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Candle tunneling is an issue that plagues many candle enthusiasts. It occurs when the candle begins to burn down in a tunnel-like shape, often resulting in an uneven burn and wasted wax down the sides of the jar. This can be especially annoying if you’ve invested in a beautiful, decorative candle. There is no reason to fret, though. There are steps you can take to prevent candle tunneling. With just a bit of effort, your candles will be looking and burning as good as new.

This problem can be caused by anything from a large, cool draft to the size of your flame. Even the type of wax you choose for your candles can contribute to it. For example, candles made from soy wax are much less susceptible to tunneling than those made from lower-quality materials like paraffin wax. Similarly, cheap candles often have additives that don’t evaporate easily when they are lit. This results in a slower burn time and more wax buildup on the edge of the container. While lower-quality candles are less costly upfront, getting the most use possible out of them is often very difficult due to tunneling issues. Buying higher-quality candles and using them properly is the most cost-effective and least wasteful option in the long run.

If you’ve ever bought a candle, burnt it a couple of times and found that it tunneled right down, leaving an unsightly ring of unmelted wax, don’t worry. You are not alone. This is a common problem candle lovers face every day. Fortunately, there are several easy ways you can prevent this from happening each time you light your candle. To avoid this unfortunately common issue, make sure you burn candles in warm and draft-free environments and trim your wick to at least 1/4 inch  before lighting them. Smaller flames burn more evenly and are less likely to cause tunneling.

The first burn is crucial and sets the stage for how the candle will melt. Because wax has memory, the first burn often determines the radius of the melt. In other words, if you only leave the candle lit long enough to form a small tunnel the first time you use it, it may never create a pool that extends all the way to the edge of the container. Even if you only create a small tunnel, the wax in the tunnel will melt first the next time you use the candle because it is softer than the surrounding wax. This will make the tunnel deeper and result in more wax being left around the edge. Candle science is pretty amazing, and the better you understand it, the more evenly you’ll be able to burn your candles.

The first time you use a candle, make sure it is in a draft-free area where you can check on it every 30 minutes or so. Leave it lit until at least the top layer of wax has melted completely. The deeper this layer is, the better. The exact amount of time it will take for a candle to melt all the way to the edge of the container varies depending on the wax type, candle size and wick length. However, it normally takes roughly an hour of burn time for each inch of the candle’s diameter. Make sure you have enough time to let the first layer melt entirely before using a candle for the first time. 

During each subsequent use, strive to always let the wax melt all the way to the edge before extinguishing the candle. For the best results, we recommend burning our candles for no less than two hours and no more than four hours at a time. When you follow these rules closely, you should be left with a smooth top layer after each use. 

Even after the first use, burning a candle evenly can be somewhat of a challenge. To make sure you get the most out of your candle and make it last longer, follow these simple steps. First, ensure that the surface you are burning the candle on is completely level. This will ensure all parts of the wick have enough heat to melt the wax evenly. After you’re done with your flame for the day, allow the candle to cool completely before relighting. Last, make sure to cover your candle when it’s not in use. This prevents dust and air from entering the container.