How Can I Prevent My Candles From Tunneling?

Understanding and Fixing Candle Tunneling

Have you noticed a candle that burns straight down the middle, leaving unmelted wax around the edges? That’s called candle tunneling, a common but avoidable issue that can significantly reduce your candle's burn time and leave you with wasted wax.

In this guide, we’ll explore what candle tunneling is, why it happens, how to fix it, and, most importantly, how to prevent it. Whether you’re a passionate candle maker or simply enjoy lighting candles for a cozy atmosphere, these tips will ensure a perfect burn every time.

What is Candle Tunneling?

Candle tunneling occurs when the wax surrounding the wick doesn’t melt evenly, forming a “tunnel” down the center. This happens when:

1. The wax around the wick melts faster than the edges, leaving hard wax on the sides.
2. The wick burns deeper into the wax, eventually struggling to sustain the flame due to limited oxygen.

The result? Unused wax, reduced burn time, and a candle that extinguishes prematurely.

Why Does Tunneling Happen?

Candle tunneling isn’t always about candle quality—it can happen to any candle, even high-end ones. Here are the main culprits:

1. Poor burning habits: The first burn is critical. If the wax doesn’t melt evenly across the surface during the initial burn, tunneling is almost inevitable.
2. Improper wick size: If the wick is too small for the candle diameter, it won’t produce enough heat to melt the wax evenly.

How to Fix Candle Tunneling

If your candle is already tunneling, you can still salvage it. Here are two simple methods:

1. The Hair Dryer Method

• Trim the wick and clean any debris.
• Use a heat gun or hair dryer to gently heat the wax surface until it melts evenly.
• Relight the candle and allow it to burn for 30 minutes or more.

2. The Aluminum Foil Method

• Trim the wick and remove debris.
• Cover the top of the candle with aluminum foil, leaving a small opening in the center.
• Light the wick and let it burn for a few hours until the wax surface is even.

How to Prevent Tunneling

Prevention is simple:

1. First burn matters: Always burn your candle long enough to melt the entire surface.

   • Tip: Burn your candle for one hour per inch of its diameter. For example, a 3-inch candle should burn for at least 3 hours.

2. Choose the right wick: When making candles, select a wick size appropriate for your candle diameter to ensure even burning.

By following these tips, you’ll enjoy longer-lasting candles and reduce wax waste. At Candle Making Supplies India, we're here to provide you with quality wicks, waxes, and tools to help you create the perfect candle. Have questions or need candle making raw materials? Reach out us on WhatsApp at +91-7397976926 - we'd love to help!