Hey there, candle lovers! 🕯️ It's your candle bestie here, ready to spill all the tea on how long your favorite candles should last. We’re talking candle burn times, sizes, types of wax, and even juicy comparisons with popular brands like Yankee Candle, Bath & Body Works, Sand + Fog, and those generic store-bought candles. Plus, I'll share some magical tips to make your candles last longer and smell amazing till the very end. Ready to get your candle game on? Let’s go!
Candle Burn Time Basics
Okay, let's get into it. The burn time of your candle depends on the size and type of wax. Our Pure Intentions candles, made with slow-burning natural coconut apricot wax, can last up to a fabulous 75 hours! Compare that to some other candles, and you’ll see why natural wax is a game-changer.
Burn time is essentially how long a candle will last while burning. It's influenced by several factors, including the type of wax, the size of the candle, and the quality of the wick. A high-quality candle can offer a long-lasting burn time, providing hours of aromatic enjoyment and ambiance.
Burn Time Chart
Here’s a quick look at how our 12 oz candles stack up against similar sizes from Yankee Candle, Bath & Body Works, Sand + Fog, and generic store-bought candles:
| Candle Brand | Size (oz) | Wax Type | Burn Time (Hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pure Intentions | 12 | Coconut Apricot Wax | 75 - 85 |
| Yankee Candle | 14.5 | Paraffin | 65 - 75 |
| Bath & Body Works | 14.5 | Soy Blend | 25 - 45 |
| Sand + Fog | 12 | Soy Blend | 36 - 48 |
| Generic Store-Bought | 12 | Paraffin | 20 - 30 |
Types of Candle Wax: Pros and Cons
Let’s break down the different types of wax and what they mean for your candle experience:
Natural Coconut Apricot Wax
Pros:
- Long burn time
- Clean burn with less soot
- Eco-friendly and sustainable
- Generally more expensive
- Can be softer and melt faster in hot climates
Natural waxes are a favorite among eco-conscious consumers and those who want a clean, long-lasting burn. Coconut apricot wax, for instance, burns longer and cleaner compared to many other wax types, providing a luxurious candle experience.
Paraffin Wax
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Pros:
- Cheaper and widely available
- Strong fragrance throw
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Cons:
- Shorter burn time
- Produces more soot
- Made from petroleum by-products
Paraffin wax is popular due to its affordability and strong scent throw. However, it produces more soot and can release harmful chemicals into the air when burned. This type of wax is often found in cheaper candles, which might explain why they don’t last as long.
Soy Blend
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Pros:
- Better burn time than pure paraffin
- Good fragrance throw
-
Cons:
- Still produces some soot
- May contain paraffin
Soy blends combine the best of both worlds: the long burn time of soy with the strong scent throw of paraffin. They are a good middle ground if you’re looking for a candle that burns longer but still delivers a powerful fragrance.
Candle Care Tips
Want to make your candles last longer and smell divine all the way through? Here are my top tips:
- Trim the Wick: Always trim the wick to about ¼ inch before each burn to prevent soot and increase burn time.
- Burn Until Melt Pool Forms: Ensure the wax melts all the way to the edge during the first burn to avoid tunneling.
- Keep It Clean: Keep your candles free from dust and debris.
- Avoid Drafts: Place your candle in a draft-free area to ensure even burning.
Trim the Wick
One of the simplest yet most effective tips is to trim the wick. Before lighting your candle, make sure the wick is trimmed to about ¼ inch. This helps prevent soot buildup on the glass and ensures a clean, even burn. A longer wick can cause the flame to flicker and produce smoke, leading to wasted wax and a shorter candle life.
Burn Until Melt Pool Forms
On the first burn, let your candle burn long enough for the wax to melt all the way to the edges of the container. This prevents tunneling, where only a small portion of the wax around the wick melts, leaving a tunnel of unused wax around the edges. A full melt pool maximizes the candle's burn time and scent throw.
Keep It Clean
Dust and debris can accumulate on the surface of your candle, affecting the quality of the burn. Keep your candles covered when not in use and clean the surface gently with a soft cloth before lighting them. This helps maintain a clean burn and ensures you get the most out of your candle.
Avoid Drafts
Burning your candle in a draft-free area helps ensure an even burn. Drafts can cause the flame to flicker and burn unevenly, leading to wasted wax and a shorter burn time. Find a cozy spot away from open windows or vents to enjoy your candle's full potential.
Why Some Candles Don’t Last
Ever had a candle that smells heavenly but burns out way too quickly? Here’s why that happens:
- Wax Quality: Lower quality waxes burn faster and less evenly.
- Wick Issues: If the wick is too thick or too thin, it can affect how the candle burns.
- Fragrance Oils: High amounts of fragrance oil can cause uneven burning and shorten burn time.
Lower quality waxes often contain additives that affect how the candle burns. Cheap wax can burn too quickly and unevenly, leading to a shorter burn time. Additionally, the quality and size of the wick play a crucial role. A wick that's too thick can burn too hot, while a wick that's too thin might not burn hot enough to melt the wax evenly.
Fragrance oils also impact burn time. While we all love a strong-smelling candle, too much fragrance oil can cause the candle to burn unevenly and reduce its overall burn time. Balancing fragrance with the right wax and wick ensures a long-lasting and pleasant candle experience.
How to Pick Out the Perfect Candle
Not all candles are created equal. Here’s what to look for when picking out your next candle:
Wax Type
- Look for: Natural waxes like coconut apricot, soy, or beeswax.
- Avoid: Paraffin wax if you want a cleaner burn and longer-lasting candle.
Wick
- Look for: Cotton or wooden wicks for a cleaner, longer burn.
- Avoid: Wicks that are too thick or thin as they can cause uneven burning.
Scent
- Look for: Candles with a balanced fragrance load that isn’t overpowering.
- Avoid: Candles that have an artificial or overly strong scent.
Burn Time
- Look for: Candles that specify a long burn time on the label.
- Avoid: Cheap candles that don’t list burn times; they often burn out quickly.
Let’s Compare
Now that we know the basics, let’s compare our Pure Intentions candles with some well-known brands:
Pure Intentions: Our candles, made with natural coconut apricot wax, offer a clean burn and long-lasting fragrance. A 12 oz Pure Intentions candle can burn up to 75 hours, providing excellent value and a luxurious experience.
Yankee Candle: Known for their strong scents and long burn times, Yankee Candles use paraffin wax which burns faster and can produce soot. Their 12 oz jars can burn for 55 to 65.
Bath & Body Works: These candles are famous for their intense fragrances and stylish designs. They use a soy blend that provides a good scent throw but generally burns faster than pure soy or beeswax. Their 12 oz candles burn for about 25 to 45 hours.
Sand + Fog: Sand + Fog candles are known for their chic designs and calming scents. They use a soy blend wax and have a burn time of 36 to 48 hours for a 12 oz candle.
Generic Store-Bought Candles: These often use paraffin wax and have the shortest burn times, typically around 20 to 30 hours for a 12 oz candle. They are cheaper but burn faster and less evenly.
So, there you have it, bestie! With these tips and tricks, you’re all set to make the most out of your candles. Whether you’re cozying up with a book or setting the mood for a relaxing bath, knowing your candle’s burn time and how to care for it will make all the difference.
If you have any questions or want more candle magic tips, drop them in the comments below. Happy burning! 🕯️✨
