Your Foolproof Guide to Burning a Candle Correctly - National Candle Association (2024)

FAQs

Your Foolproof Guide to Burning a Candle Correctly - National Candle Association? ›

So, how long can a candle burn? A good rule of thumb is to limit each candle to 2 hours of burn time, but absolutely no more than 4 hours at a time. If a candle isn't manually extinguished, it can stay lit for a long time—and burning down to the bottom of the candle wick can create potential fire hazards.

So, how long can a candle burn? A good rule of thumb is to limit each candle to 2 hours of burn time, but absolutely no more than 4 hours at a time. If a candle isn't manually extinguished, it can stay lit for a long time—and burning down to the bottom of the candle wick can create potential fire hazards.

As Candleers Candle Co. reiterates, "Most manufacturers suggest burning candles for a minimum of one hour and a maximum of four hours at a time." After that time, the carbon build-up doesn't just create an unstable flame—it can also "cause wax tunneling, produce soot, and even damage the candle container."

Trim the wick to 1/4 inch. Use a wick dipper to keep the wax pool clear of debris at all times. Burn your candle in a well-ventilated room, far removed from anything that could catch fire. Never burn a candle for more than four hours.

If you burn your candle for more than 4 hours at a time, carbon will collect on the wick, and your wick will begin to "mushroom." This can cause the wick to become unstable, the flame to get too large, your candle to smoke, and soot to be released into the air and around your candle container.

The first burn is always exciting! The candle's first burn is an important step in learning how to get candles to burn evenly, and to avoid tunneling. Your goal on a first burn is to fully melt the top layer of wax evenly. If you do not, a “tunnel” will form in the center of the candle, creating a memory ring.

The 8-10 Rule: Place one 8 ounce candle for every 10 feet radius of room. It's a good rule of thumb to follow the 8-10 rule to ensure your candle scent permeates the entire room equally.

If you leave a candle burning overnight, you may have an unexpected visit from firefighters who are called to put out the flames. After a candle burns for around four hours, carbon build-up begins, creating an unstable flame. This can lead to wax tunneling, soot damage, and damaging the candle container.

Don't burn a candle in an enclosed space, lantern or box.

In an enclosed space, the scent molecules are largely trapped by the walls around them and don't get the chance to fill the rest of the room.

“That black substance is actually called soot, and it's a substance that gets produced when you burn candles too long or their stated time,” he said.

Are white barn candles toxic? ›

Hazard statements H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction. H361 Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child. H412 Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects.

When burned, soy wax candles emit significantly less soot and harmful chemicals like toluene and benzene. This reduction in indoor air pollutants makes soy wax candles a healthier choice, especially for those with allergies, asthma, or sensitivities to air quality.

Soy wax, coconut wax and beeswax candles are all excellent options that are not toxic. For the best results, ensure labels state 100% soy or beeswax and opt for sustainably sourced and cruelty-free products.

Avoid aromatherapy candles made of paraffin or gel, both petroleum byproducts. In all things, avoiding the fossil fuel industry when you can makes sense for living a green life. Just like if you don't have to drive a car to get to your destination, don't; if you don't have to burn a petroleum-based candle, don't.

Keep burning candles away from furniture, drapes, bedding, carpets, books, paper, flammable decorations, etc. Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets. Do not place lighted candles where they can be knocked over by children, pets or anyone else.

And it's very simple, too. To prevent tunneling, all you need to do is burn your candle long enough each time so that the entire top surface of wax is melted. This is especially important the first time you burn your candle! How long that takes depends mostly on the size of the candle.

If you want to avoid tunneling, you need to make sure you burn your candle for at least two hours or until the wax has melted to its edge. Also remember that the room temperature could impact the candles performance. So you use the candle in a cold room it may be higher chance for tunnelling.

Once you've burned for long enough to create a completely even wax pool, you can extinguish your candle. Wax has memory, so once it's completely melted and smoothed over, trim the wick to 1/2cm. Melting the wax like this in a draught-free area will help avoid candle tunnelling.