How To Make A Candle Last Longer: Tips For Extended Burn Time

Are you a true candle lover? If so, you already know there is something magical about the soft glow and soothing scents of a scented candle filling a room. 

Candles have always been a part of our lives—whether for a romantic dinner, a cozy bath, prayer, or simply to create a warm, pleasing atmosphere. There's no denying that candles have a way of making every moment feel more special.

But here's the problem—candles burn out too quickly, leaving us wishing for that comforting fragrance to last a little longer. What if you knew how to make candles last longer? The good news is that you can!

We’ve put together some simple yet effective tips to help your scented candles last longer. Yes!! With the right care, you can extend their burn time and enjoy their glow and fragrance for much longer. 

So, without any further ado, let’s get started!

What Is The Importance Of Candle Burn Time

According to market research by Statista, the UK candle market is expected to generate a massive US$184.55 million in revenue by 2025. This just goes to show how much we Brits love our candles!

By 2029, the number of candle users is estimated to reach 5.5 million, with an average revenue of US$37.30 per user. Clearly, candles aren’t just a passing trend but a lifestyle.

But when you’re spending good money on candles, it only makes sense to find long-lasting scented candles or ways to make them last longer. Let us understand the factors that affect candle burning time. 

What's The Average Candle Burning Time?

Not all candles are created equal. How long a candle lasts depends mainly on its wax type, wick size, and container.

Burn Time By Wax Type

• Soy Wax: It burns slowly and takes around 5–7 hours per ounce.

• Beeswax: Burns longest of all types and takes 8–10 hours per ounce.

• Paraffin Wax: Burns the quickest and takes around 4–7 hours per ounce.

Wick Type & Size: 

Candle Size & Shape: 

• Larger Candles: They often burn longer because they have more wax. 

• Wide Candles: Needs multiple wicks for even heat distribution and a slower burn.

• Tall, Thin Candles: Burns faster and wastes a lot of wax when burnt unevenly.

Container Type: 

Candles in glass or metal jars burn more evenly because the container traps heat, using all the wax. Whereas free-standing candles might drip and waste wax, shortening burn time.

Average Burn Time By Candle Size And Wax Type

Here’s how long small, medium, and large candles might burn in a bit more detail:

Tips On How To Make Candles Last Longer:

Do you want to squeeze every last bit of joy from your scented candle? These tricks will help you extend its life and maximise your investment in your favourite scents.

1. The Golden Rule: “Give Your Candles A Proper First Burn.”

You’ve just bought a luxury candle – what now? The secret to making it last lies in how you burn it from the very first time. 

👉 For your first burn, let the wax melt all the way to the edges. Depending on the size, it usually takes 2–4 hours to burn every inch of a candle’s diameter.

Why Does The First Burn Matter?

Candles have a “memory.” If you blow them out too soon, they’ll tunnel—burning down the centre and wasting wax on the sides. Many first-time users learn this the hard way, or at least after sacrificing their precious scented candles to the tunneling. 

2. Preventing Candle Tunneling:

Candle tunneling happens when the wax melts only in the centre, leaving a ring of unused wax around the sides. The worst-case candle tunneling scenario can cut your candle's life in half.

How To Avoid Candle Tunneling?

• Burn for long enough each time (2+ hours)

• Always allow the wax pool to reach the edges

• Avoid short burn sessions (under 30 mins)

How To Prevent Candle Tunneling:  Dos and Don’ts

If tunneling has already started, try letting the candle burn longer on the next use. 

3. Freeze The Candle Before Lighting Up

Did you know that chilling your candle can slow its burn? Place it in the freezer for 2–3 hours before the first light. This way, the chilled wax melts more gradually, making for a longer-lasting flame. 

👉 Just make sure to let the candle return to room temperature before lighting to avoid cracking the container.

How Does It Work?

• Chill the candle to harden the wax.  (This way, it will melt gradually.)

• Let it warm to room temperature before lighting it to avoid cracking the jar.

• Don’t overdo it—more than 5 hours can cause moisture that messes with the wick.

4. Aluminium Foil Trick: Wrap It Up

If your candle starts tunneling despite your best efforts, don’t worry—we’ve got a solution. All you need to do is grab aluminum foil from your kitchen when you notice uneven wax melting.

How To Apply It?

Wrap the top edge loosely with aluminium foil, leaving a hole in the centre for the flame. The foil traps heat, melting the outer wax evenly. 

How Does The Aluminum Trick Work?

This works like magic on large candles, recovering lost burn time by up to 20%. Burn for 1–2 hours with the foil on, then remove carefully to avoid overheating the glass.

5. Trim That Wick Like A Pro

If your wick is too long, the flame will go wild and burn wax too fast, leaving soot behind. Therefore, always trim before every burn to keep things calm and efficient.

Tips For Trimming Candle Wick

Wick care is one of the most overlooked steps in candle maintenance, but it makes a huge difference.

Before each burn:

• Trim the wick to 1/4 inch (6mm)

• Wait until the candle is completely cool

• Remove any debris or charred bits

This helps to:

• Prevent smoke and soot

• Keep the flame steady

• Reduces wax wastage

💡Must try:  Our soy wax candles—like the Lime Basil Mandarin—burn beautifully when the wick is kept neat and tidy.

6. Create a Draft-Free Zone

Drafts are air currents that flow through a room, often caused by open windows, doors, or operating fans. They disrupt the flame, melting the wax unevenly. So, always light your candle in a calm corner to preserve the wax and avoid tunneling.

Your Quick Candle Lighting Checklist

Before you light up, ask yourself:

• Is the window shut tight?

• Is the fan or vent off?

• Can I move the candle to a quiet corner, away from breezes?

Place your candle on a flat, calm surface like a shelf or table. This can add up to 15% more burn time, saving wax and keeping your space cosy without the fuss.

7. Use A Candle Warmer for a Gentle Glow

Not in the mood for a flame? Get a candle warmer! It melts the wax gently from underneath and releases the scent without any smoke or soot. This trick is great for longer scent enjoyment, especially in workspaces or bedrooms.

How To Choose A Candle Warmer?

• Pick a size that fits your candle’s base.

• Ensure it has adjustable heat settings.

• Check for safety features like auto-shutoff.

• Choose a design that suits your space.

• Go for a reliable, trusted brand.

How To Set It Up?

Place the warmer on a flat, heat-safe surface away from flammables. Centre your scented candle on the plate, plug in, and set to low or medium heat. Melt for 3–4 hours, then cool before restarting.

8. Burn Your Candles In Rotation 

The simple rule is never to use one candle too often. Otherwise, it can burn out faster and tunnel more easily. So, switch between a few favourites and let each one cool for at least 2 hours before burning. Rotating candles gives them a break. Plus, it’s a fun way to keep your space feeling fresh!

Benefits Of Rotating Your Candle:

• Increased life span of candles. 

• Prevents fragrance overload

• You get to experience a variety of scents.

9. Invest In High-Quality Candles That Last Long

The simplest way to burn a candle longer is to choose a high-quality candle that lasts long. At Chloe Jade Home, soy wax scented candles are designed for longer burn times, cleaner melts, and fuller scent throw. Choosing quality from the start makes a difference.

How To Choose A Good Candle Seller?

• Look for high-quality wax and fragrance oils.

• Check for burn times and care instructions.

• Choose sustainable brands with recyclable packaging.

• Read customer feedback for reliability.

• Ensure the brand tests for optimal burn quality.

10. Store Your Candles Right

Keep candles in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight. Heat can soften wax and fade fragrance oils. If your candle has a lid, put it back on after use to keep dust and scent from escaping.

Top Storage Tips

• Store in a cool, dry spot (15–24°C) like a cupboard, away from sunlight or radiators.

• Pop lids on after use to keep dust out and preserve fragrance oils.

• Steer clear of hot attics or garages where temperatures jump around, which can crack wax or weaken scents.

Bonus: Add A Touch Of Water (Yes, Really!)

Placing a small layer of water at the bottom (below the candle base) for jar candles in glass holders can help prevent the container from overheating. Be cautious with this tip—never let water touch the actual wax.

These small habits pay off in burn time, scent strength, and overall experience. Treat your candle with care, and it will light up your life longer than you imagined.

Long Lasting Candles From Chloe Jade Home 

At Chloe Jade Home, we hand pour all our artisan candles in small batches using premium soy wax, ensuring exceptional quality and long-lasting burns. Discover our top picks, each crafted to bring elegance and fragrance to your space.

1. Large Moroccan Amber Sences 3 Wick Candle

• Fragrance: Moroccan Amber, Alang Alang
  

• Size: H:150mm, Dia:150mm
  

• Material: Glass, Wax, Fragrance
  

• Burning Time: 45 hours

This luxurious candle fills your room with warm, spicy notes, perfect for creating a cosy atmosphere.

2. Large Citrus Verbena Sences 3 Wick Candle

• Fragrance: Citrus Verbena
  

• Size: H:150mm, Dia:150mm
  

• Material: Glass, Wax, Fragrance
  

• Burning Time: 45 hours

Bright and refreshing, this candle brings a zesty vibe to any space with its clean citrus scent.

3. Large White Sences 3 Wick Candle

• Fragrance: Tonka Bean, Clove, Vanilla, Almond, Woodruff
  

• Size: H:150mm, Dia:150mm
  

• Material: Glass, Wax, Fragrance
  

• Burning Time: 45 hours

A rich, warm blend of sweet and spicy notes, ideal for elegant evenings or relaxation.

4. Large Speckled Luxe Black Forest Candle

• Fragrance: Ebony Wood, Douglas Fir, Black Currant
  

• Size: H:15cm, Dia:13cm
  

• Material: Glass, Wax, Fragrance
  

• Estimated Burning Time: 50 hours
  

This sophisticated and long-burning scented candle offers a woody, fruity aroma with a stylish speckled design for added charm.

5. Urban Moroccan Amber Ribbed Grey Glass Candle

• Fragrance: Moroccan Amber
  

• Size: H:13cm, Dia:10cm
  

• Material: Glass, Wax
  

• Estimated Burning Time: 25 hours 

Compact yet impactful, this candle delivers the same warm amber scent in a sleek, ribbed grey glass.

6. Vintage Leather Scented Candle

• Fragrance: Leather, Floral Notes
  

• Size: H:100mm, Dia:80mm
  

• Material: Glass, Wax
  

• Estimated Burning Time: 20 hours 

A unique blend of leather and floral tones, this smaller candle adds a touch of vintage elegance.

7. Gardenia & Tuberose Large Candle

• Fragrance: Gardenia, Tuberose
  

• Size: H:160mm, Dia:130mm
  

• Material: Glass, Wax
  

• Estimated Burning Time: 45 hours

Floral and luxurious, this long-burning candle brings the fresh, heady scents of gardenia and tuberose to your home.

Final Thoughts

Candle care isn’t complicated—it’s intentional. With just a few easy habits, you’ll make every candle last longer and enjoy the fragrance more fully.

At Chloe Jade Home, we believe home décor should bring lasting joy. Our long-burning scented candles are designed to be part of that experience—timeless, elegant, and beautifully slow-burning.