This Simple Trick Works Like a Charm to Fix Candle Tunneling

Lighting a candle is the perfect way to create a calming environment. It offers a warm, cozy glow and makes your home smell amazing.

The only downside is that candles can tunnel, creating a deeper hole around the wick with unburned excess candle wax lining the walls. Not only is it an eyesore, but it can also reduce your burn time.

Thankfully, this issue can be easily fixed with a solution that you probably already have in your kitchen: aluminum foil. 

How to Fix Candle Tunneling With Aluminum Foil

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to fix candle tunneling, wrap a piece of aluminum foil over the top of the candle, leaving a small opening for the wick and flame. This is a popular trick among candle lovers, as the foil increases the heat while keeping the vessel insulated, causing the excess wax to melt. 

Why Is My Candle Tunneling?

There are many reasons why your candle might tunnel, and it can start with the candle’s very first burn. According to Kristen Pumphrey, founder and creative director of P.F. Candle Co., the candle may start to tunnel if it wasn’t burned long enough the first time it was used.

Since candle wax has memory, a short first burn may result in a tunnel that will deepen every time you light it if it’s not corrected, Melissa Knieriem, founder of Frankfort Candle Co., says.

Candle tunneling can also occur if the wick is too small for the size of the vessel, or if there are ingredients in the candle fragrance that are clogging the wick, which can cause a low burn that won’t allow the wax to reach the edges. 

Other Ways to Fix Candle Tunneling

Removing Excess Wax

Another way to fix candle tunneling is to gently remove the higher wax along the edges, Jonathan Horemans, founder and CEO of Boojee candles, says. This method works especially well if the wick is “drowning” in the wax. If that’s the case, you can also remove wax around the wick to expose about ¼-inch of unburnt wick.

Unlike the aluminum foil hack, this method solves the tunneling issue immediately. The only potential drawbacks are that you lose wax and possibly burn time on the candle, according to Pumphrey. 

Use a Hair Dryer

If you’re working with a small tunnel, try a hair dryer to even out the surface of the wax. However, since hair dryers don’t get too hot, this method might take some time to work. 

5 Tips to Prevent Candle Tunneling, According to Pros

Burn Your Candle Long Enough During the First Use

According to multiple candle experts, proper burning during the first use is key to prevent candle tunneling. By allowing candles to burn long enough, you give the candle wax enough time to burn evenly. Average burn times for the first use should be anywhere between one to four hours, depending on the size. 

Don’t Burn a Candle for More Than Four Hours 

If it burns for longer than that, it can overheat, according to Karen Lawrence, founder of Lulu Candles. In some cases, overheating can cause the candle glass to weaken and possibly crack. 

Regularly Trim the Wick

Wick care is a must if you want to prevent candle tunneling. Lawrence recommends trimming wicks to ¼-inch before each burn. When you don’t trim the wick, it can cause debris to fall or make the wick “mushroom,” which can create smoke and soot. 

Avoid Drafty Areas

Don’t place your candles by an open window, fan, or drafty areas, as this can cause the candle to burn unevenly, according to Horemans.

Use a Candle Topper

A candle topper is a great way to get an even burn and prevent candle tunneling. Plus, candle toppers usually come in unique designs that can be swapped out seasonally or changed to match your decor.