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The burn time of a scented candle is affected by several factors, including the following:
1. Wax Type
- Natural waxes (such as soy, coconut, and beeswax): They typically burn slower and take longer (for example, 5 grams of soy wax burns in about an hour).
- Paraffin wax (a petroleum byproduct): They burn faster, have a shorter burn time, and may produce more black smoke.
- Blended waxes: By adjusting the ratio of different waxes, you can balance the burn time and aroma dispersion.
2. Candle Size
- Diameter and Height: The thicker the candle, the larger the wax pool, and the faster it may burn; taller candles have a longer total burn time.
- Wax weight*: Usually stated in grams or ounces, this directly determines the total burn time.
3. Wick Material and Thickness
- Cotton wicks: Common and stable burning. Too thick a wick will result in an overly large flame and consume the wax quickly.
- Wooden wicks: They may make a slight noise when burning, have a larger flame, and a shorter burn time. - Size Matching: A wick that is too thin can cause a tunneling effect (incomplete wax melting),
while a wick that is too thick can accelerate burning.
4. Usage
- First Burn: It is recommended to wait at least 1-2 hours for the first burn, until the wax pool is completely melted, to avoid the formation of a memory ring.
- Trimming: Trim the wick to 5-7mm before each use. Wicks that are too long can cause an unstable flame, produce black smoke, and burn faster.
- Burning Time: Burning for more than 4 hours at a time may accelerate wax consumption and increase the risk of overheating the glass container.
5. Environmental Factors
- Ventilation: Good ventilation will speed up burning but help the aroma spread; strong winds may cause the flame to tilt and burn unevenly.
- Room Temperature: High temperatures (such as in summer) may soften the wax and slightly affect the burning speed.
6. Additives and Fragrances
- High Fragrance: High concentrations of fragrance (usually 5-10%) may slightly shorten the burning time.
- Dyes/Decorations: Excessive additives may affect the burning efficiency of the wax.
7. Container Design
- Metal vs. Glass Containers: Different heat dissipation properties may affect the melting speed of the wax.
- Narrow-necked containers: Burn more slowly but may result in uneven melting of the wax pool.
Tips for Extended Burn Time:
- Trim the wick before each use.
- Avoid exposure to drafts or direct sunlight.
- Choose candles with a natural wax base and matching wicks.
Burning times vary significantly between candle brands and formulations. When purchasing, refer to the estimated burn time (usually in hours) on the product label.
