Candle Tunneling Fix: How to Stop Tunneling & Burn Evenly (2026)
Candle tunneling is frustrating: your candle burns straight down the middle and leaves a thick ring of wax stuck to the sides. It wastes wax, reduces scent throw, and makes the candle look “finished” when there’s still plenty left.
The good news is that a candle tunneling fix is usually simple—and preventing tunneling is even easier once you know the rules.
Internal links (place right after this intro):
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Shop Soy Wax Candles: https://shivoracandles.ca/collections/soy-wax-candles
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What is candle tunneling?
Candle tunneling happens when the wax doesn’t melt all the way to the edges of the container. Instead of an even melt pool, the candle creates a “tunnel” down the center.
This is common with:
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Short burn sessions (lighting for 10–30 minutes)
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Drafty rooms (fans, vents, open windows)
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The first burn being too short
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A wick that isn’t performing well for the jar size (or a wick that isn’t trimmed)
Why candle tunneling happens (most common causes)
1) The first burn was too short (the #1 reason)
Your candle “sets a memory” on the first burn. If the melt pool stays small, the candle keeps repeating that pattern and tunnels.
2) Drafts pull heat away
Even a small draft can cool one side of the jar and cause uneven melting and tunneling.
3) You’re burning for very short sessions
If you only burn your candle for a few minutes at a time, the wax never gets a chance to melt evenly to the edges.
4) Wick issues (often fixable)
Sometimes tunneling looks like a “bad candle,” but it’s actually:
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Wick not trimmed (too long causes flicker and soot, uneven heat)
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Candle placed in a draft
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Not enough burn time to form a full melt pool
Candle tunneling fix (3 methods that work)
Choose the method based on how bad the tunneling is.
Fix #1: The foil method (best quick fix)
This is the most common at-home fix because it helps heat the wax at the edges.
Steps:
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Place the candle on a heat-safe, stable surface away from drafts.
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Trim the wick if it’s long (keep it short before lighting).
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Wrap a piece of aluminum foil around the top of the jar like a loose “tent,” leaving an opening in the center.
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Light the candle and let it burn until the top wax softens and melts closer to the edges.
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Remove the foil once the surface looks more even.
Important: Do not leave the candle unattended.
Fix #2: Longer controlled burn sessions (for mild tunneling)
If the wax ring is thin, you may not need foil.
Steps:
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Trim wick.
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Burn long enough for the wax to melt close to the edges.
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Repeat for 1–3 sessions until the candle corrects itself.
Fix #3: Gentle heat reset (for stubborn tunneling)
If the wax ring is thick and stubborn, you may need a controlled reset.
Safe approach:
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Use gentle heat (like a hair dryer on low from a safe distance) to soften the top wax and level it.
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Stop as soon as the top layer looks even.
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Let it cool fully before lighting again.
Safety note: Use caution with heat around glass jars—keep it controlled and brief.
How to prevent candle tunneling (do this every time)
The first burn rule (most important)
On the first burn, let the wax melt close to the edges of the jar before you blow it out. This prevents the candle from “learning” a small melt pool.
Trim the wick before every burn
A trimmed wick supports:
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Steady flame
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Less smoke/soot
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More even heat distribution
Avoid drafts
Keep candles away from:
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Fans
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HVAC vents
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Open windows
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Doorways with airflow
Burn in reasonable sessions
Extremely short burns cause tunneling; extremely long burns can overheat the jar. Follow your candle’s safety label and burn in comfortable sessions.
Internal link (care + styling support):
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Glass Jar Candles Guide: https://shivoracandles.ca/blogs/news/glass-jar-candles-expert-guide-to-choosing-styling
Soy candle tunneling (Canada winter tip)
In Canadian winters, airflow from heating vents and temperature differences can increase flicker and uneven melting.
Quick winter tips:
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Burn in a room with stable airflow
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Keep candles away from vents
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Allow a proper first burn melt pool
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FAQs (SEO)
How do I fix candle tunneling fast?
Use the foil tent method for a quick fix. It helps melt the wax at the edges so the candle can reset and burn evenly.
Does candle tunneling mean the candle is bad?
Not necessarily. Tunneling is usually caused by a short first burn, drafts, or short burn sessions—not candle quality.
How long should I burn a candle to prevent tunneling?
Long enough for the wax to melt close to the edges of the jar, especially on the first burn. The exact time depends on jar width and wax type.
Why does my candle tunnel more in winter?
Indoor heating vents and increased airflow can cause flickering and uneven melting. Keep the candle away from vents and drafts.
If you want candles that burn beautifully with the right care, start with proven favourites:
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