How to Fix a Tunnelling Candle

Imagine this: you’ve just settled in for a cosy evening, ready to unwind with your favorite candle casting a warm, soothing glow. But wait—what’s this? Your candle is burning unevenly, leaving a deep, frustrating tunnel of wax around the wick. Fear not!  
 
Candle tunnelling is a common issue, but with a few simple tricks, you can save your candle and keep it burning beautifully. Let’s dive into the fun and easy fixes! 

First Things First: What Is Candle Tunnelling? 

Candle tunnelling happens when only the center of the wax melts, leaving a thick ring of unmelted wax around the edges. This not only wastes your candle but also shortens its lifespan. Luckily, with a bit of TLC, you can fix this and enjoy every last bit of your favourite scent. 

Understanding Candle Tunnelling 

Candle tunnelling occurs when only the center portion of the candle melts and burns, leaving a ring of solid wax around the perimeter. This can be caused by: 

• Initial Burn: Not allowing the wax pool to reach the edge of the container during the first burn. 

• Wick Size: Using a wick that is too small for the candle's diameter. 

• Burn Duration: Extinguishing the candle before a full melt pool has formed. 

• Temperature: Occasionally, if the wax is too cold due to room temperature, it may lead to candle tunnelling. 

Steps to Fix Candle Tunnelling 

1. Aluminum Foil Method

One of the most effective and commonly recommended methods to fix a tunnelling candle is the aluminum foil method. 

• Wrap the Foil: Tear off a piece of aluminum foil and wrap it around the top of the candle, creating a dome-like structure. Ensure the foil is covering the tunneled edges but leaves an opening at the top for air to flow.
• Light the Candle: Light the wick and let the candle burn for a few hours. The heat trapped by the foil will help melt the outer wax, evening out the wax pool. 
• Check Regularly: Keep an eye on the candle and adjust the foil if necessary to prevent overheating. Once the wax has melted evenly, remove the foil and enjoy your candle. 

2. Hair Dryer Method

Another quick fix involves your trusty hairdryer, here’s how: 

• Heat It Up: Turn on your hairdryer and gently warm the top layer of the candle until the wax melts evenly.

• Smooth It Out: Use a spoon to smooth out the surface if needed. 

• Burn Evenly: Light your candle and let it burn for a bit to reset the wax memory. 

3. Oven Method

For those with multiple tunnelling candles or looking for a hands-off approach, the oven method can be effective.

• Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to a low temperature, around 175°F (80°C).
• Prepare Candles: Place your tunnelling candles on a baking tray. Optionally, you can cover the top with aluminum foil to prevent direct heat exposure.
• Melt the Wax: Place the tray in the oven for about 5-10 minutes, keeping a close eye on the candles. The wax should melt and even out.
• Cool and Trim: Remove the candles from the oven and let them cool completely. Trim the wick to the appropriate length before relighting.

Preventing Future Tunnelling 

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are a few tips to prevent candle tunnelling from occurring in the first place: 

• First Burn: Allow the candle to burn long enough during its first use to create a full melt pool that reaches the edges of the container. 

• Burn Time: Follow the rule of thumb: burn the candle for one hour per inch of diameter each time you light it. 

• Wick Maintenance: Keep the wick trimmed to 1/4 inch before each burn to ensure a steady and even flame. 

• Proper Storage: Store candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain their integrity. 

• Use a Candle Warmer: If tunnelling persists despite your best efforts, consider using a candle warmer. These devices gently heat the wax from below, ensuring an even melt without the need for a flame. Plus, they’re great for getting the most out of the last bits of wax at the bottom of the jar. 

By following these methods and tips, you can fix a tunnelling candle and enjoy a beautiful, even burn every time. Happy candle burning!