Candle Tunneling - what is it? Can you prevent it?

Have you ever lit a candle, only to find that it burns straight down the middle, leaving a thick wall of wax around the edges? This phenomenon is known as candle tunneling, and it can be frustrating for candle enthusiasts. While, we often do not see this phenomenon occur with our quality wax.....there are ways to prevent it and ensure that you get the most out of your candles.

What is Candle Tunneling?

Candle tunneling occurs when a candle burns down the center, creating a tunnel-like effect. This happens when the candle is not allowed to achieve a full melt pool during

each use. The wax around the edges remains solid, leading to wasted wax and a shorter burn time. Natural waxes such as soy wax have a "memory" and failing to burn your candle long enough each time can force your candle to stop at the wax wall, because its memory tells it, that's the furthest it burn last time.  

Can You Prevent Candle Tunneling?

Yes, you can prevent candle tunneling with a few simple tips. To avoid this issue, it's important to allow your candle to burn long enough to create a full melt pool across the entire surface. This usually takes about 1 hour per inch of candle diameter. For example, a 3-inch diameter candle should burn for at least 3 hours to prevent tunneling.

Additionally, it's essential to trim the wick of your candle to about 1/4 inch before each use. A long wick can cause the candle to burn too hot, leading to uneven melting and tunneling. Keeping the wick short and centered will help the candle burn evenly and prevent tunneling.

Choosing high-quality candles like ours made from premium natural waxes can also help prevent tunneling. Cheaper candles may contain additives or lower-quality wax that can contribute to uneven burning. Opting for candles like ours made from luxe CocoSoy wax will burn cleaner and a more even burn.

Final Thoughts

Candle tunneling is a common issue that can affect the longevity and performance of your favorite candles. By following these simple tips, you can prevent tunneling and ensure that your candles burn evenly and last longer. Remember to be patient and allow your candle to achieve a full melt pool each time you light it. Your candles will thank you!

Maximum burn time for one of our candles is 4-6 hours and should never exceed that for safety reasons.