of wick should I choose to avoid tunneling?

The best wick types to avoid tunneling are suitably sized cotton, wood, or hemp wicks. You should ensure they match your candle’s jar size for an even burn. If the wick is too small, it won’t generate enough heat, which can lead to tunneling. Stān dle candles are handcrafted by top-rated artisans for the highest quality final product. Visit our website to explore our scented candle collection.  

6. Can you reverse candle tunneling?

Yes. You can reverse candle tunneling and restore a smooth burn. Some of the tested methods to do it include the foil method, a candle warmer, a blow dryer, or removing excess wax. This will even out the candle wax, reversing the tunneling process. If you want premium-quality aromatic candles, Stān dle is where to shop. They have 100% soy wax candles with natural scents. 

7. Can you boil a candle to fix tunneling?

No. We do not recommend boiling your candle in an effort to fix tunneling. It isn’t safe and can damage the wax and jar. Instead, gentler methods like wrapping the candle with aluminum foil, using a hairdryer, or a candle warmer work better. They are proven to correct candle tunneling. At Stān dle, our premium candles have high-concentration fragrances and burn slowly, which ensures little or zero tunneling. 

8. How long does it take to fix candle tunneling?

It depends on the method. The aluminum foil trick can take 1–2 hours, while a candle warmer may take a few hours. Using a hairdryer or scooping out excess wax provides an almost instant fix. You should go for a method that you are comfortable with. If you want scented candles you can trust, Stān dle makes the perfect ones. Visit the website to explore. 

Key takeaway

Candle tunneling can be frustrating, but the good news is that it’s both preventable and fixable! To keep your candles burning evenly and lasting longer, always let the wax pool reach the edges on the first burn, avoid short burn times, and keep candles away from drafts. If tunneling has already happened, use the aluminum foil trick, a hairdryer, a candle warmer, or remove excess wax to even things out.

By following these simple candle-burning habits, you can enjoy a stronger scent, a longer-lasting candle, and a beautiful, even glow every time you light it. That said, you should check out Stān dle for excellently hand-crafted scented candles. Try us today and enjoy every burn to the fullest!