How Long Should a Candle Really Last? Burn Time Explained

“How long will this actually last?” is one of the most common questions we get asked — and it’s a fair one, since burn time isn’t always straightforward. A candle’s stated burn time is only accurate if you’re burning it the right way. Here’s what actually affects it, and how to get the most from every candle you buy.

When we list a burn time — say, average 40 hours for a 30cl candle — that’s based on burning it correctly, in reasonable conditions, for the recommended duration each session. It’s an average, not a guarantee, because how you burn a candle has a real effect on how long it lasts.

Burning a candle for just 20–30 minutes at a time is one of the most common ways people accidentally shorten its life. Wax has a “memory” — the first time you light it, it should burn long enough for the melted wax pool to reach the edges of the jar. If you blow it out too soon, the candle can start tunnelling: burning straight down the middle and leaving unused wax around the sides, which wastes fragrance and shortens overall burn time.

The fix: for the first burn especially, let the candle burn until the melted wax pool reaches all the way to the edge of the container — usually 2–4 hours, depending on size. After that, burning for 3–4 hours at a time (our general recommendation) keeps it burning evenly.

An untrimmed wick grows longer with every burn, which leads to a larger flame, faster wax consumption, and more soot. Trimming the wick to around 5mm before every single light genuinely extends burn time, as well as keeping the flame cleaner and the glass free of black marks.

• Draughts and airflow: a candle burning near an open window or air vent burns faster and less evenly, as the flame flickers and pulls more oxygen than it needs

• Room temperature: burning in a very warm room can soften the wax excessively, leading to a faster, messier burn

• Placement: keep candles away from direct sunlight when not in use, as heat can affect the wax structure over time, even unlit

Soy wax burns cooler and slower than paraffin, which is part of why our candles tend to have a genuinely long burn time for their size. It also means soy candles benefit even more from correct first-burn technique, since the wax is naturally more prone to tunnelling if rushed.

• Let the first burn go until the wax pool reaches the edges

• Trim the wick to 5mm before every light

• Burn for 3–4 hours at a time, not short bursts

• Keep it away from draughts and direct sunlight

Get this right, and you should comfortably reach — or beat — the stated burn time on the label.

All of our candles are hand-poured in Scotland using GMO-free soy wax, and are vegan-friendly and cruelty-free.