Why Does My Candle Tunnel?
A little guide to getting a more even burn.
Have you ever lit your candle and noticed that the wax only melts around the center, while a ring of wax remains around the sides?
That's called tunnelling.
It can be frustrating - especially when there's still plenty of wax left in your candle. But don't worry. In most cases, tunnelling happens because of the way a candle is burned, and there are a few simple things you can do to prevent it.
What Is Candle Tunnelling?
Tunnelling happens when the wax around the wick melts, but the wax further towards the edge of the jar remains solid.
Over time, this creates a tunnel-like shape around the wick.
Instead of having an even melt pool across the surface, the candle slowly burns down through the center.
Why Does It Happen?
1. Your First Burn Was Too Short
The first burn is especially important.
Wax has a memory of how it melts, so if you extinguish the candle before the melt pool has had enough time to spread across the surface, the candle may continue to follow that smaller melt pattern during future burns.
That's why we recommend giving your first burn enough time to create a nice, even melt pool.
For our 200g candles, around 2 hours is a good starting point.
2. The Wick Needs a Little Care
A wooden wick works best when it is kept at the right length.
If the wick becomes too long, the flame may become unstable. If it is trimmed too short, the flame may struggle to generate enough heat to create a good melt pool.
Before each burn, allow the candle to cool completely and trim the wooden wick to around 5mm.
How Can I Prevent Tunnelling?
A few simple habits can make a big difference:
- Give the first burn enough time
Allow the wax to melt evenly across the surface, or close to the edges.
- Trim your wooden wick before each burn
Around 5mm is a good starting point.
- Keep your candle away from strong airflow
Fans and air conditioners can affect the flame and cause uneven melting.
- Avoid very short burns
Give your candle enough time to develop an even melt pool.
- Don't burn for too long
For our candles, around 1-2 hours per burn is a comfortable range.
What If My Candle Has Already Started Tunnelling?
Don't worry - it doesn't necessarily mean your candle is ruined.
If there is still enough wax remaining, try giving it longer burn session so that the melt pool has more time to gradually each towards the edges.
Keep an eye on the candle while it burns, and always allow safe candle-burning practices.
Another method to help a tunnelling candle return to a more even burn is to use aluminum foil.
Cut a piece of aluminum foil and wrap it around the rim of the candle jar, leaving an opening around the flame. This helps trap and concentrate the heat inside the jar, allowing the wax around the edges to melt and form an even melt pool.
Once the wax has melted evenly, carefully remove the foil and allow the candle to continue burning normally.
A Little Reminder
Every candle burns a little differently.
Things like room temperature, airflow, wick length and how long you burn your candle can all affect the melt pool.
With a little patience and care, you can help your candle burn more evenly and enjoy more of the wax you've poured into it.
After all, a candle is meant to be enjoyed slowly - not rushed.
Light it. Let it melt. Stay a little longer. - Slowly Sundays