How to Fix Candle Tunnelling and Enjoy a Perfect Burn Every Time

How to fix candle tunnelling

If you’ve ever noticed your candle burning down the middle while leaving wax on the sides, you’re not alone. Candle tunnelling is a common issue, especially with natural, toxin-free waxes. It can be frustrating to see your beautiful candle waste wax and not burn evenly. The good news is that tunnelling is normal with natural wax and easy to fix with a few simple steps. This guide will explain why tunnelling happens and how to get your candle burning perfectly every time.

Why Candle Tunnelling Happens

Natural waxes like soy, beeswax, or coconut wax burn differently from traditional paraffin wax. They burn slower and cleaner, which makes them better for the environment and your health. But this slower burn means the wax sometimes melts unevenly, creating a tunnel down the centre of the candle.

Here’s why:

• Wax melting point: Natural waxes have a higher melting point, so the heat from the wick may not melt the wax all the way to the edges on the first few burns.

• Wick size and placement: If the wick is too small or off-centre, it won’t generate enough heat to melt the wax evenly.

• Burn time: Short burns don’t allow the wax to melt fully across the surface, causing the wax near the edges to stay solid.

  
  

Tunnelling doesn’t mean your candle is defective. It’s just how natural wax behaves at first. With a little care, you can fix it and enjoy a beautiful, even burn.

How to Fix Candle Tunnelling

Let the Candle Burn Long Enough

The most important step is to let your candle burn long enough to create a full melt pool. This means the entire surface of the wax melts evenly from edge to edge. For most candles, this takes about 2 to 3 hours on the first burn.

• Why it matters: A full melt pool prevents wax from building up on the sides and keeps the wick centered.

• Tip: Don’t blow out your candle too soon. If you stop the burn early, the wax will harden unevenly and tunnelling will continue.

  
  

Use the Foil Trick to Fix Existing Tunnels

If your candle already has a tunnel, you can gently warm the sides to even out the wax.

• Wrap a piece of aluminum foil around the top edge of the candle, leaving a small opening above the wick.

• Let the candle burn for 20 to 40 minutes. The foil traps heat and warms the wax near the edges.

• This softens the wax and helps it melt evenly, reducing the tunnel size.

  
  

Be careful not to leave the candle unattended while using this method. The foil should not cover the wick or flame.

Trim the Wick Before Each Burn

Keeping your wick trimmed to about 5 to 7 millimeters helps the candle burn steadily and evenly.

• A wick that’s too long creates a large flame that burns wax too quickly and unevenly.

• A wick that’s too short can cause the flame to flicker or go out.

• Regular trimming also reduces soot and smoke, keeping your candle clean and safe.

  
  

Use a wick trimmer or scissors to cut the wick before every burn.

Additional Tips for a Better Candle Experience

• Avoid drafts: Burning candles near fans, open windows, or vents can cause uneven burning and tunnelling.

• Use a candle snuffer: Instead of blowing out your candle, use a snuffer to avoid wax splatter and wick displacement.

• Choose the right candle size: Larger candles with wider diameters are less likely to tunnel because the heat spreads more evenly.

  
  

What to Expect with Natural Wax Candles

Natural wax candles offer a cleaner, longer-lasting burn with fewer toxins. But they do require a bit more attention than paraffin candles. A little tunnelling on the first few burns is normal and doesn’t affect the quality of the candle.

With patience and the right care, your candle will burn beautifully, filling your space with pure, clean fragrance and warm light.

Enjoy Your Candle’s Glow

Tunnelling is a small issue that can be easily fixed. By letting your candle burn long enough, trimming the wick, and using the foil trick if needed, you’ll get an even melt pool and a perfect burn every time. Natural wax candles reward a little extra care with a slow, clean, and eco-friendly glow that’s worth the effort.

Light your candle, relax, and enjoy the warm ambiance knowing you’ve got this handled. Your candle’s best burn is just a few simple steps away.