Why Your Candle Burns Out Faster Than Your New Year's Resolutions (and How to Fix It)
Share
When it comes to candles, you might notice something strange—they seem to disappear faster than your most ambitious New Year’s resolutions. But why is that? And more importantly, what can you do about it? Turns out, it’s not just a matter of burning time. In fact, the National Candle Association reports that the average candle lasts only 7-9 hours per ounce of wax, but many burn out quicker due to a handful of avoidable mistakes. Whether it’s an over-trimmed wick, poor wax composition, or simply the wrong container choice, how we treat our candles is surprisingly similar to how we approach our personal goals: with good intentions but not always the best strategy.
Luckily, with a few clever tweaks, you can extend your candle's life and get the most out of it—just like setting better goals. It’s time to ditch the disappointment of short-lived flames (both metaphorically and literally). Ready to learn how? Let’s dive in and unravel the mystery of why your candles burn out before their time and what you can do to make them last longer! You might even pick up a trick or two for keeping those resolutions going while you're at it.
Choose the Right Wax for Longer Burn Time
When it comes to choosing a candle, the type of wax matters more than you think. You might be surprised to learn that paraffin wax, commonly found in cheaper candles, tends to burn faster than soy or beeswax. Soy wax, for example, burns at a lower temperature, allowing for a much longer burn time. According to the experts at CandleScience, soy candles burn about 30-50% longer than paraffin candles of the same size. Plus, soy wax is all-natural and biodegradable, making it a better choice for those who care about both longevity and sustainability.
Beeswax candles, on the other hand, are the gold standard for long-lasting candles. Not only do they burn the longest, but they also emit a natural honey-like fragrance without the need for added chemicals. That being said, beeswax candles tend to be pricier, so they’re an investment in both time and quality. If you're someone who loves to burn candles for hours on end, the choice of wax can make all the difference.
To get the most out of your candles, consider opting for soy or beeswax options, which offer longer burn times and a cleaner burn—making every flicker of your flame count.
Wick Care: The Small Detail That Makes a Big Difference
Much like how the small habits we develop can make or break our New Year’s resolutions, the same goes for the wick of your candle. A poorly maintained wick can lead to uneven burning, tunneling, and even cause the candle to burn out faster than it should.
The first rule of thumb: Trim your wick to about ¼ inch before each burn. Why? Because a long wick produces a bigger, more uneven flame, which causes your candle to burn too hot and too fast. You’ve probably noticed those candles that end up with a giant melted hole in the center—this is the result of a wick that’s too long, allowing too much heat to focus on one area of the candle.
Wick trimming is a simple, often overlooked task that can significantly extend the life of your candle. All you need is a good wick trimmer or a pair of scissors, and you’ll immediately notice the difference. Plus, a well-trimmed wick results in less soot and cleaner air quality, which is a nice bonus if you’re burning candles regularly.
Avoid Tunneling by Burning Your Candle Properly
If you've ever burned a candle only to find that it creates a deep hole in the center, you're not alone. This frustrating occurrence is called “tunneling,” and it happens when the wax doesn't melt evenly across the surface of the candle. Not only does it shorten the life of your candle, but it also wastes a lot of wax that could have otherwise burned.
The key to avoiding tunneling? The first burn is crucial. When you light a new candle for the first time, let it burn long enough for the entire surface of the wax to melt, from edge to edge. This could take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the size of the candle. By allowing the wax to melt evenly, you prevent the dreaded tunnel from forming, ensuring that your candle burns evenly and lasts much longer.
If you’ve already got a candle that’s tunneled, don’t worry—it’s not a lost cause. You can fix it by using a piece of aluminum foil. Wrap the foil around the edge of the candle, leaving an open space in the center for the flame. The foil will trap heat along the edges, helping the wax melt evenly across the surface. After about an hour, your candle should be back to burning evenly.
Choosing the Right Container: Yes, It Matters
Believe it or not, the container your candle comes in affects its burn time. A wide, shallow container will make the candle burn faster because the wax pool spreads out more, exposing a larger surface area to the flame. On the other hand, a narrower, deeper container helps the candle burn more slowly by concentrating the heat and melting a smaller amount of wax at a time.
For a longer-lasting candle, opt for those in deeper jars or containers. Not only do these candles tend to burn more evenly, but they also allow for a steadier flame that doesn’t consume as much wax in one go. If you love the aesthetic of wide, open containers, save them for shorter burns when you only want the candle lit for an hour or two.
The Environment Factor: It’s Not Just About the Candle
Where you burn your candle can have a surprising impact on how long it lasts. Candles placed in drafty areas, like near windows or fans, will burn more quickly because the flame is constantly being disrupted by moving air. This causes the wax to melt unevenly and the flame to flicker, using up more wax than necessary.
If you want to make the most of your candle’s burn time, place it in a draft-free zone. A stable, wind-free environment allows the candle to burn steadily and melt the wax more efficiently, maximizing its lifespan.
Temperature also plays a role. Burning a candle in a warmer room will naturally make the wax melt faster. While this difference might not seem dramatic, over time it can lead to noticeable reductions in burn time.
How to Snuff, Not Blow: Proper Candle Extinguishing
Blowing out your candle might feel satisfying, but it’s not the best way to extinguish the flame if you want to prolong the life of your candle. Blowing causes the wick to smolder and releases more smoke, which can lead to soot buildup on the candle jar, affecting both the appearance and the scent of your candle.
Instead, use a candle snuffer to extinguish the flame. This tool cuts off the oxygen supply to the wick, resulting in a cleaner extinguish. It also prevents the wick from curling or becoming buried in melted wax, which can make it harder to light the candle again. With a simple snuffer, you can ensure your candle’s wick stays intact, and it’s ready to light again when you need it.
Get the Most Out of Every Candle
Candles are meant to be enjoyed, not stressed over. By understanding a few key elements—choosing the right wax, caring for the wick, avoiding tunneling, picking the right container, and burning in the right environment—you can stretch your candle’s burn time significantly. These small adjustments not only help your candles last longer but also ensure a cleaner, more even burn every time.
So the next time you light a candle, remember that how you treat it is just as important as the candle itself. With these tips, you’ll not only keep your home glowing with candlelight for longer, but you’ll also get the most value from each and every flame. Now, if only there was a simple hack for sticking to those New Year’s resolutions too!
Reference Links