Candle lovers, we’ve all been there. You light a brand-new candle, expecting a beautiful, even burn—only to find a deep, ugly tunnel forming around the wick. Not only does this waste wax, but it also shortens the life of your candle.
If you're searching for how to fix candle tunneling, you're in the right place. In this guide, we’ll break down why tunneling happens and how to prevent and fix it. Let’s rescue your candles and get them burning evenly again!
What Is Candle Tunneling?
Candle tunneling occurs when a candle burns straight down the wick, leaving hardened wax along the sides of the container. Instead of melting evenly, the wick creates a deep hole, wasting a good portion of your candle. This often happens due to improper burning techniques, low-quality wax, or environmental factors.
How to Prevent Candle Tunneling
The best way to fix candle tunneling is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here’s how:
1. The First Burn Matters
Your candle has a memory. On the first burn, let it melt evenly across the entire surface of the wax before extinguishing it. This can take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours, depending on the candle's size. If you blow it out too soon, tunneling is more likely to happen.
2. Trim the Wick
A wick that is too long or too short can cause an uneven burn. Keep your wick trimmed to about 1/4 inch to ensure a steady, controlled flame. Get a trimmer set here.
3. Avoid Drafty Areas
Burning a candle in a drafty area can cause uneven melting. Make sure to place your candle away from fans, air vents, or open windows.
How to Fix Candle Tunneling
Already dealing with candle tunneling? Don’t worry—your candle isn’t ruined just yet. Here are the best ways to fix it:
1. The Aluminum Foil Hack (Best for Moderate Tunneling)
One of the easiest and most effective ways to fix candle tunneling is by using aluminum foil. Here’s how:
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Tear off a piece of aluminum foil and wrap it around the top edge of the candle, leaving a small opening for the flame.
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Let the candle burn for at least 30 minutes to an hour.
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The foil traps heat, helping the wax melt evenly across the surface.
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Once the entire top layer has melted, remove the foil and continue burning as usual.
2. The Hair Dryer Method (Great for Mild Tunneling)
For candles with slight tunneling, a hair dryer can help:
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Set the hair dryer to high heat.
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Hold it a few inches above the candle’s surface and blow hot air onto the wax until it melts evenly.
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Let the wax pool completely before relighting the candle.
3. The Oven Method (For Severe Tunneling)
If your candle has extreme tunneling, the oven can be a lifesaver:
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Preheat your oven to 175°F (80°C).
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Place the candle on a baking sheet and let it sit in the oven for 10-15 minutes.
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Once the top layer of wax has melted, carefully remove the candle and allow it to cool before relighting.
4. The Extra Wax Method (Fixing a Candle with a Short Wick)
If your wick has become too short due to tunneling, try this:
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Melt some leftover wax from another candle and pour it around the wick.
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This will raise the wax level and give the wick more room to breathe.
FAQs About Fixing Candle Tunneling
Can I Use a Candle Warmer Instead of Burning the Candle?
Yes! A candle warmer can help melt the wax evenly without relighting the wick. This is a great option if tunneling has already made the wick too short to burn properly.
Why Does My Candle Keep Tunneling?
If your candle keeps tunneling despite following these fixes, it may be due to a poor-quality wick or wax formula. At BADWAX, our candles are designed for an even burn with high-quality materials to prevent tunneling.
Will Candle Tunneling Fix Itself?
Unfortunately, no. If left untreated, the candle will continue burning unevenly, wasting wax and shortening its lifespan. It’s best to fix tunneling as soon as you notice it.
Keep Your Candles Burning Bright
Fixing candle tunneling is easy with the right techniques. Whether you try the aluminum foil hack, hair dryer method, or oven fix, you can restore your candle and get the most out of every burn.
Looking for high-quality candles that burn evenly? Check out BADWAX for premium candles that are designed to give you the best burn every time!
Now that you know how to fix candle tunneling, share this guide with your fellow candle lovers and keep the glow alive!
