Chloe Adams
Candles are a great way to add a cosy atmosphere to your home, but how long do they last? The answer depends on a few factors, including the type of candle, the wax used, the number of wicks, and how often you burn it. On average, a candle can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, but with the proper care, some candles can last indefinitely. To make your candle last longer, it's recommended to limit the burn time to 2-4 hours and to ensure the top layer of wax melts evenly to prevent tunnelling.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Burn time | 2-4 hours at a time |
| Burn time (maximum) | No more than 4 hours at a time |
| Burn time (average) | 3 weeks to a month |
| Burn time (large candles) | 60-90 hours |
| Burn time (small candles) | 20 hours |
| Burn time (classic candles) | 60 hours |
| Burn time (coloured candles) | 75 hours |
| Storage | Store in a cool, dark place |
| Storage (avoid) | Direct sunlight, harsh lights, areas with high humidity or moisture, areas with sudden temperature changes |
| Scent | Lasts almost indefinitely if stored properly |
| Colour | May start to fade faster when exposed to direct sunlight |
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What You'll Learn
Candle burn time depends on size, material, and use
The burn time of a candle depends on various factors, including its size, the type of wax used, the number of wicks, and how often it is burned.
Larger candles tend to have longer burn times than smaller candles as they contain more wax and fuel for the flame. For example, a small 70g candle will burn for 20 hours, while a large 600g candle will burn for 90 hours. Similarly, a 12 oz candle will burn for approximately 80 hours.
The type of wax used also affects burn time. Paraffin wax candles, derived from petroleum, tend to have longer burn times than soy or beeswax candles. However, beeswax candles burn slowly and smoothly, while soy candles are best used within a year or two.
The number of wicks in a candle also impacts its burn time. A three-wick candle will burn faster than a single-wick candle. Additionally, the frequency of use and the duration of each burn will affect how long a candle lasts. It is recommended that candles be burned for no more than 2-4 hours at a time to prevent overheating and potential fire hazards.
To extend the life of a candle, it is important to trim the wick to 1/4 inch before lighting and ensure the top layer of wax has melted evenly to the edges of the vessel. Allowing the candle to cool completely before relighting and using a candle snuffer to extinguish the flame can also help prolong its burn time. Proper storage is also crucial, keeping candles away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and areas with high humidity.
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Paraffin wax candles vs beeswax candles
The longevity of a candle depends on several factors, including the burn time, type of wax, and number of wicks. While some candles can last for weeks or months, others may only last for a few burns.
When comparing paraffin wax candles and beeswax candles, there are several key differences to consider in terms of longevity and other factors:
Burn Time and Melting Point
Beeswax has a higher melting point than paraffin wax, which means it takes longer to melt and has a longer burn time. Beeswax candles are the most durable and long-lasting type of candle. However, some people find that the slow melting process of beeswax results in wasted wax, as it doesn't always melt to the edges of the container. On the other hand, paraffin wax has a lower melting point and a weaker flame, resulting in shorter burn times. Manufacturers of paraffin candles often add stearic acid to increase the melting point and burn time, making them more similar to beeswax candles.
Cleanliness and Soot Production
Beeswax candles burn cleanly and produce very little soot, especially when the wick is trimmed properly. They are also naturally dripless under normal draft-free conditions. In contrast, paraffin candles produce a significant amount of soot and are prone to dripping. The soot from paraffin candles can stain and cover walls and other surfaces with black residue.
Fragrance
Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum, coal, or oil, and it can deliver an intense fragrance. Its low density allows it to hold many fragrance oils, resulting in a strong scent throw. Beeswax, on the other hand, is not ideal for holding fragrance. It has a very mild natural scent and is often preferred by those with allergies or sensitivities to artificial fragrances.
Hypoallergenic Properties
Beeswax candles are hypoallergenic and are less likely to cause allergic reactions or issues for people with allergies, asthma, or chemical sensitivities. Paraffin candles, on the other hand, are not hypoallergenic, and their artificial scents can trigger reactions in some individuals.
Cost
Paraffin candles are the most affordable type of candle due to their wide availability as a byproduct of petroleum refining. Beeswax candles, on the other hand, are derived from beehives and require the labour of hundreds of thousands of bees, making them rare and more expensive.
In summary, beeswax candles offer longer burn times, burn cleanly with minimal soot, and are hypoallergenic and less likely to trigger allergies or sensitivities. However, they have a milder fragrance and are more expensive. Paraffin wax candles, on the other hand, offer stronger fragrances at a lower cost but have shorter burn times, produce more soot, and may trigger allergies or sensitivities.
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Scented candles and scent degradation
Scented candles are a popular way to fill your home with your favourite fragrances, but their scent can degrade over time. While candles don't have a hard expiration date, they do have a finite lifespan and can become weak, outdated, and odourless. The scent of a candle can last for more than six months to a year, depending on various factors. These factors include the type of wax, the type and amount of fragrance oil, and how the candle is stored. Organic, vegetable-based waxes like soy and coconut are more prone to breaking down over time, whereas paraffin and beeswax candles are more stable and can last almost indefinitely when stored properly.
The scent of a candle can degrade due to a process called scent degradation, where fragrance oil molecules slowly evaporate from the wax into the air, even when the candle isn't burning. This can be influenced by exposure to UV light and indoor lighting over time, causing the scent to weaken or change. Additionally, the longer you store an unlit candle, the less scent it will produce when burned. Therefore, it is recommended to burn candles as soon as possible to enjoy the strongest fragrance.
To preserve the scent of your candles, it is important to store them properly. Avoid keeping them in direct sunlight or places with high UV light exposure, as this can cause the scent and colour to fade faster. Proper storage can help extend the lifespan of your candles and delay scent degradation.
Another factor that can affect your perception of a candle's scent is nose blindness. If you smell the same scent for an extended period, it may become less noticeable. To counteract this, try switching between different candles or taking a break from burning the candle for a while before returning to it. Additionally, ensuring a proper burn pool by burning the candle for 3-4 hours on the first use can also help with scent retention.
While scented candles will eventually lose their fragrance over time, proper care and storage can help prolong their scent. By understanding the factors that contribute to scent degradation, you can make the most of your scented candles and enjoy their fragrances for longer.
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Candle colour and UV exposure
The length of time a candle lasts depends on several factors, including the size of the candle, the type of wax, and the number of wicks. For example, a 12 oz luxury candle from the Harlem Candle Company has an average burn time of 80 hours. However, the discussion of candle longevity often revolves around scented candles and whether their fragrance weakens or changes over time. Similarly, coloured candles may also experience changes, as their dyes are susceptible to degradation from UV exposure.
Coloured candles are prone to degradation from UV exposure, which can cause the dyes in the wax to oxidize and degrade, resulting in colour fading. This process is accelerated by ultraviolet light, which contains enough energy in its wavelengths to weaken and destroy the raw materials in the dyes. Even indoor lights can emit UV rays, although to a lesser extent than direct sunlight. Therefore, it is recommended to store candles in a dark place to prolong their colour.
To combat this issue, candle makers may incorporate UV inhibitors into their products. These additives help protect coloured candles from UV exposure, slowing down the discoloration process and keeping colours vibrant. Additionally, some candles may contain UV protectant additives mixed into the wax, which serve a similar purpose in preserving the colour.
The presence of fragrance oils in candles can also impact their susceptibility to UV exposure. High vanillin content in these oils can cause candles to turn yellow, even with limited UV exposure. Antioxidants in the formula can help resist this discoloration. However, the complex chemistry involved in creating candle wax means that optimizing one aspect may come at the cost of another.
In summary, coloured candles are susceptible to degradation from UV exposure, which can cause their dyes to oxidize and their colours to fade. Candle makers can use UV inhibitors and protectants to slow down this process, but ultimately, storing candles in a dark place away from direct sunlight is the most effective way to preserve their colours.
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Candle safety and storage
Candles can be a wonderful addition to your home, but it is important to follow some basic safety guidelines to ensure their safe use and storage. Here are some tips for candle safety and storage:
Candle Safety
- Limit each candle to a maximum of 2-4 hours of burn time at a time. Extended burning can create potential fire hazards, and it is unsafe to let the candle burn down to the bottom of the wick.
- Always manually extinguish the candle. Do not rely on blowing out the candle, as this can cause the wax to splatter. Instead, use a candle snuffer or a similar device to safely extinguish the flame.
- Ensure the candle and its container have cooled completely before relighting.
- Keep the wick trimmed to 1/4 inch. A longer wick can cause the candle to smoke or flicker.
- Burn your candle away from drafts or vents, as these can also cause flickering or smoking.
- Keep the wax pool clear of any debris, such as wick trimmings, to prevent smoking and ensure even burning.
- If your candle begins to tunnel or form an indentation, extinguish it and allow it to cool before relighting.
- Always read and follow the specific burn instructions included with each candle for optimal safety.
Candle Storage
- Store candles in a cool, dry, and dark place, away from direct sunlight and harsh indoor lights. UV exposure can cause the colour to fade and the wax to degrade over time.
- Avoid storing candles in areas with high humidity or moisture, such as bathrooms.
- Keep candles away from areas with sudden temperature changes, such as radiators or vents, as this can affect the wax consistency.
- While candles do not technically expire, it is recommended to burn them within a year of unpacking to ensure optimal fragrance and burning quality.
- If you are displaying candles as decorative pieces, be aware that the colour may start to fade faster due to light exposure.
- For scented candles, the fragrance may weaken over time, even if the candle is unlit. This is due to the evaporation of fragrance oils.
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Frequently asked questions
The longevity of a candle depends on several factors, such as size, type of wax, number of wicks, and frequency of use. On average, a candle can last anywhere from a few weeks to a month or more.
The size of the candle is one of the most important factors. Larger candles tend to have longer burn times due to more wax and fuel. The type of wax also matters; paraffin wax candles often have longer burn times than soy or beeswax candles.
It is recommended to limit each candle's burn time to around 2-4 hours. Burning a candle for longer periods can create a safety hazard, especially if it burns down to the bottom.
To extend the life of your candle, ensure it burns cleanly by trimming the wick to 1/4 inch before lighting. Additionally, avoid placing candles in drafts or near air vents, as this can cause excessive smoking or flickering.
Certain types of candles, like paraffin and beeswax, can last indefinitely when stored properly. However, scented candles may lose their fragrance over time, and coloured candles may fade when exposed to direct sunlight.
