Why Do Some Candles Tunnel (And How to Fix It)?
Tunneling happens when wax burns down the center, leaving a thick ring of unused wax around the edges. It's wasteful, frustrating, and makes your candle look sad.
The main culprit? An incomplete first burn.
The First Burn Rule
Candle wax has memory. The first time a candle is lit, it sets the burn pattern for its entire life. If the wax doesn't melt all the way to the edges on the first burn, it will keep following the same narrow path every time after.
For most candles, the first burn should last 2 to 3 hours to create a full melt pool from edge to edge. A little patience at the start saves a lot of wasted wax later.
How to Fix It
But if your candle has already tunneled, there's hope. Try the foil method: wrap aluminum foil around the top of the candle, leaving a small opening in the center. Light it and let it burn for a few hours. The foil traps heat and melts the stubborn wax ring back into place.
Prevention Tips
Of course, stopping tunneling before it starts is easier than fixing it. Trim the wick to 1/4 inch before each burn. Keep candles away from drafts. And give the first burn enough time to set a proper pattern.
Natural waxes like soy and coconut also help. They have lower melting points and spread heat more consistently across the surface, which means less tunneling overall.
Treat your candles well, and they'll burn beautifully.