How Long do Scented Candles Last? Everything You Need to Know

When you buy a 3 wick scented candle, you are looking for it to eliminate bad odors, relax you, have an excellent aroma, and have an acceptable burn duration. However, you will notice that some candles don't last as long as others. This article will discuss how long the average candle should burn. 

To begin with, answering the question of how long a scented candle lasts is not so simple because we must consider multiple factors. The most important factors to consider are the composition of the wax, the amount of wax in the candle, and the size of the container, among other factors. All these variables directly influence the burning time of the scented candles and, therefore, how long they will last. 

How Long do Most Candles Last?

The approximate burning time of a scented candle is 48-90 hours. However,  burn time depends on several factors, such as the type of wax, the size and shape of the candle jar, and the different additives and manufacturing methods.

Here are the different types of wax that you can find in the market: 

The burning time of a candle is the sum of all the time it can continuously emit the scent and aroma. As can be seen in the graph above, candles made with soy-based wax are the ones that have better performance and last more. 

A significant factor that affects the lifetime of a candle is the wax. It can be made of different materials, which can be natural or synthetic. The higher the melting point, the more burning time you have. Here you have the different types of wax and their properties: 

• Paraffin 
• Paraffin with soy
• Palm
• Coconut 
• Soy

Paraffin

Paraffin wax is a colorless wax with yellow tones elaborated from petroleum. Therefore, this type of wax is considered toxic and not sustainable. 

Paraffin & Soy

Paraffin and soy combinations exist as another type of wax as well. This blend is more natural and less harmful, fulfilling its purpose. However, it is not the best sustainable option on the market.

Palm

Palm wax is obtained from palm oil in conjunction with oleochemicals, giving it the perfect shape to be used in scented candles. 

Coconut 

Coconut wax is obtained from coconut oil, has a natural color, and requires no additional additives, and its production process is fast. 

Soy by Smells Candle

Soy wax is produced from soybean oil to solid fat. This is the best type of wax since it is non-toxic and 100% vegetable. It also lasts longer than paraffin wax, and its melting point is lower, reducing the risk of burns. 

Candle Wax Melting Point 

*Toxic

**Not sustainable

Other factors that influence candle life

The other factors that influence the duration of a candle are the wicks and the size of the container. The wick should be neither too long nor too short; it should have a perfect size so that the heat can reach the whole candle and emit the essence ideally. On the other hand, the size of the container determines how much wax is available.

Do scented candles expire?

Although scented candles do not expire, some signs indicate they may lose their primary function. These signs are the color and aroma; as time passes, the candles lose their main characteristics, the color and fragrance. Therefore, we recommend you use your candle during the first year after the purchase, in this time, you will have the best performance, and you will be able to enjoy the scent much more. 

How to burn a candle properly 

Believe it or not, there are proper ways to burn a candle that every candle lover should know, aside from the golden rule of NEVER leaving candles burning unattended. In this article, we explain five techniques to "keep the flame alive" a little longer.

1. Don't burn a new candle for just a few minutes.

When you burn a new container candle, the best thing to do is to let it form a complete, rim-to-rim pool of melted wax across the surface. Why? Wax has a memory; if this pool is not created, the wax will not go beyond the circumference of the previous burn the next time it is lit. Instead, "tunneling" will happen – the candle will tunnel down into the wax, causing the wick to sink deeper. When this happens, the wax on the sides will not burn, and the life of your candle will be shortened.

2. Keep wicks trimmed.

Trimmed wicks provide a nice bright flame, whereas a long or crooked wick tends to result in uneven burning, which can create bursts of high flames or smoking. As a rule, wicks should be about one-fourth-inch high for best burning. Avoid trimming them lower than that. One helpful trick is to wait for the candle to fully cool and then turn it upside down. Then, remove the charred part with a tissue, and the wick will be good to light.

3. Do not burn candles near vents, fans or drafts.

We all know what wind does to a candle. It blows them out, of course! But there is more. Drafts cause candles to burn unevenly or produce excessive smoke or soot that can leave black stains on your container. Also, tiny amounts of unburned carbon particles can escape if a wick is too long or air disturbs the flame's teardrop shape.

4. Keep the wax pool free of any residue.

Be sure that the candle pool is clear of cut-off or charred wicks or used matches, as it interferes with the chemistry of the candle, causing it to burn unevenly. If the wick is clogged, it won't produce the fragrance oil and diffuse the scent.

5. Let a candle completely cool before lighting again.

It takes around two hours for a candle in a container to cool down, and it is highly advisable to wait for safety and function. In addition, the wick is safer to trim when the wax pool has fully hardened; otherwise, you risk burning your fingers.

What to do when your candle runs out? 

When your scented candle completes its cycle, we recommend giving the container a second life. You can create upcycled gifts, trinkets, and decor with a little imagination. For example, you can use it for a piggy bank or trinket storage!

How to Store Your Candles

In order to extend the life of your candle, you must also follow certain precautions when storing them. 

• First, be careful not to leave them in direct sunlight, as UV rays affect the color and scent of the candle. 
• Try to store them in a cool, dark, dry, and dust-free place to better preserve the wax and fragrance. 
• Finally, keep it closed so the fragrance and scent will last longer. 

FAQ

Do scented candles lose their scent?

Scented candles do not expire; however, they lose their aroma with time and other variables. Therefore, it is very important to store them correctly so that the scent is not lost over time.

Is it okay to leave scented candles overnight?

Scented candles should never be left burning for more than 4 hours, and certainly not all night long. The main reason is that, like any other candle, fire can cause accidents. The expert producers of Smells tell us, "After the candles have a burning time of more than 4 hours, the wicks can become unstable and cause an accident. " 

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