If you own different types of candles, you may have noticed that they all have different burn times. Some candles seem to burn through in the blink of an eye, while others feel like they’ve lasted for centuries.
So why do your candles burn so fast? There are a lot of factors that influence a candle's burn time. We’ll discuss all the reasons why a candle might burn quickly and how to get the most out of your candle’s shelf life.
Be sure to read from top to bottom to get the most burn time out of your candle!
5 Factors Affecting Burn Time
There’s more than meets the eye regarding candle burn time. Factors like wick size, wax type, and even environmental factors greatly impact how quickly your candle will burn. Let’s get to the bottom of why your candles are burning so fast.
#1: Wax Type
The majority of your candle is made up of wax. The type of wax used in a candle will each have distinct burn times. Paraffin wax (a petroleum byproduct) is often used in the candle industry because it’s cost-effective and easy to manufacture.
However, paraffin candles burn incredibly fast and are actually proven to be toxic when burned. Natural waxes like beeswax candles, coconut wax candles, or soy wax candles are denser and provide a much slower burn time (not to mention no toxic side effects!).
#2: Candle Wick Size
The results are in, and size really does matter. A thicker, larger wick creates a bigger flame, which speeds up the burn time of a candle. Make sure your candle has an appropriately sized wick-per-wax ratio.
The material the wick is made out of also impacts the burn time. Wood wicks tend to burn the fastest, whereas cotton wicks have a slower burn time.
#3: Fragrance Additives
Candles often contain fragrance oils and dyes, which impact the candle flame. Highly fragranced candles burn faster due to the fragrance oil, which makes the wax softer and easier to melt. The fewer additives in your candle, the longer the burn time.
#4: Candle Size
The size and shape of your candle will also has an effect here. Taller candles with smaller diameters tend to burn faster than wider candles. That’s because the surface area exposed to the flame is smaller and will melt faster to create a wide melt pool.
Larger candles tend to have a longer burn time. A good rule of thumb is the larger the surface area, the longer the burn time.
#5: Environment
If you live in a high-humidity area, your candle will experience a softer wax consistency which will give your candle a faster burn rate. Remember to keep your candles in a cool, dry place for the best burn experience.
Candle Care Tips to Increase Burn Time
Let’s talk about how you can get the longest burn times out of the candles you're purchasing. There are a few best practices for candle care that will increase the shelf life of your candle.
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Trim the candle wick.
Before you light your candle, grab a wick trimmer and trim the wick to about 1/4 inch. This helps the candle burn more evenly and prevents that annoying flickering or smoky burn. It’s a quick step that makes a big difference in a candle’s lifespan!
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Allow your candle to melt all the way to the edges on the first burn.
On that first burn, let the wax melt all the way across the top before you extinguish it. This allows your candle to burn evenly each subsequent burn and prevents tunneling (when it just burns down the middle).
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Avoid drafty areas.
Candles love calm, still air. If you put your candle near a window or air vent, the draft could cause it to burn unevenly, too quickly, or create soot. Keep it in a spot where the air stays still for the best, cleanest burn.
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Use a wick dipper.
Instead of blowing out your candle, use a wick dipper to snuff out the flame. This way, you avoid wax splashing and smoky residue, and your wick stays centered and ready for your next burn.
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Store candles in a cool, dry place.
When you’re not using your candles, store them somewhere cool and dry (away from sunlight). The excess heat of the sun could cause your entire candle to soften and lose its scent throw - a fancy term for how far and strong a candle’s fragrance reaches in a room.
Why Do My Candles Burn So Fast: Frequently Asked Questions
How to Make a Candle Burn Slower?
To make a candle burn slower, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch before each use. Avoid burning your candle for long periods—no more than 3-4 hours at a time. Store your candles in a cool, dry place to preserve their quality and prevent premature melting.
What Causes a Candle to Burn Fast?
A candle can burn faster for several reasons. If the wick is too long, a larger flame is created, which burns more wax. Drafts, such as from windows or fans, also increase burn speed. If the candle is placed in a location where it's exposed to heat, the wax will melt more quickly.
Why Is My Candle Burning So Aggressively?
An aggressive candle burn can happen if the wick is too long. It can also be caused by excess fragrance oil, which increases the flame size. Placing a candle in a drafty area can make the flame flicker and burn more intensely. Trimming the wick, keeping the candle in a still environment, and limiting exposure to drafts can help reduce an aggressive burn.
Why Do My Candles Go Out So Fast?
Candles that burn out quickly may have a wick that’s too short, preventing the flame from staying lit for long. Drafts or breezes can also blow out the flame, especially if it’s a smaller wick or candle. Additionally, burning a candle for too long can cause the flame to extinguish itself.
Get Long Lasting Burn Candles from Kalamazoo Candle Company
If you’re looking for candles with excellent burn times (and without toxic wax), Kalamazoo Candle Company is the perfect candle shop for you! Check out their candle collection and see the difference for yourself.
