Why Do Some Candles Tunnel? And How to Avoid It
Candle tunnelling is one of the most common frustrations for candle buyers. It happens when a candle burns straight down the centre, leaving thick wax around the edges. This guide explains why tunnelling occurs and how to prevent it.
Why Candles Tunnel
The first burn was too short
Wick size does not match the vessel
Wax quality affects melt behaviour
Drafts and uneven heat contribute
What Is Candle Tunnelling?
Tunnelling occurs when only the centre of the candle melts, creating a hole and wasting wax around the sides. Once tunnelling starts, it is difficult to fully correct.
The First Burn Is Critical
The most common cause of tunnelling is extinguishing the candle too early.
On the first burn, the candle should be allowed to melt all the way to the edges. This sets the memory of the wax for future burns.
Wick and Wax Compatibility
If the wick is too small for the vessel, the candle will struggle to create a full melt pool.
Luxury candles are tested to ensure the wick size matches the wax and diameter, reducing the risk of tunnelling.
How to Prevent Tunnelling
Allow a full melt pool on the first burn
Trim the wick before each use
Burn away from drafts
Use high quality, tested candles
Why Sachii Candles Tunnel Less
Sachii candles are tested for even melting and steady burn behaviour, helping reduce common tunnelling issues when used correctly.
Final Thoughts
Tunnelling is usually a burn habit issue or a design issue. Choosing well made candles and burning them correctly makes a noticeable difference.
