Why Your Voluspa Large Jar Candle Tunnels and How to Fix It

Quick answer

Tunneling in a Voluspa Large Jar Candle happens when the first burn doesn't melt the wax to the edge, creating a narrow well. The fix is to let it burn long enough on the first use—usually 2–4 hours—so the entire top layer becomes liquid. If tunneling has already started, you can try the foil method or a candle warmer to salvage the wax.

Why Tunneling Happens

The most common cause is not burning the candle long enough on the first use. Voluspa Large Jar Candles have a wide diameter (about 4 inches), so the wax pool needs time to reach the jar's edges. If you extinguish the flame before the melt pool reaches the glass, the wax near the wick melts faster on subsequent burns, creating a deepening tunnel.

Other factors include drafts that cause uneven burning, wick trims that are too short (under 1/4 inch), or burning the candle for less than one hour at a time. The coconut wax blend Voluspa uses has a lower melting point, which helps, but it still needs a full initial burn to establish an even pool.

How to Fix a Tunneled Candle

If you notice a tunnel forming after a few burns, stop using the candle immediately. Let the wax cool completely, then wrap aluminum foil around the rim of the jar, leaving a small opening for the wick. Burn the candle for 2–3 hours—the foil traps heat and encourages the wax to melt evenly across the surface. Once the pool reaches the edge, remove the foil and let the candle burn normally.

Another method is to use a candle warmer or heat gun to melt the top layer of wax without burning the wick. This works well for candles that are already deeply tunneled. Simply warm the wax until it's liquid, let it cool, and then trim the wick before the next burn. Be careful not to overheat the glass.

When to Stop and Let It Go

If the tunnel is more than 1/2 inch deep or the wick is buried under wax, it's time to stop trying to fix it. At this point, the wick may drown in melted wax, and the candle may produce soot or smoke. You can still salvage the remaining wax by using it in a wax warmer or melting it into smaller containers. The jar itself can be cleaned and repurposed.

Also, if you've tried the foil method twice and the candle still tunnels, the wick may be too short or the wax composition may have shifted. It's better to retire the candle than risk a fire hazard or poor performance.

Tunneling Diagnosis & Fix

• Symptom: After several burns, the wax level is noticeably lower in the center than at the edges, forming a tunnel or well around the wick. Check if the wax pool never reached the jar's edge on the first burn.
• Likely Cause: First burn was too short (under 2 hours) or the candle was burned in a drafty area. Wick may also be trimmed too short. Always burn a new Large Jar Candle for at least 2–4 hours until the entire top is liquid.
• Corrective Action: Use the aluminum foil method or a candle warmer to melt the top layer evenly. After that, trim the wick to 1/4 inch and burn for full sessions. If the tunnel is deeper than 1/2 inch, stop and repurpose the wax.

Voluspa Large Jar Candle Details

• Silver Birch Peppercorn - Large Jar Candle: Notes of Cardamom, Pink Peppercorn & Birchwood. Fragrance Description: The crisp winter air sends fallen leaves as invitations to stoke the fire within. Spicy nuances of hulled Guatemalan cardamom and fine tobacco mist lend a spark of intrigue. This scent is a good choice for a first burn because its spicy, woody profile fills a room quickly, encouraging longer burn sessions that help prevent tunneling.
• White Cypress - 5 Wick Hearth Candle: Notes of White Cypress, Juniper Berry, Mint Leaves and Evergreen Wood. Voluspa's unique coconut wax blend is housed in a 5-wick hearth design. The 5-wick design naturally produces more heat, making it less prone to tunneling than single-wick jars. If you struggle with tunneling, this format may be a better option for large rooms.