There’s something mesmerizing about the soft glow of a candle. Whether it’s the delicious aroma, the flickering light, or the calming atmosphere candles provide but have you ever wondered how to make them last longer. The good news is, it’s not magic—you just need to understand the science of burn time.
This blog will guide you through the factors that influence how long your candles burn and share practical tips to get the most out of your candles. Whether you’re new to candle-making or a seasoned enthusiast, you’ll learn how to optimise burn time and make your creations last as long as possible.
What Affects Candle Burn Time?
The burn time of a candle depends on several key factors. By understanding these, you can adjust your candle-making process to increase longevity or ensure your purchased candles stand the test of time.
1. Wax Type
The type of wax you use plays a significant role in how quickly or slowly a candle burns. Each wax has different burning properties, which affects things like melting point and combustion.
- Paraffin Wax: This is a popular option foe mass produced candles because it holds fragrance well and burns with a steady flame. However, it tends to burn relatively quickly compared to others.
- Soy Wax: Known for its eco-friendly appeal, soy wax burns more slowly and evenly, producing a longer-lasting candle.
- Beeswax: Beeswax is a natural slow-burning wax, often considered the gold standard for long-lasting candles. Its high melting point ensures it burns slower than most other waxes.
- Blended Waxes: Sometimes, candle makers blend waxes (e.g., soy-paraffin mixes) to create an ideal balance of burn time and fragrance throw.
2. Wick Size and Material
The wick is the candle’s lifeline. Choosing the right wick size and material is crucial for efficient burning.
- Undersized Wick: Too small, and the wick won’t produce enough heat to melt the wax evenly, leading to tunnelling (when a hole forms in the centre, wasting wax on the sides). This diminishes burn time efficiency.
- Oversized Wick: Too large, and the candle will burn hot, consuming wax faster than necessary and potentially creating soot.
- Wick Material: Cotton wicks burn cleanly and are often used for a controlled flame, while wooden wicks can add ambience with a crackling sound but may burn out faster in certain conditions.
3. Fragrance Load and Additives
Fragrance oils and any other additives can influence the burn time. While we all love beautifully scented candles, adding too much fragrance can disrupt the science of an efficient burn.
- A fragrance load of 6–10% is generally ideal. Anything higher can clog the wick, causing uneven burning.
- Some additives, such as colour dyes, can slightly alter the wax’s burning properties, so use them in moderation.
4. Container Type and Size
The container you choose affects how heat is distributed. Glass jars, for example, insulate heat, often encouraging an even melt pool and longer burn time. A wide container may lead to faster burning as there’s more surface wax to evaporate.
How to Optimise Candle Burn Time
With the science of burn time covered, it’s time to put that knowledge into practice. Follow these tips to get the most out of your candles.
1. Trim Your Wick
Trimming your wick may be the single most effective way to optimise a candle’s burn time. Start each burn with a wick trimmed to about 5 mm (¼ inch). A shorter wick ensures a smaller flame and less heat, which helps your candle last longer while burning efficiently.
2. Burn the Candle Long Enough
When lighting a candle for the first time, make sure you burn it long enough to create a full melt pool—this means letting the wax melt evenly across the entire surface. This prevents tunnelling, a common issue that wastes wax and shortens burn time. For best results, allow one hour of burn time per inch of the candle’s diameter.
3. Avoid Drafts
Candles placed near fans, vents, or open windows burn unevenly due to the disturbed flame. Not only can this result in incomplete usage of the wax, but it also increases the chance of soot build-up. Place your candle in a stable, draft-free location for maximum efficiency.
4. Use the Right Candle Holder
For pillar candles, choose a holder with a snug fit to contain mess and support the wax as it melts. Container candles should have smooth, heat-resistant surfaces to ensure even burning.
5. Store Candles Properly
Heat, light, and humidity can affect your candles. Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent premature melting or drying out. Prolonged exposure to UV light can also fade dyes and degrade fragrances.
6. Burn in Cycles
Avoid burning candles for overly long periods—typically no longer than 4 hours per session. Continuous burning consumes the wax too quickly, while shorter but regular burn cycles help maintain a steady, even melt.
7. Test and Adjust (For Candle Makers)
If you’re crafting your own candles, always test burn them after creation. Experiment with different waxes, wicks, and fragrances to find the ideal combination that gives you the perfect burn time.
Common Candle Mistakes That Shorten Burn Time
To make every moment count with your favourite candles, avoid these common mistakes:
1.Not Trimming the Wick
A long wick produces a larger flame, burning through wax unnecessarily faster.
2. Blowing Out the Candle Incorrectly
Blowing out candles harshly creates smoke and soot. Use a snuffer or gently cover the flame instead to extinguish it cleanly.
3. Leaving the Melt Pool Uneven
If you extinguish your candle before the wax fully melts across, you risk it tunnelling during future burns.
4. Using Old Candles
Over time, stored candles can break down if not kept in ideal conditions. Use older candles sooner rather than later for a reliable burn.
Key Takeaways
By understanding the science behind burn time, you can make small adjustments to significantly extend the life of your candles. Whether you trim your wick faithfully, optimise the wax and wick choices for your creations, or store candles properly, every detail adds up to more hours of glowing joy.
At Candle Creations, we’re passionate about helping you craft candles that not only look and smell amazing but also perform brilliantly. Explore our range of quality waxes, wicks, fragrances, and professional tips to take your candle crafting to the next level.
Create candles that last longer and burn better—because every moment of light should count.
