How to Fix Common Candle Problems

How to Fix Common Candle Problems | reativ

Common candle problems are easy to fix (and prevent) once you know how. From tunneling wax to mushrooming wicks, these issues don’t just affect how your candle looks — they can shorten its life and impact the quality of burn too. The good news? We've put togehter a list of the most common problems you may face when burning, and creating your reativ candles, so you'll know what causes them and how to fix them.

1. Candle Tunneling

The problem: Wax burns downward in the centre, leaving unused wax around the edge of your candle.
Why it happens: Blowing out your candle too early on the first burn, or a using a wick that’s too small for the jar.

Fix:

  • On the first burn, always let the wax melt all the way to the edges (usually 3-4 hours).

  • If tunneling has already occured, try the “foil method”: wrap kitchen foil around the top of the jar with a small opening in the centre. Burn for a couple of hours to allow the wax to melt evenly. Remove foil once the top of your candle has fully melted.

at reativ, our wick size is matched perfectly to our reusable ceramic vessel, and for vessels approximately 9cm in diameter. If you're refilling an empty favourite larger than 9cm in diameter, add an additional wick for an even burn, or check out the candle refill trio which contains 3 candle refill kits – more wax, more wicks.

2. Smoky Flames + Sooty Jars

The problem: Your candle smokes or leaves black soot marks around the inside of the vessel.
Why it happens: Wicks that are too long, or burning candles near a draft.

Fix:

  • Trim your wick to 5mm before every burn.

  • Keep candles away from fans, air conditioners, or open windows to avoid flickering flames.

  • Extinguish with a snuffer or by dipping the wick (using a wick dipper) into melted wax to prevent any smoke.

reativ candle kits use lead-free cotton wicks and coconut + soy wax for a naturally low-soot burn.

3. Mushrooming Wicks

The problem: The wick forms a mushroom-shaped tip after burning.
Why it happens: Burning for too long (over 4 hours)

Fix:

  • Always trim the wick before relighting to remove the mushroom top.

  • Avoid burning for more than 4 hours at a time.

visit our candle care blog for more tips on how to get the cleanest burn.

4. Uneven Burns or Residue

The problem: Wax burns unevenly or sticks to the side of your vessel.
Why it happens: Wick placement, or drafts.

Fix:

  • When making your candle, ensure your wick is centered (our candle kits come with a wick holder to make this easy).

  • Burn on a flat, stable surface away from drafts.

5. Candle Sinkholes

The problem: Small dips or cracks on the surface of your wax after it sets.
Why it happens: Sinkholes form when wax cools unevenly, leaving tiny air pockets around the wick or inside the candle. They’re one of the most common quirks of candle making.

Fix:

  • To prevent this, leave your candle to set on a cooling rack instead of a solid surface. This allows air to circulate both around and underneath the candle, promoting more even cooling. Solid surfaces tend to pull heat from the bottom too quickly, leading to uneven solidification. 
  • If a sinkhole has already formed, simply burn the candle – letting the wax melt all the way to the edges (usually 3-4 hours). Once the wax melts all the way to the edges for the first time, the wax will smooth itself out.

Sinkholes don’t affect burn quality or fragrance — they’re purely cosmetic. At reativ, we embrace these little imperfections as part of the candle making ritual. They’re a reminder that your candle is handmade, unique, and perfectly yours. 

Fun fact: this is common issue for your most loved candle brands too. To achieve that smooth candle top finish you see with store bought candles, they simply poke small holes in the wax where sinkholes have formed and re-melt the wax with a heat-gun – resulting in the smooth finish you're familiar with.

Final Thoughts: Care Makes the Difference

Most candle problems can be fixed with a little care — and better yet, most can be prevented altogether. By trimming your wick, committing to the first burn, and using a cooling rack while your candle sets, you’ll enjoy longer burns, and a ritual that feels as perfect on the tenth burn as it does on the first.

Ready for a better burn? explore our Candle Refills here.

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