From Jennie
Gentle notes, seasonal remedies and practical wellbeing advice to support a slower, more intentional way of living.
A Gentle Guide to Understanding Candle Tunnelling
If you’ve ever lit a candle and noticed it burning straight down the middle, leaving a ring of unmelted wax around the edges, you’ve met candle tunnelling. It’s one of the most common candle frustrations but it’s also one of the easiest to prevent.
Candle tunnelling can happen when a candle is burned incorrectly on the first burn, but it can also occur if a candle is poorly made, such as when the wick is too small or not centred.
Why Tunnelling Happens
Soy wax is a natural, plant‑based material. It melts slowly and gently, which is part of what makes Misneach candles burn so beautifully. But because soy wax has a “memory,” the first burn sets the tone for every burn that follows.
If the first burn is too short and the wax doesn’t melt all the way to the edges, the candle remembers that narrow melt pool — and continues to burn in the same shape, creating a tunnel down the centre.
How to Prevent Tunnelling
A few simple steps make all the difference:
- Trim your wick to ¼ inch before lighting
- Burn your candle for one hour per inch of diameter on the first burn (never more than 4 hours)
- Allow the melt pool to reach the edges before extinguishing
- Keep your candle on a stable, heat‑resistant surface
- Avoid drafts that can pull the flame to one side
A Gentle Fix: The Tin Foil Method
If tunnelling has already begun, you can often encourage the wax to level out again using the tin foil method:
Wrap a small collar of tin foil around the top of your candle, leaving an opening above the flame. This helps retain heat around the edges, allowing the unmelted wax to soften and join the melt pool. Burn for a short session (never more than 4 hours), and you’ll often see the sides begin to even out.
It’s a simple, effective rescue — especially when tunnelling is caught early.
A Candle That Burns Beautifully Is a Candle Cared For
Misneach candles are made with natural soy wax and pure essential oils — materials chosen for their honesty, softness and connection to nature. With a little care, they burn evenly, slowly and intentionally, giving you the full experience they were crafted for.
Follow me on Instagram or Facebook @misneachremedies for more tips.
Le grá,
Jennie xx
