Have you ever lit a candle only to find that it burns straight down the middle, leaving a thick wall of wax around the edges? If your candle is tunneling, you’re not alone! Many candle lovers experience this frustrating issue, but don’t worry—there are ways to fix it and prevent it from happening in the future.
In this article, we’ll break down why candles tunnel, how to fix a tunneled candle, and tips to ensure your candles burn evenly every time.
Why Do Candles Tunnel?
Before we dive into solutions, it’s important to understand why your candles keep tunneling in the first place. Here are the most common reasons:
- Short Burn Times – If you only burn your candle for a short period, the wax doesn’t melt to the edges, leading to tunneling over time.
- Wick Size Matters – A wick that’s too small won’t generate enough heat to melt the wax evenly.
- Poor Quality Wax – Low-quality wax formulas may have inconsistent burning properties, making them more prone to tunneling.
- Drafty Environments – Candles placed near fans, open windows, or air vents can burn unevenly due to inconsistent airflow.
How to Fix a Candle That Is Tunneling
If you notice that your candle is tunneling, don’t toss it out just yet! Try these methods to save it:
1. The Foil Trick
One of the easiest ways to fix a tunneled candle is using aluminum foil. Here’s how:
- Wrap a piece of foil around the top of the candle, leaving an opening in the center for the flame.
- Let the candle burn for at least an hour.
- The trapped heat will help melt the wax evenly, resetting the candle’s memory.
2. The Hair Dryer Method
If the tunneling isn’t too deep, use a hair dryer:
- Turn your hair dryer on high heat.
- Direct the heat over the unmelted wax to soften it.
- Once softened, allow it to pool evenly and extinguish the flame if necessary.
3. The Oven Fix (For Extreme Cases)
If your candle is severely tunneled, you can try this last-resort method:
- Preheat your oven to 175°F (80°C).
- Place the candle on a baking sheet and let it warm for 5-10 minutes.
- The heat will even out the wax, allowing for a smooth surface when it cools.
How to Prevent Tunneling in the First Place
Prevention is key to ensuring your candles burn evenly. Here’s what you can do:
✅ The First Burn is Crucial – Always burn a new candle until the wax pool reaches the edges of the container (usually 2-4 hours). This sets the candle’s “memory” for future burns.
✅ Trim Your Wick – Keep your wick trimmed to about 1/4 inch before each burn. A wick that’s too long can cause uneven burning, while a short wick may not generate enough heat.
✅ Choose High-Quality Candles – Some cheap candles are made with low-grade wax that doesn’t burn properly. Look for candles made with high-quality soy, beeswax, or coconut wax blends.
✅ Keep Candles Away from Drafts – Avoid placing your candles near fans, windows, or air vents to ensure an even burn.
Final Thoughts
If your candles keep tunneling, don’t stress! With a few easy fixes like the foil method or hair dryer trick, you can restore your favorite candles. More importantly, following simple burning tips can prevent tunneling in the first place—so you get the most out of every candle.
Have you tried any of these methods? Let us know in the comments! And if you're looking for high-quality candles that burn beautifully every time, check out our collection at BADWAX.com.
