
How to Prevent Candle Tunneling
There’s nothing worse than splurging on a beautiful candle only to watch it burn straight down the middle, leaving a wall of wasted wax around the sides. That sad little sinkhole? It’s called candle tunneling - and it’s one of the most common frustrations among candle lovers.
The good news? Tunneling is preventable. With a little candle care (and soon, a better solution), you’ll never have to watch your favorite candle go to waste again.
What Is Candle Tunneling?
Candle tunneling happens when only the center of the candle melts while the outer edges stay hard. Instead of burning evenly across the top, the flame digs downward, forming a tunnel.
The result:
- Wasted wax
- Shortened burn time
- A weak flame that eventually can’t stay lit
- A candle that just doesn’t look as good
Why Does Candle Tunneling Happen?
Two main culprits cause tunneling:
-
First burn mistakes
The first time you light your candle, you set its “memory.” If you blow it out too soon, the wax will keep burning in that small circle, leaving the sides untouched. -
Wick size issues
Sometimes the wick just isn’t strong enough to generate the heat needed to melt the wax all the way across.
How To Prevent Candle Tunneling
Follow the First Burn Rule
Burn your candle one hour for every inch of diameter. A 3-inch wide candle? Plan to burn it for about 3 hours the first time.
Trim Your Wick
Keep your wick around ¼ inch before each light. This keeps the flame steady and the burn consistent.
Keep It Level & Draft-Free
Burn your candle on a flat surface away from fans, open windows, or AC vents. A tilted flame = uneven melting.
Don’t Rush It
If you only have 20 minutes, save your candle for later. Short burns create tunneling habits.
What If My Candle Already Started Tunneling?
DIY fixes exist, but they’re not always fun:
- Aluminum foil “hat”: wrapping foil around your candle to trap heat. Effective but ugly.
- Hair dryer or oven method: melts the wax back to even, but messy and time-consuming.
- Scraping the wax down: works, but ruins the aesthetic.
The Better Way Is Coming Soon...
Because honestly? Candles should be simple. They should smell amazing, look beautiful, and burn evenly - without hacks, foil, or frustration.
That’s why I’m creating Evenly: a sleek, reusable candle topper that distributes heat evenly across your candle. No more wasted wax. No more ugly burns. Just longer-lasting candles, stronger scent throw, and a vibe that matches the glow.
👉 Sign up for the waitlist today and be the first to know when Evenly launches. Your candles deserve their best burn.