There are many purposes for lighting candles such as for meditation, eliminating weird smells, or improving mood. But what if the candle that you expect to last for hours actually dies so quickly? Of course, it will ruin all plans. Even though you have used candles that are known to have a long burning time such as beeswax candles or soy wax candles, but the way to light the candles is wrong, your candles will always die faster. For those of you who feel the same frustration, here you will find tips and tricks on how to make your candle last longer.
Tips to Keep a Candle Burning Longer
1. Don’t burn the candle too short
Don’t burn the candle too short is one way to make your candle last longer. Make sure you burn the candle long enough for the surface of the wax to melt evenly. Burning the candle too short can cause a phenomenon called tunnelling. This causes only the center of the candle to melt, while the sides remain intact. If tunnelling has occurred, you can use a wax warmer to melt the remaining wax that has not melted. Alternatively, you can fill the hole by pouring in new melted wax. But make sure the new wax has the same scent and type.
2. Place on a Flat Surface
Making sure you place the candle on a flat surface also plays a role in extending its life. If you place the candle at an angle, the wax will not melt evenly because the position will change the direction of the flame. The candle will leave wax residue on the other side.
3. Trimming and Positioning the Wick
Don’t be happy when you get a candle with a long wick. In fact, a wick that is too long can shorten the life of your candle. A wick that is too long can cause a large flame so that the wax melts faster and unevenly. Cut the long wick to 1/4 inch, this is the ideal length. Cutting it will keep the flame small and controlled. In addition to cutting it, making sure the wick is always in the middle is the key to extending the life of your candle.
4. Keep the Flame Consistent and Not Flickering
A steady, unflickering flame is important to ensure that the candle burns evenly. Usually, what makes the flame unstable is wind interference. If you want your candle to stay lit longer, place it away from wind sources and if necessary use a candle cover.
5. Adding Salt
In theory, salt can slow down the burning process of candles by lowering their melting point so that the candle can burn longer. If you want to try it, you can start by making sure that the surface of the candle has completely melted. Then sprinkle a little salt on the surface and if possible you can stir it so that the melted wax and salt mix.
By implementing the tips above, you can ensure that your favourite candles last longer and provide a more enjoyable experience.