A candle is a source of light and has been used for centuries, from decorating homes to lighting paths during power cuts, and for many spiritual and religious practices. But, do you know how long a candle can burn? Well, the answer is simple; it depends on various factors like the wax type, the size of the candle, the wick, and the environment. So, if you’re curious about how long a candle can burn, this article is for you.
Factors that Affect the Burn Time of a Candle
As mentioned earlier, the burn time of a candle depends on several factors. Let’s discuss them below:
Wax Type
The type of wax used in a candle plays a significant role in the burn time. Candles made from soft waxes, like soy wax or beeswax, tend to have a shorter burn time than candles made from hard waxes, like paraffin wax. The reason behind this is that soft waxes melt at a lower temperature, which leads to more wax usage and a shorter burn time.
Size of the Candle
The size of a candle also affects its burn time. The bigger the candle, the longer it burns. A small candle with a diameter of 2 inches and a height of 2 inches can burn for approximately 10 hours, while a larger candle with a diameter of 6 inches and a height of 6 inches can burn for around 120 hours.
Wick Size
A candle’s wick size impacts its burn time. A thicker wick tends to burn longer than a thinner wick. But, a thick wick can also consume more wax and cause drips, hence affecting the burn time.
Environment
Lastly, the environment where the candle is being burnt also affects its burn time. If the candle is burnt in a drafty room or outdoors, it will burn faster than a candle that is burnt in a still and closed room.
The Average Burn Time of Different Candles
Now that we know the factors that affect the burn time let’s discuss the average burn time of different types of candles.
| Candle Type | Average Burn Time |
|---|---|
| Tealight Candle | 4 – 6 hours |
| Pillar Candle | 35-50 hours |
| Votive Candle | 15-20 hours |
| Jar Candle | 65-80 hours |
| Taper Candle | 7-9 hours |
Tips to Make Candles Burn Longer
Following are some tips on how you can make your candles burn longer:
Trim the Wick
Trim the wick of the candle before burning it, around 1/4th-inch in length. A long wick causes the candle to burn faster.
Avoid Drafty Areas
Light your candle in a still, draft-free area. Drafts can lead to faster burning of the candle.
Keep the Wax Pool Clean
Ensure that the wax pool in the candle is debris-free, as debris can affect the candle’s flame and burn time.
Avoid Burning Candles for Too Long
Don’t burn candles for more than 4 hours at a time, as it can lead to overheating and reduce the burn time further.
Conclusion
So, that was all about how long does a candle burn. As we discussed, the burn time of a candle depends on various factors such as wax type, size of the candle, wick size, and the environment where it is being burnt. However, following some tips like trimming the wick, avoiding drafty areas, and keeping the wax pool clean can help in increasing the burn time of the candle.
Common questions related to ‘How long does a candle burn’
- Q. Why does my candle burn faster?
- A. If you experience a faster burn time for your candle, it could be because of external factors like drafts, high humidity, and the temperature.
- Q. How to prevent a candle from burning through the center?
- A. To prevent a candle from burning through the center, use the ‘hug method.’ Burn the candle for 2-3 hours, extinguish the flame, and let it be for half an hour. After that, fold the sides inward toward the center and let it burn again.
- Q. Can over Wick cause faster burning of candles?
- A. Yes, over-wicking can cause faster burning of candles. An over thick wick burns more wax, increasing the flame size and consuming the wax quickly.
References
- https://candlefind.com/candle-burn-time/
- https://www.candlescience.com/learning/how-to-test-a-candles-burn-time
- https://www.candlejunkies.com/candle-burning-tips/