What Is Candle Tunneling and How to Prevent It
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What Is Candle Tunneling?
Have you ever lit a candle, only to notice it burning straight down the center while leaving a ring of unmelted wax around the edges? That frustrating phenomenon is called candle tunneling—and it not only wastes wax but also shortens your candle’s lifespan. Fortunately, it’s easy to prevent with a few simple burning habits.
What Causes Tunneling?
Tunneling typically happens due to one or more of the following:
🕒 Short burn times—especially on the first use. Many waxes develop a "memory," meaning they tend to burn within the boundaries of the previous melt pool. However, not all waxes behave this way. For example, coconut-based waxes are softer and more forgiving than soy, making them less prone to tunneling.
🔥 A wick that’s too small for the container. If the flame isn’t strong enough, it can’t generate the heat needed to melt the wax evenly across the surface.
💨 Air movement or poor burn conditions. Drafts or untrimmed wicks can lead to a weak, flickering flame and uneven melting.
How to Prevent Candle Tunneling
🕯️Burn Long Enough
Aim to burn your candle for about 1 hour per inch of diameter during the first few uses. This helps establish an even melt pool—especially important for waxes with a strong memory, like soy.
Important: Never burn your candle for more than 4 hours at a time for safety and best performance.
✂️ Trim Your Wick
Before each burn, trim the wick to 1/4 inch. A properly trimmed wick keeps the flame steady and helps promote even melting. (Need help? Check out our Wick Trimming Guide).
🍃 Avoid Drafty Areas
Place your candle away from fans, vents, or open windows. Air movement can cause the flame to flicker and lead to uneven burns.
📖 Follow the Candle’s Care Instructions
Each wax and wick combination is unique. Following the specific care instructions provided with your candle can make all the difference in how it performs.
Already Seeing a Tunnel?
If you notice a tunnel beginning to form, don’t panic. With softer waxes like coconut apricot, a longer burn may help the melt pool even out over time. Just continue following proper candle care, and avoid short, frequent burns that reinforce tunneling.
If tunneling continues after multiple full burns, it could be a sign that the candle is in a drafty spot or the wick isn’t quite right for the container. If you’re unsure, feel free to reach out to us—we’re happy to help troubleshoot!
Final Thoughts
Tunneling can be frustrating, but it’s often avoidable with the right burn habits. By giving your candle enough time to melt evenly and keeping the wick properly trimmed, you’ll enjoy a longer-lasting, cleaner-burning candle—and get the most out of every ounce of wax.