We’ve all been there. You light your favorite candle, get cozy, and everything feels perfect… until you notice it’s burning straight down the middle like it’s digging a tunnel to Narnia. Meanwhile, all that glorious wax around the edges just sits there, completely unbothered. Not cool.

But don’t worry... we’re not tossing that candle just yet. We’ve got some simple tricks to bring it back to life. And yes, aluminum foil is about to have a major moment.

What Is Candle Tunneling?

Tunneling happens when your candle only burns down the center, leaving thick walls of wax around the edges. It’s usually caused by not letting the candle burn long enough on the first few uses. Think of it like setting a vibe... you’ve got to give it time to spread evenly.

But if you’re already deep in the tunnel, here’s how to fix it.

Fix #1: The Aluminum Foil Wrap

Here’s how to rescue that candle with nothing more than some kitchen foil and a little patience.

1. Light your candle ~ Let it start burning, even if it’s misbehaving.
2. Wrap the top with foil.~ Fold a piece of aluminum foil around the top edge of the candle, leaving a hole in the center for the flame to breathe. It should look like your candle’s wearing a little metallic hoodie.
3. Let it burn for about an hour.~ The foil traps heat and helps melt the wax along the sides, encouraging an even wax pool.
4. Unwrap and check progress. ~ Once the wax has evened out, remove the foil and let the candle finish its burn like a boss.

Fix #2: Hair Dryer Rescue Mission ~ No foil? No problem. Take a hair dryer, set it to low or medium heat, and gently warm the top of the candle until the wax levels out. Be sure to move the dryer around so that no one spot is getting too much heat. This helps reset the surface and gives your candle a fresh start. Bonus: it makes the room smell great.

How to Prevent Tunneling in the First Place

Give it time on the first burn ~ Let the candle burn long enough to fully melt the top layer of wax (usually 2–3 hours depending on the candle diameter) the first time you light it. If you rush it, it’ll remember.

• Trim the wick ~ Keep your wick around ¼ inch. A too-long wick can cause uneven burning and soot.
• Keep it level ~ Burning your candle on an uneven surface can lead to lopsided melting. Flat and steady wins the race.

From the Candle Crew at Lit Moments

Candle tunneling isn’t the end of the world... it’s just a bump in the wax. With a little aluminum foil or a hair dryer, you can bring your candle back from the brink and get every last drop of scent and beauty it was made for.

We believe great candles deserve a second chance, and a good fix makes the glow even sweeter.

If your candles need a reset, now you know what to do.