How to Fix Candle Tunneling and Explained Prevention Tips

Learn how to fix a tunneling candle with simple steps to ensure an even, longer, and more efficient burn.

Many people face a common problem when using candles, which is tunneling. Tunneling is a problem with candles where the central part of the candle burns, but the outer part remains intact. As a result, the candle is not fully used. Tunneling wastes wax and creates discomfort while lighting the candle. However, it is not difficult to fix. With the right method and some simple tips, you can burn your candle completely and evenly. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to identify the tunneling problem in candles and how to solve it step by step.

What Is Candle Tunneling?

Candle tunneling is a common problem. This problem usually occurs when the wick of the candle is not burning properly or if the wick is short. This causes the wax to melt through the middle of the candle and remain solid on all sides. Due to this, the candle forms a tunnel-like hole in the middle. As a result, the wax cannot melt completely and the fragrance cannot spread properly. Tunneling causes the candle to be wasted.

Why Does Tunneling Happen?

One of the problems with candles is candle tunneling. In which the wax melts through the middle of the candle and the wax accumulates around it. As a result, a tunnel is formed inside the candle and the top surface of the candle melts in the middle and hardens. This tunneling causes wastage of wax and reduces the effectiveness and fragrance of the candle. The main reasons for tunneling are given below:

Not lighting it correctly the first time: The candle needs to be lit correctly from the beginning. For this, the candle should be lit for a sufficient amount of time. If the candle is not lit for a long time, the entire wax does not melt. As a result, it faces the problem of tunneling when it is lit later. Therefore, the candle should be lit for a longer time the first time.
Wick size problem: Many times when we light a candle, one thing we notice is that the wick of the candle is quite small in size. If the wick is too small or weak, it cannot generate enough heat to melt the entire surface. And this is why the wick melts only in the middle of the candle and creates tunneling.
Use of low-quality wax: Compared to other waxes, low-quality wax has very low melting power. For example, waxes like soy or paraffin do not melt properly. As a result, tunneling occurs.
Effect of external environment: When lighting a candle, you must choose an ideal environment. Because the candle cannot spread heat properly due to excessive cold or wind. As a result, tunneling occurs.
Negligence and inadequate care: Tunneling increases due to negligence and inadequate care of the candle. For example, this problem can occur if the candle is not burned properly and the wick is not cut.

Quick Fixes for Candle Tunneling

Candle tunneling is a common problem. Candle tunneling causes a tunnel-like hole to form in the center of the wax. This results in wastage of wax. However, candle tunneling can be prevented by following some simple tips. Below are some solutions to candle tunneling. For example:

1. Burn the Candle Long Enough the First Time

Candle tunneling occurs for various reasons. But one of the reasons is that it is not burned for a long time. A new candle should be burned for at least 2-3 hours, depending on its size. This can cause the candle to melt completely. Tunneling problems occur if the candle does not melt well. On the other hand, if you do not burn the candle for a long time, the wax on the sides remains and the middle part melts quickly, thereby creating tunneling.

2. Use a Candle Wick Trimmer

You can use a wick trimmer to prevent candle tunneling. Sometimes, it is found that the wick burns unevenly, which results in tunneling. So, before lighting the candle every time, trim the wick to 1/4 inch with a trimmer. This will help you get a clean, controlled flame and get rid of uneven burning. With a wick trimmer, you can easily trim the wick evenly and it will prevent soot from forming around the wick.

3. Fix Tunneling with the Foil Method

You can easily fix your tunneling in no time. Wrap the top of the candle with aluminum foil. Wrap it in such a way that the flame is visible. This method may take some time and helps the wax melt properly. This prevents the candle from tunneling. It is also possible to prevent tunneling by using aluminum foil.

4. Melt and Reshape the Wax

Another method to prevent candle tunneling is to melt and reshape the wax. In this case, you need to heat the candle in a double boiler or microwave to soften the wax. Then smooth the surface with a spatula. This will make the wax even and the next candle will burn evenly.

5. Use Larger Candles or Multiple Wicks

If you are using a large candle, you can use multiple wicks. Using a candle with multiple wicks can help prevent tunneling. This is because multiple wicks help the candle burn evenly. This method is especially useful for large candles or candles with a lot of wax.

6. Keep Candles Away from Drafts

When lighting candles, you must be careful not to have too much wind or draft in the area. This is because wind can blur the candle flame and cause it to burn unevenly, creating tunneling. To prevent tunneling, place the candle in a place with less air flow. Choose a location away from windows, vents, or fans.

7. Choose High-Quality Candles

Generally, tunneling is more likely to occur in low-quality candles. This is because low-quality candles use poor wax and wicks. So choose high-quality candles when choosing candles. Tunneling is very unlikely in high-quality candles. For example, you can use soy or candle wax.

Tips to Prevent Candle Tunneling

Candle tunneling causes the candle to burn only in the center and the surrounding wax remains unused. This can be frustrating. However, you can prevent it by following a few tips. For example:

Allow the entire melt pool to form: Take your time to melt the entire surface of the candle while you are lighting it. This will help the candle burn evenly.
Raise the wick: To reduce the size of the flame and prevent uneven burning, cut the wick about 1/4 inch before lighting the candle. This can reduce candle tunneling and help it burn evenly.
Burn for a long time: Burning the wax for a short time can cause tunneling. So when lighting a candle, let it burn for a long time (about 2-4 hours) so that the wax melts completely and spreads around.
Avoid drafts: Make sure there is no draft when lighting the candle. Because wind can cause uneven burning of the candle and thus increase tunneling.
Choose the right candle size: It is important to choose the right candle size. You need to choose a candle that is suitable for the burning time. Large candles require a long time to burn evenly.
Use a candle snuffer: You can use a candle snuffer to burn the candle wick properly. By using it, the candle does not go out unevenly. And this does not result in candle tunneling later.
Place the candle on a flat surface: While lighting the candle, place the candle on a flat surface. Because an uneven surface can cause uneven melting of the wax, which causes tunneling.

Candle Tunneling Tools

Candle tunneling occurs when the wick of a candle burns in the center. As a result, wax remains at the edges. This wastes the wax and reduces the burning time of the candle. This causes frustration among people. However, there are some rules to prevent candle tunneling:

Candle Wick Trimmer: Use a candle wick trimmer to prevent tunneling. A wick trimmer helps the wick burn evenly over a long period of time. As a result, you can enjoy the light of this candle for a long time.
Candle Lid or Cover: If you want the edges of the wax to melt evenly. Then you can get a candle lid or cover. Because using a candle lid or cover traps the heat and ensures that the edges of the wax melt evenly.
Candle Warmer: If you want, you can use a candle warmer. Because a candle warmer melts the top of the candle evenly. Which helps to fix your previous tunneling.
Tunneling fixer: There are some products that help to make the wax burn evenly, usually in the form of a heat-resistant wrapper or sleeve. It is specifically designed to fix tunneling. It is placed around the candle and thus helps it burn evenly.
Candle spoon: To prevent tunneling, you can use a candle spoon to carefully scoop the wax from the edge and burn it evenly.