Why Is My Candle Tunneling? (And How to Prevent It Once and For All)

 

You light your candle, get cozy… and a few hours later: there's a hole in the center, with untouched wax on the sides. Good news: it's not (entirely) your fault. And better yet, it's easy to fix!

What does it mean when a candle "tunnels"?

A candle that tunnels (also called the tunnel effect) burns only in the center, without melting the entire surface. The result: wax stays stuck to the sides, the candle doesn't last as long, and it burns less evenly (and less beautifully).

Why is my candle doing this?

1. You're not letting it burn long enough

This is THE number one reason. On the first burn, the wax needs to melt all the way to the edges of the jar. If you extinguish it too soon, it "memorizes" that small circle… and keeps tunneling with every use.

2. The wick is too short

If the flame is too small, it doesn't generate enough heat to melt the entire surface. A wick that's too short = a candle that tunnels.

3. You're lighting it in a draft

An open window, ventilation, a subtle air current… and the flame becomes unstable and heats unevenly.

4. The type of wax used

Soy wax candles, like Moodgie's, offer a cleaner and more natural burn. Since they're less processed than some other waxes, they simply require following proper burning practices to perform at their best.

How to prevent your candle from tunneling (simple solutions)

1. Respect the first burn

Let your candle burn long enough for the entire surface to become liquid. General rule: 2 hours.

2. Keep the wick at the right length

Trim it slightly before each use (about 5 mm) — not too short, not too long. The perfect balance!

3. Place your candle in the right spot

Avoid: open windows, fans, and areas with air movement.

Your candle has already tunneled? Don't panic.

You can fix it:

Option 1: aluminum foil — wrap the top of the jar, leave an opening in the center, and relight the candle. The heat will redistribute!

Option 2: extended burn session — let it burn longer than usual. Sometimes that's all it takes to even things out.

In summary

If your candle is tunneling, it's not the end of the world… but it's often a sign that you're extinguishing it too soon, or that the burn isn't optimal. With a few small adjustments, your candle will burn like a charm!