Why is my candle burning unevenly?
Uneven burning happens when a candle melts more on one side or tunnels down the middle can be frustrating, especially when you’ve invested in a high-quality, handmade candle. If you are experiencing tunneling it is not always an issue with the quality of the candle as tunneling can happen in ANY candle regardless of cost or brand.
There are several reasons a candle will tunnel.
Improper burning habits
Wick size
The First Burn Sets the Stage
Understanding Candle “Memory” and How to Prevent Tunneling
At Melanin Flame, we believe every candle tells a story—and so does the wax itself. Candle wax actually has a “memory.” This means the way you burn your candle the first time shapes how it will burn in the future.
Even though wax feels solid, it continues to harden as it sits. Freshly poured or recently melted wax is always a bit softer than wax that’s been left untouched for a week or more. If you only let the center of your candle melt during the first burn, the next time you light it, only that softened center will melt easily. The surrounding wax, which didn’t get a chance to melt, becomes firmer and more resistant to heat. This is what causes tunneling—a small well in the middle of your candle, with unmelted wax around the edges.
Another common reason for tunneling is the wick size. If the wick is too small for the candle’s diameter, it won’t generate enough heat to melt wax all the way to the edge. This is often an issue with mass-produced candles that use lower-quality or undersized wicks. At Melanin Flame, we hand-select and test every wick to ensure it’s the perfect fit for each vessel and fragrance, so you get an even, beautiful burn every time.
Still, even with a high-quality candle, the first burn is crucial. We recommend letting your candle burn long enough to melt the entire surface—usually 2–4 hours, depending on the size. This sets your candle up for an even burn and maximizes its life, scent, and beauty.
Your candle experience should be intentional and mindful—just like our process. If you ever have questions about candle care or want to learn more, we’re always here to help.
How to Fix Candle Tunneling
At Melanin Flame, we want every candle to bring you joy from the first burn to the last. If you notice your candle has started to tunnel—a common issue where only the center melts, leaving wax around the edges—don’t worry. You can often restore your candle and enjoy every bit of its unique scent.
What is Candle Tunneling?
Tunneling happens when the wax in the center melts down, but the sides remain unmelted. The good news? If the “sinkhole” is shallow (½ inch or less), it’s easy to fix at home. If it’s deeper (1–2 inches), it may take a bit more patience, and sometimes it’s not fully salvageable. But we believe in making the most of every candle.
Two Ways to Rescue Your Candle
Option 1: The Hair Dryer (or Heat Gun) Method
This method gently melts the hard wax along the edges, helping the surface become even again and “resetting” the wax’s memory.
Before You Start:
Wear eye protection and washable clothing, just in case.
Lay down old newspaper to protect your workspace.
Step-by-Step:
Trim the wick and remove any debris from the tunnel.
Using a heat gun (ideal) or a hair dryer set to low speed and high heat, gently heat the top surface of the candle from a safe distance. Don’t aim the heat directly on top at first—move closer gradually to avoid splashing melted wax.
If needed, use a wick dipper or small metal spatula to gently loosen unmelted wax along the sides.
Continue heating until the whole top layer is melted and smooth. This can take several minutes—patience is key!
Relight your candle and let it burn for at least 30 minutes, or until the surface remains even.
Allow your candle to cool and harden completely. Depending on the wax (soy, coconut, or paraffin), this can take anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks.
Intentional Candle Care
At Melanin Flame, every candle is crafted for an even, beautiful burn. But sometimes, life happens! If you ever have questions about candle care or want more tips, we’re here to help you get the most out of your experience.