We have heard some people say that they like scented candles so much that they don’t feel like burning them. They just want to look at it. Do you feel the same way?
Scented candles can be a beautiful addition to any corner of your house to add that elegant touch to your ambience. A candle makes the entire space look brilliant and well-kept just by being there.
Do you often wonder how long these candles last?
In this blog, we’ll be explaining the numerous factors that help determine the life of a candle and steps you can undertake to ensure their longevity.
Do candles last long?
A “burn time” is known as the amount of time a candle can burn after it has been lit. The burn time is completely dependent on the size of your candle, the wax that has been used in the making of the candle, how many wicks have been used in the candle and what type of wick is being used. At AMLIIN, our 200g candle burns for approximately 60 hours. It is made using pure soy wax which is vegan and eco-friendly.
Now the question that mostly arises is, what is the lifetime of an unlit candle? The life of an unlit candle is determined by the wax used for manufacturing and also how the candle has been stored.
For candles made of paraffin wax, they can last for an extremely long time if stored properly. Paraffin wax is obtained from petroleum which helps the candle with longer life. A candle made out of natural soy wax must be used within two years.
There are numerous questions that might arise like:
- Does the fragrance of a scented candle weaken or change over time?
- Does the colour of a coloured candle also degrade over time?
- Will there be a day when a candle might reach expiry and not light properly?
The most logical answer to all of these questions will be “yes”. All of these things do happen to candles eventually.
Does the fragrance of a scented candle weaken or change over time?
Scent degradation is the first step in the degradation of a candle.
The fragrance of an unlit candle will eventually degrade over time. The reason for this happening is simply the fact that fragrance oil molecules are constantly evaporating into the air. The process is slow and ongoing. This happens if the candle is unlit.
Bring a candle close to your nose, take a good whiff and you will notice the process.
The scent degradation is extremely slow and is barely noticeable for at least 6 months to a year. This also depends on the type of wax used and the quality of the fragrance oils.
It is important to understand that even though it might be unnoticeable, the degradation is happening. So it is always better that you burn your unlit candles.
Does the colour of a coloured candle also degrade over time?
The next most important aspect is the degradation of the colour used in the candle.
The colours used in candles do fade over time. The most important reason for the same is the exposure of the candle to UV light for a long period of time. This causes the dye that is mixed to oxidise and degrade. Therefore, one must try not to place unlit candles in a place where there is direct sunlight. Some indoor lights can also be responsible for emitting UV rays.
There is no particular timeline one can mention when it comes to colour degradation. It is hard to predict. If you store your unlit candles properly in a dark place, there are chances that the colours of your candle will last for a longer time period.
But keeping it outside and not storing it properly will surely make the colour fade overtime.
The quality of the wax used also plays a crucial role in determining the life of the coloured candle.
Will there be a day when a candle might reach expiry and not light properly?
One of the biggest concerns people have is how long will their candles last and whether they’ll still be able to light it after storing it for some time.
Some people have said that after keeping their beautiful luxury scented candles for a few years, the found it difficult to light the wick. The wick fizzles or does not light at all. Some say that the candles, even after years of storing, burn in the most elegant way.
Candles do not have a specific expiry date, like that of food items. But the degradation does happen over the years. They might eventually become difficult to burn.
The factors that determine the lifetime of a candle are:
- The wax used
- How the candle has been stored
- Organic vegetable-based waxes like soy wax and coconut wax break over time due to their natural properties.
What can I do to make my candles last longer?
- Keep your candles away from direct sunlight
- Use a glass topper to help preserve the fragrance of the candle
- Store them properly
- Store them in a dark and cool place
- Avoid places that have humidity or moisture.
- Avoid drastic change in temperatures.
One cannot put down the exact number of years that your candle might last, but a good rule of practice to follow is to burn your scented candles with a year of unpacking them.
Always ensure that you take proper care of your candles to add that touch of a beautiful smell to your ambience. One can change the entire look and feel of their surroundings by adding a scented jar candle to their home or office. This will not only make your house feel luxurious but make you feel relaxed and at peace. Candles not only add to the decor of the house, they also make you feel calm.
Last but not the least, the life of your candle depends on how it was made and how you store it and a bit of luck!
