Why Even Expensive Candles Tunnel (And What to Do About It)
You splurged on a beautiful candle - it probably came in a sleek vessel, smelled like wild mint and ivy, and promised hours of cozy burn time. But just a few burns in, you're staring into a sad wax canyon with a tiny wick flickering at the bottom. The sides are full of wasted wax. How did that even happen?
Even luxury candles can tunnel. And it’s not your fault.
Let’s break down why this happens, what you can do to fix it, and how to make sure it never happens again.
What is Candle Tunneling?
Candle tunneling is when only the center of the wax melts, leaving a thick ring of unmelted wax around the edges. It looks bad, smells weak, and wastes product. If left unchecked, the wick can eventually drown in wax (aka game over).
This issue affects candles at every price point - from $5 drugstore tins to $80 designer jars.
“The sides of my candle aren’t melting and I don’t want to waste the wax. Is there anything I can do??” – Actual frustrated user
Why Even Expensive Candles Tunnel
Honest truth: price doesn’t always equal performance. Here are the most common culprits:
1. Wick Is Too Small
Sometimes design is prioritized over testing. If the wick is too small for the diameter of the jar, it simply can’t generate enough heat to melt the full surface.
2. You Didn't Burn It Long Enough (Especially the First Time)
Candles have “memory.” If you extinguish it before the top layer fully melts, it sets a melting pattern that repeats every time.
3. The Environment Messed With It
A breeze, ceiling fan, or AC draft can pull the flame to one side. Overhead airflow is the enemy of even wax.
How to Fix a Tunneling Candle
Tunneling isn’t necessarily permanent. Try these solutions before giving up:
Wrap It in Foil (The Most Common Hack)
Make a little foil chimney over the top, leaving an opening for the flame. It traps heat, melts the wax evenly, and restores your candle, albeit it's kinda ugly and you don't get to see your expensive candle's vessel.
Use a Hair Dryer or Heat Gun
Melt the wax around the edges to flatten the surface. Just be careful not to splash or overheat the glass.
Push the Wax In
Use a popsicle stick, spoon, or chopstick to gently nudge the soft wax toward the flame while it burns.
Try a Candle Topper
Metal or ceramic toppers (yes, like those ones from Yankee Candle) help regulate airflow and create a more even burn. Find one that you like the design of, and if you don't think it exists yet, get on the Evenly waitlist - we're making a design-focused one just for you!
How to Prevent Tunneling from the Start
- Trim the wick to 1/4 inch before every burn
- Let it burn 1 hour per inch of candle diameter (e.g. a 3" candle = 3 hours)
- Avoid drafts like ceiling fans and open windows
- Burn it long enough every time - it should reach the edges before extinguishing
The Bottom Line
Even expensive candles can tunnel. It’s frustrating, it feels wasteful, and it kind of ruins the vibe. But you’re not alone and you can fix it.
The next time you light a candle, think of it like a ritual: trim the wick, let it burn fully, avoid drafts, and maybe treat yourself to a design-forward topper that keeps things burning evenly.
P.S. Want your candles to burn better, longer, and more beautifully every time? Keep an eye out - we’ve got something ceramic, clever, and custom-designed just for you. Join the waitlist.