The simple candle-care mistakes to avoid
You've lit your favourite candle, enjoyed the fragrance and then noticed something isn't quite right.
Instead of melting evenly across the surface, the wax is only melting around the wick, leaving a thick ring of unmelted wax around the sides of the vessel.
Yep — you've got candle tunnelling.
But don't panic. It's one of the most common candle-care problems, and in many cases, it's completely preventable.
If you're wondering why your candle is tunnelling or how to stop candle tunnelling, we've got you covered.
What is candle tunnelling?
Candle tunnelling happens when the wax around the wick melts downwards instead of melting evenly across the entire surface of the candle.
You'll usually notice a deeper hole forming around the wick while a significant amount of wax remains untouched around the edges.
Not only can this affect the appearance of your candle, but it can also mean you're not getting the full burn time or fragrance experience from your candle.
The good news? How you burn your candle makes a huge difference.
Why does candle tunnelling happen?
The most common reason for candle tunnelling is simply not allowing your candle to burn for long enough.
Every time you light your candle, the wax creates a melt pool around the wick. If you extinguish the flame before that melt pool reaches the edges of the vessel, the wax can begin to "remember" that smaller burn area.
Do this repeatedly and your candle can continue burning down the centre, creating that tunnel effect.
This is why the first few burns are particularly important.
1. You're not burning your candle for long enough
This is probably the biggest candle-care mistake.
Lighting your candle for 20–30 minutes might seem harmless, but it often isn't long enough for the wax to melt evenly across the surface.
Instead, give your candle enough time to create a full melt pool that reaches towards the edges of the vessel.
For many candles, this can take a couple of hours, depending on the size and wax blend.
LoveTay tip
If you know you're only going to have 30 minutes to enjoy your candle, it might be better to wait until you have a little more time.
Your candle will thank you for it. 🤍
2. Your first burn was too short
Your first burn is especially important because it helps establish how your candle will burn in the future.
When you light a brand-new candle, aim to allow the wax to melt evenly across the surface.
Avoid lighting a new candle for a quick burst and then putting it out.
Think of your first burn as teaching your candle how you want it to behave for the rest of its life.
3. You're burning your candle for too long
Here's where things get a little confusing.
If burning your candle for too little time can cause tunnelling, does that mean you should just leave it burning all day?
Nope!
Your candle needs a balance.
We recommend burning your candle for no more than around 4 hours at a time. Once you have a full melt pool, extinguish the flame and allow the candle to cool completely.
Longer isn't necessarily better.
4. Your wick isn't trimmed
A wick that's too long can create a larger, less controlled flame and may contribute to an uneven burn.
Before each burn, trim your wick to approximately 5mm.
Always allow the candle to cool completely before trimming, and remove any excess wick trimmings from the wax before lighting.
It's one of the easiest candle-care habits you can get into.
5. Your candle is sitting in a draft
Where you burn your candle can also make a difference.
Keep your candle away from:
- Fans
- Air conditioners
- Open windows
- Strong breezes
- High-traffic areas
Air movement can cause the flame to flicker and burn unevenly, which can affect the melt pool.
Choose a stable, heat-resistant surface where your candle can burn safely and undisturbed.
Can you fix a tunnelling candle?
If your candle has already started tunnelling, there are a few things you can try.
The first step is to give it a proper burn. Allow the candle to burn long enough for the melt pool to gradually expand towards the edges.
However, don't try to force a candle to burn for an excessive amount of time. If your candle has a severe tunnel or you're unsure whether it is safe to continue burning, it's best to stop using it.
And never leave a candle unattended while attempting to correct an uneven burn.
The perfect candle burn = a little patience
Candle tunnelling can be frustrating, especially when you've fallen in love with a particular scent and want to enjoy every last bit of it.
But most of the time, preventing it comes down to one simple thing:
Give your candle the time it needs.
Instead of lighting your candle for a few minutes here and there, make it part of a proper little ritual. Light it while you're having your morning coffee, getting ready for a night in or winding down after a long day.
Let it burn evenly, enjoy the fragrance and then extinguish it when the time is right.
Because candles aren't meant to be rushed.