wikiHow Forums Home

How do you fix candle tunneling?

12/08/25 7:56pm
Upvote
2
Share
View hidden comment
This post was sourced from submitted reader questions and posted by wikiHow Editorial Staff, based on our article: 6 Easy Ways to Restore a Candle That's Tunneling.
wikiHow forums are moderated for quality. Learn more about our moderation policy here.
Submit Answer
wikiHow Expert
Mason Hainey
Mason Hainey
Perfumer
12/08/25 8:04pm
If the wick is still usable, take a spoon and scoop out the excess wax from the sides to create a flat surface. Then, relight the candle and ensure the wax melts evenly to the edges.

Another option is to use a wax melter or candle warmer. If the candle is no longer usable, you can scoop out the remaining wax and place it on a hot plate or wax warmer to enjoy the scent.

To prevent tunneling in the future, make sure the wax melts all the way to the edge of the container before extinguishing it. I recommend burning for two to four hours at a time.
Upvote
Reply
Share
View hidden comment
Annabelle Reyes
Annabelle Reyes
wikiHow Staff
12/08/25 7:59pm
Here are a few different methods you can try out to fix a candle tunneling:
  • Aluminum foil: Wrap a piece of aluminum foil around the sides and top of the candle, leaving the middle open so you can light the wick. Light the candle and let it burn until the sides of the candle have completely melted down, leaving you with a smooth surface again.
  • Hair dryer: Trim the wick and make sure there’s no debris in the candle, then turn your hair dryer on low air flow and high heat. Point it at the top of the candle until the wax on the sides melts down.
  • Scoop the sides: Use a metal spoon to scoop out the wax that has hardened on the sides of the candle, creating a flat surface again, then burn your candle normally.
Upvote
Reply
Share
View hidden comment
Submit Answer

What’s on your mind? Ask anything.

Get advice and feedback from experts and wikiHow readers just like you.

Ask a Question

More Forum Discussions

How soften brown sugar quickly
Every time I buy brown sugar, it's hard by the time I want to use it, even if the package is unopened. How can I soften it quickly to use it in my recipes? And, any tricks to keep it from hardening in the first place?
Upvote · 23
10
How to get rid of weed smell from a room?
I smoke marijuana to help with sleep but my parents are coming to visit next week. They’d probably be cool with it, but I just don’t feel like answering their questions or dealing with it, ya know? I thought I did a good job getting rid of the smell by opening the windows for a few days, but two of my friends commented that they can still smell the weed. Does anyone have any hacks here? I really want to get rid of the smell of weed in my room and car before they show up.
Upvote · 26
8
How do you stop ingrown pubic hairs when shaving?
Upvote
1
I need to open a can without a can opener
I swear I had a can opener, but I can not find it all in my kitchen! This can doesn't have a tab to open it, so I feel kind of stuck. Any household hacks to open this without making a mess?
Upvote · 31
6
How to get Gel X nails off at home quick
My gel x nails are starting to lift up and don't look as good as when I first got them. Does anyone know how to remove gel x nails at home so I can save money? Do I have to wait and make an appointment with my nail tech instead? What are your thoughts?
Upvote · 21
5
Easiest way to fix a clogged sink?
My roommate did something to clog up the kitchen sink, and we just can’t get it to drain like normal. I tried running hot water and running the garbage disposal, but nothing seems to help. It is draining slowly, but it takes like 24 hours to fully drain if there’s even a few inches of water. What else can I try? I really don’t want to reach out to the landlord over something so mundane.
Upvote · 17
5
Explore All Forum Posts