How Long Does A Candle Last? Caring for Your Homemade Candle
A candle’s glow is more than just light in a dark room; it’s a source of warmth, fragrance, and ambiance, contributing to the overall atmosphere of your space. Yet, understanding the life of a candle goes beyond its “burn time“. This journey begins from the moment the candle is made, and it continues even when the candle is not lit, subtly influencing its surroundings. Dive into this exploration of the life of a candle, from creation to eventual illumination, and learn how you can extend its life to enjoy the most out of your candle experience.
The Birth of a Candle at Wick and Pour
At Wick and Pour, located in the heart of New York City, every candle begins its life as an intimate creative project. Guests choose their own vessel, scents, colors, and decor, guided by expert instruction through the entire candle-making process.
The candles are crafted with a blend of soy wax and enticing scents, curated in-house with essential oils and phthalate-free fragrances. These candles are vegan, cruelty-free, and environmentally friendly, demonstrating Wick and Pour‘s commitment to sustainability and quality.
Burn Time: A Key Phase in a Candle’s Life
A significant aspect of a candle’s life is its burn time, which depends on various factors such as the size of the candle, the type of wax used, and the number of wicks. Other factors can include the movement of air in the environment, the amount of oxygen available, the surrounding temperature, and even the material of the wick. With all these factors in play, a candle’s burn time can vary greatly, with some candles lasting as long as 80 hours.
The Unlit Influence: Scent and Color
An unlit candle subtly influences its surroundings through its scent and color. Over time, an unlit candle’s scent may begin to degrade due to the slow evaporation of fragrance oil molecules from the wax into the air. This scent degradation occurs very gradually, almost unnoticeable for the first 6 months to a year, depending on the type of wax and quality of fragrance oils used. However, the longer an unlit candle is stored, the less scent it will produce when eventually burned.
Similarly, a candle’s color can also change over time. Candles with colored wax might fade, especially if exposed to UV light. To preserve the color, it’s recommended to store candles in a dark place, away from direct sunlight or bright indoor lights.
Can a Candle Expire?
Candles don’t have an expiration date, but their quality can degrade over time. Some candles may become difficult to light after being stored for a few years. Because of this, we encourage our customers to enjoy their candles before too much time has passed, so that you can be sure you’re getting the best experience possible with the candle you made.
Extending the Life of Your Candle
To get the most out of your candle, there are 
several steps you can take. Keep candles away from direct sunlight and other harsh lights. Use a candle topper or a glass cloche to preserve the fragrance longer. Store candles in a dark, cool place and avoid areas with high humidity, moisture, or sudden changes in temperature. Following these steps can help to extend the life of your candle, though it’s generally recommended to burn your candles within a year of unpacking them for the best experience.
Experience the Wick and Pour Difference
Wick and Pour isn’t just about candles; it’s about the memorable experiences that these beautiful creations can bring into your life. By understanding the elements that define a candle’s life, you can fully appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into each Wick and Pour candle. From the selection of the vessel to the hand-pouring of the soy wax, from the curating of over 40 in-house scents to the final decorative touches, every step contributes to the candle’s unique lifespan.
The burn time of these candles isn’t just a measure of hours, but a timeline of the ambient warmth, soothing fragrances, and cherished memories they bring. So light a Wick and Pour candle, embrace the journey, and savor the special moments that illuminate your life.