You just lit a new candle—and instead of a warm, even melt, you get a sad little tunnel.
Sound familiar? That’s candle tunneling, and it’s one of the most common complaints among candle lovers. The flame burns straight down the center, leaving a ring of wasted wax around the edges. The candle looks uneven, doesn’t last as long, and can be tough (or impossible) to fix.
Let’s break down why your candle is tunneling, how to fix it if it happens, and what you can do to avoid it next time.
What Is Candle Tunneling?
Candle tunneling happens when the wax directly around the wick melts, but the wax closer to the jar or vessel walls doesn’t. As a result, your candle forms a hollow center—also called a “candle tunnel.”
The issue? That leftover wax acts like a barrier, trapping the flame and shortening the candle’s lifespan. Plus, it just doesn’t look great.
Why Does My Candle Tunnel?
If you’ve ever asked yourself, why do my candles tunnel?—there are a few common culprits:
1. The First Burn Was Too Short
This is the most common reason for candle tunneling on the first burn. Wax has memory (yes, really!), so the first time you burn your candle, it sets the stage for how it melts going forward. If you blow it out before the entire surface melts, it’s more likely to tunnel the next time you light it.
2. The Wick Is Too Small
A wick that’s not strong enough for the diameter of the candle won’t generate enough heat to melt the full surface. That means the wax near the edges stays solid while the center burns down, creating that dreaded tunnel. Properly wicked candles are tested to ensure they generate the right amount of heat for an even melt every time.
3. The Candle Isn’t Made Properly
Poor-quality wax, bad pouring technique, or improper testing during production can all lead to uneven burns. Some candles just aren’t built to burn well—whether it’s the wrong wick, a rushed pour, or low-grade ingredients. That’s why it’s worth choosing brands that actually test their candles for performance (like we do).
How to Fix a Tunneling Candle
If your candle is tunneling, don’t toss it just yet. Here’s how to un-tunnel a candle and give it a second chance:
1. The Foil Method
Wrap a ring of aluminum foil around the top edge of the candle, leaving an opening above the wick. Light the candle and let it burn for a few hours. The foil traps heat, helping the outer wax melt.
2. Use a Candle Warmer
A candle warmer can slowly and evenly melt the top layer, smoothing it out without lighting the wick.
3. Scoop & Re-center
If things are really off, you can scoop out excess wax from the tunnel’s center and re-light. It’s not pretty, but it can help reset the melt pool.
How to Prevent Candle Tunneling
Let’s be honest—fixing a tunneled candle is a bit of a hassle. Here’s how to avoid it altogether:
- Let the first burn last 2–4 hours, or until the full top layer of wax is melted.
- Trim your wick to about ¼ inch before each burn to keep the flame steady.
- Avoid drafts or fans that can cause uneven melting.
- Use high-quality candles that are properly wicked and poured.
Why ReCandle Co. Candles Burn Evenly
At ReCandle Co., we’ve tested every scent and vessel combo to make sure your candle burns beautifully from the first light to the last flicker.
- Our soy wax refills are hand-poured and designed to melt evenly
- Each wick is carefully matched to the candle’s diameter and scent profile
- No tunneling, no wasted wax—just clean, even glow
Even better? When the candle finishes, just pop the wax refill out and drop in a new one. No scooping. No scraping. No tunneling stress.
How to Handle Candle Tunneling
- Tunneling = uneven wax melting
- Causes: Short first burn, wrong wick size, poor quality
- Fixes: Foil trick, candle warmer, or resetting the wax
- Best prevention: Quality candles + proper burn habits