Candles are often used to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, but it can be disappointing to see them burn out quickly. However, there are ways to make a long-lasting candle so you have more time to enjoy it.
To do this, we offer you tips that can be applied before, during and even after its total combustion.
Lengthen combustion during manufacturing
You can opt for solutions to extend the life of your candle. For this, please opt for different very effective additives.
Vegetable stearin
Stearic acid , also called stearin, is an additive made from palm oil. Stearin has a higher melting point than other waxes. This will make the wax harder to melt.
Whether for molded or container candles, stearin extends the life of your candles by making your candles harder. In general, use 10% stearin in addition to your wax. To find out more, our previous article presents all the advantages of this solution.
Using the BE60 homogenizer
This BE60 additive optimizes the combustion rate and fixes the oil in the scented candle. With a low dose of 0.2% to 0.5% of the weight of your wax, you can optimize the burning and combustion behavior. In addition, this additive is suitable for all types of waxes.
Choosing your wax
Concerning your wax, the best choice is to use vegetable waxes and not to favor paraffin.
Beeswax is also a great additive! With about 5% in addition to a container candle wax, you will get a much longer burn time. Be careful not to add too much to avoid creating cracks. For molded candles, you can even make 100% beeswax.
Use cold and salt as an ally
Cold and salt can be valuable allies in extending the burning time of your candle. Notably :
- Place your candle in the freezer before lighting it to harden the wax, and thus slow down combustion.
- Immerse your candle in a bath of cold salt water for a few hours before the first use to significantly reduce the burning rate.
These grandmother's methods are very effective, certainly!
Extend the life of your candle from its first use
You can compare a candle to ice cream , although a candle cannot be eaten... If you light a candle in Finland and another in Morocco, for example, you will quickly notice that the one in Morocco burns much more quickly. In summer, we observe the same phenomenon compared to the winter period. Starting from this very simple postulate, now discover how to increase the life expectancy of your candle from its first lighting!
Light your candle for at least 2 hours upon first use
To achieve an even burn, it is recommended to let your candle burn for approximately 2 hours , until the top layer of wax is liquid and flat. This will also prevent the candle from hollowing out and the wick from burning out too quickly.
Maintain your wick systematically
Regular wick maintenance is a crucial step in extending the burn time of your candle. A quick check before each use is preferable.
When the wick is too long, the flame will be larger, causing the wax to be consumed more quickly and, therefore, a shorter burn time. The ideal is a size of approximately 5 to 7 mm in relation to the surface of the wax. Re-centering your wick will also guarantee you a benefit over the life of the candle.
This will have a huge impact on the lifespan of your creation. So, remember to maintain the wick regularly! A special guide is available on our site regarding this subject.
Protect your candle from external disturbances
Dust that may settle on the surface of your candle will harm its combustion. When possible, use a cover to protect it. We also advise you to avoid drafts. Use a cloth soaked in sunflower oil if you notice too much dust.
My candle is at the end of its life, what should I do?
When your candle reaches its terminal stage, there isn't much you can do. If you applied our previous techniques, your creation should have lasted much longer! You have 1 last solution left: reuse your leftover waxes in a new creation! This time, it’s your wax that will extend its lifespan.
