Candle Tunneling

The most important step to prevent (or minimize) tunneling is to ensure that the initial burn is long enough to let the entire surface of the candle melt before blowing or snuffing it out. This usually takes at least an hour or two, depending on the size of the candle.  A good rule of thumb to remember is that you should burn your candle for one hour per every inch of its diameter. So if your candle has a diameter of 3 inches, you should plan for the initial burn to be three hours before extinguishing the flame . 

If you don’t do this, you’re almost guaranteed to get tunneling

Why? That’s because wax contains a certain amount of “memory.”

 

What causes tunneling in candles?

Wax isn’t always as “hard” as it seems. Even in its solid, unmelted state, wax will continue to harden over time. Candle wax from an earlier burn that was melted and cooled again will always be softer than candle wax that hasnt yet burned.  The surrounding wax that didn’t melt the first time is “harder” in comparison, so it won’t melt - resulting in tunneling.

How do you fix candle tunneling?

If you have already gotten to the point where your candle has tunneled, don't panic, there is an easy fix. *Using a hairdryer (or craft heat gun), carefully melt the top layer of wax until it is uniform and smooth.  Let it harden then do another "initial burn".  *The wax will be hot and may splash up, so use extreme caution when using this method.

Will candle tunneling fix itself?

For the most part, tunneling will continue to worsen as the previously melted and cooled wax will burn faster than the wax that has not burned.  If you have already gotten to the point where your candle has tunneled, don't panic, there is an easy fix. *Using a hairdryer (or craft heat gun), carefully melt the top layer of wax until it is uniform and smooth.  Let it harden then do another "initial burn".  *The wax will be hot and may splash up, so use extreme caution when using this method.