Why Your Candle Isn’t Burning Evenly & How to Fix Candle Tunneling

Uneven candle burning can be frustrating — it wastes wax, shortens burn time, and leaves your candle looking lopsided. Understanding the causes of candle tunneling and learning easy fixes can help you enjoy every last drop of your favorite candle.

Common Causes of Uneven Candle Burn

• Wick too small or too large: An incorrectly sized wick can cause the flame to be too weak or too strong, leading to uneven melting.

• Burning for too short a time: Candles need to burn long enough for the wax to melt evenly across the surface.

• Drafts or air currents: Breezes from fans, windows, or vents can make the flame flicker unevenly.

• Poor quality wax or additives: Some wax blends may burn inconsistently due to impurities or additives.

How to Fix Candle Tunneling

• Burn for 2-4 hours on first use: Allow the wax pool to reach the edges for an even melt.

• Trim your wick regularly: Keep it about ¼ inch to prevent flickering or soot.

• Avoid drafts: Place candles away from windows, fans, or air vents.

• Use a candle warmer or foil trick: Wrap aluminum foil around the top edge of the candle to help melt the wax evenly.

Preventing Future Uneven Burns

• Choose high-quality candles made with balanced wax and wick sizes — like Trinktopia’s soy blend and paraffin mottled pillar candles.

• Follow proper candle care tips, including burn time and wick maintenance.

Enjoy Your Candle Longer

With a few simple tweaks, you can prevent candle tunneling and enjoy a clean, even burn every time.

Ready to try candles designed for an even, beautiful burn? Shop Trinktopia’s handcrafted candles here.