Lit Sonicglow candle with centered flame and partially melted wax pool, sitting on concrete with books in the background — showing proper burn for preventing candle tunneling.Lit Sonicglow candle with centered flame and partially melted wax pool, sitting on concrete with books in the background — showing proper burn for preventing candle tunneling.

What's that smell? | Candle care tips

Candle tunneling sucks!

You paid for a full candle. So why is it only burning a sad little circle in the center?

Welcome to the hell of candle tunneling, where your wick plays diva and leaves perfectly good wax untouched.

At Sonicglow, we’re not here to let a good candle go to waste. So let’s break down what candle tunneling is, why it happens and how to prevent your bold scented candles from burning sideways.

What Is candle tunneling?

Candle tunneling is what happens when your candle only burns straight down the center, leaving a thick ring of wax hugging the edges.

It looks like a tunnel and, well, it kind of is. A tunnel... into your patience and your wallet.

Why it happens

Tunneling usually comes down to one of three things -

  • Short burn times - The first few burns matter most. If you blow out your candle too early, the wax only melts in a small circle. The rest? Left in the cold.

  • Wrong wick - Some candles just aren’t made right (not ours, obviously). If the wick’s too small, it won’t create enough heat to melt the whole top layer.

  • Uneven surfaces or drafts - A tilted candle or a breeze from a window can cause uneven melting. Welcome to wax canyon.

You’re not lighting a Sonicglow candle for background vibes. You’re lighting it to fill the whole damn room.

How to burn like a pro (and stop wasting wax)

1. LET IT BURN RIGHT (the first time)

THE GOLDEN RULE - Burn your candle long enough on the first light to melt the wax all the way to the edges. That usually means 2–4 hours, depending on the size.

PRO TIP - Your candle has a memory. That first melt sets the “wax memory ring.” Nail it early or forever hold your lopsided regret.

2. TRIM THE WICK (but not too short)

  • Keep it around 1/4 inch.
  • Too long = soot + mushrooming.
  • Too short = weak flame, weak melt.

Get it just right and you’re golden.

3. KEEP IT LEVEL (and still)

  • Set your candle on a flat, stable surface.
  • Avoid fans, open windows or heavy sighs.
  • Let that wax pool evenly and peacefully.

4. FIX A TUNNEL (if it’s too late)

Already tunneled? Don’t panic. Try the foil hack.

  • Wrap aluminum foil around the top of the candle.
  • Leave a hole above the flame.
  • Let it burn (baby burn). The heat will melt the edges and level things out.

Still uneven?

Scoop + re-center. Dig out some wax around the wick and relight. We call that redemption.

Too long, didn't read? Here's your tunneling cheat sheet

  • Burn time

    Burn 2–4 hours on first light to create an even wax pool.

  • Wick check

    Trim your wick to 1/4" before every burn — no mushrooms, no drama.

  • Stay level

    Burn on a flat, draft-free surface. Breeze = uneven melt.

  • Foil fix

    Tunnel already formed? Use the foil trick to melt the edges back into place.

Why this matters (especially with Sonicglow Candles)

Our ultra-fragrant candles aren’t background noise. They’re center stage, full-sensory riots built with bold blends and strong throws.

A tunneled candle doesn’t just waste wax, it kills scent performance and dims the whole experience.

You’re not lighting a Sonicglow candle for background vibes. You’re lighting it to fill the whole damn room.

Don’t let tunneling mute the soundtrack.

Your candle has a memory. That first melt sets the “wax memory ring.” Nail it early or forever hold your lopsided regret.

More candle tips you’ll actually use

Want to level up your flame game? We’ve got you covered.

More tips coming soon. This is just the start.

Live loud. Burn bright (and even).