Bobby Berk's game-changing hack fixes candle tunnels and uneven wax in 5 simple steps
Bobby Berk's easy hack fixes candle tunnels and uneven wax in five simple steps


I love a nice scented candle. In fact, I'm borderline obsessed with them. But the one thing that never ceases to amaze me is that even the best candles can burn unevenly or start to tunnel if you don't practice effective candle care.
Thankfully, interior designer Bobby Berk took to Instagram earlier this month to share his game-changing hack to prevent uneven burning from ruining your favorite candles:
A post shared by Bobby Berk (@bobby)
A photo posted by on
In the short clip, the famed interior designer revealed that hacking away at uneven candle wax with a butter knife is far from the best method of fixing candle tunnels. Not only is this method wasteful, but it's unsightly, too.
Instead, Bobby revealed a simple 5-step trick to level your candles using affordable aluminum foil:
Step 1: Cut enough aluminum foil to wrap around the top of your candle.
Step 2: Light the wick.
Step 3: Wrap the foil around the top of the candle, leaving enough space for oxygen to get through to the flame.
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
Step 4: Wait a few hours (ensuring you don't leave the candle unsupervised).
Step 5: Unwrap your candle and blow out the flame. Once the wax has dried, your candles should be perfectly level again.
Of course, you could also invest in a stylish candle warmer to keep your candle wax perfectly even. But when a roll of aluminum foil is only $1.42 at Walmart, I know which technique I'll be trying first...
3 spring scented candles
You can avoid the most common candle burning mistakes by trimming your wicks and ensuring that you allow your new candles to melt evenly across the entire surface before blowing them out.

Gabriella is a freelance contributor for Homes & Gardens. She is a DIY enthusiast and a lover of all things interior design, often found antiquing or browsing the aisles of her local hardware store. She has a particular passion for historic buildings and is in the process of renovating a Victorian coachhouse in the countryside.
For much of the past decade, Gabriella has worked as a freelance writer, crafting copy for national publications and renowned homeware brands. Most recently, she worked for Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine and is the former Head of Solved at Homes & Gardens, focusing on case studies for the magazine and website, as well as writing features about issues surrounding historic and listed building projects.
-
5 hypoallergenic storage tricks for allergy sufferers – keep bedding, towels, and food free from contaminants
Ward off allergens in every corner of your home
-
Cherry tomato and basil oil focaccia
This focaccia is a show-stopping starter that will bring rustic charm and bold flavor for relaxed entertaining
-
'Don't let the bubbles fool you' – never use baking soda and vinegar together in these 4 grime hot spots, cleaning experts warn
Plus, the 4 areas you can safely use this natural cleaning combo
-
8 helpful ways to re-purpose old pillows – from making handy garden kneelers and draft excluders, to cozy pet beds
Sustainability experts say these bulky items don't have to go to waste
-
What your home fragrance says about you – plus, master perfumers reveal how to pick the perfect signature scent for your space
Scent speaks volumes and set the tone for your home
-
Cleaning experts reveal 6 reasons your home gets dusty so quickly – and the simplest ways to reduce the build-up
From HVAC filters to dusting techniques, these tips will ease the build up
-
I'm a professional party planner – these are the three things I always do after hosting New Year's Eve to reset my space
New year, same home. Here's how I clear up after a party
-
6 types of clutter you will never find in a minimalist home – and how they manage to keep it all at bay
These things never worry minimalists
-
10 things to do daily to be more organized – top expert habits to adopt for a smooth-running home
Feeling overwhelmed with mess? These tips from professional organizers will help
-
Love that fresh laundry smell? Here's how to make your home smell like clean linen 365 days a year
Crisp, clean and calming – the scent of linen defies seasons, and works in any space