Candles are a beautiful addition to any space, filling a room with warmth, ambiance, and fragrance. However, questions often arise about how long candles last and whether they can lose their scent over time. Understanding the lifespan of candles and how to preserve their fragrance can help you get the most out of each one, ensuring your space smells wonderful for as long as possible.
In this article, we’ll dive into how long candles last, factors that influence scent retention, and tips on storing candles to maximize their longevity. With Scentiment’s collection of high-quality candles crafted for enduring fragrance, you can enjoy a luxurious, lasting scent experience in any room of your home.
How Long Do Candles Last?
The lifespan of a candle depends on several factors, including the type of wax, size of the candle, and the concentration of fragrance oils. Different candle types have varied burn times, so understanding these differences can help you choose a candle that fits your needs.
Factors Affecting Candle Lifespan
- Type of Wax: Different waxes burn at different rates. For instance, soy wax candles tend to burn more slowly than paraffin wax candles, making them last longer. Scentiment’s candles often use high-quality waxes designed for a slow, even burn.
- Candle Size: Larger candles generally last longer than smaller ones. A small votive may burn for around 15 hours, while a large jar candle can last upwards of 60–100 hours, depending on its size and burn conditions.
- Fragrance Concentration: The concentration of fragrance oils can also impact burn time, as highly scented candles may burn faster due to the oils they contain. Quality matters here—candles with high-quality fragrance oils tend to maintain their scent longer.
Average Burn Time of Candles
Here are some typical burn times for different types of candles:
- Votive Candles: 10–15 hours
- Small Jar Candles: 30–50 hours
- Large Jar Candles: 60–100 hours
- Taper Candles: 8–10 hours
- Tea Lights: 4–6 hours
Scentiment’s candles are crafted with high-quality wax and fragrance oils, giving you a long-lasting burn that provides a steady, beautiful aroma for your space.
Do Candles Lose Their Scent Over Time?
Yes, candles can lose their scent over time. As fragrance oils break down, the scent intensity decreases, meaning the aroma may be less noticeable when the candle is burned. However, with proper storage and care, you can help extend the scent life of your candles.
How Scents Deteriorate
Exposure to air, heat, and light can cause fragrance oils to degrade. Just as a perfume’s scent fades when left in sunlight, a candle’s fragrance can weaken if exposed to the elements. Over time, these external factors break down the scent molecules, making the fragrance less potent.
Expected Scent Life
Most candles retain their fragrance well for around 1–2 years if stored correctly. Candles kept in cool, dry environments tend to hold their scent longer than those stored in warm, humid places. After a couple of years, the scent may start to fade, but high-quality candles like those from Scentiment are formulated to retain fragrance as long as possible.
Factors That Influence Scent Retention in Candles
Several factors affect how well a candle holds its scent over time, including wax type, the quality of fragrance oils, and storage conditions.
Type of Wax
The type of wax used in a candle plays a significant role in scent retention:
- Soy Wax: Known for its clean, slow burn, soy wax holds fragrance well and releases it gradually, providing a steady scent experience.
- Paraffin Wax: This wax type has a stronger initial scent throw, making it ideal for shorter burn times, though it may not last as long as soy wax.
- Beeswax: Naturally aromatic, beeswax holds scent well, though it may be less potent than soy or paraffin for strong fragrances.
Quality of Fragrance Oils
High-quality fragrance oils are essential for scent longevity. Scentiment’s candles are crafted with premium fragrance oils, providing a rich scent that lasts. Cheaper oils may evaporate or lose potency more quickly, while quality oils maintain their strength for longer periods.
Storage Conditions
Proper storage is key to preserving a candle’s scent. Candles should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Heat and light can cause oils to evaporate, and humidity can affect the wax, making the scent fade more quickly.
Tips for Storing Candles to Preserve Their Scent
To keep your candles smelling fresh for as long as possible, consider these storage tips:
Keep Candles Covered
If your candle comes with a lid, keep it covered when not in use. This helps prevent air exposure, which can weaken the fragrance over time. For candles without lids, consider storing them in an airtight container to protect the scent.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Store candles in a shaded area, away from direct sunlight, as UV rays can degrade the fragrance oils and even cause the candle color to fade. A cabinet, drawer, or closet shelf is ideal for keeping candles out of the sun.
Store in a Cool, Dry Place
Temperature fluctuations and high humidity can affect a candle’s scent. A cool, dry environment will help the wax maintain its consistency and keep fragrance oils intact for a longer-lasting scent.
Signs That a Candle’s Scent is Fading
Over time, it may become apparent that a candle’s scent has started to fade. Here are some signs to look out for:
Weaker Aroma During Burn
If your candle’s scent seems less potent than it once was, or if it takes longer to notice the aroma, this can be a sign that the fragrance oils have started to degrade.
Color Changes
Fragrance oils can sometimes cause candles to change color over time, especially when exposed to sunlight. If your candle looks faded or discolored, this could indicate that it’s aging and the fragrance may be losing potency.
How to Make Your Candles Last Longer
By following these burning tips, you can maximize the life of your candles and get the most from their fragrance:
Trim the Wick Regularly
Trimming the wick to about ¼ inch before each use helps control the flame size, reduce soot, and ensure an even burn. This not only preserves the candle’s scent but also prevents wax tunneling, which can waste candle wax.
Use Candles in 2-3 Hour Intervals
Burning candles for 2–3 hours at a time allows the wax to melt evenly across the surface, improving scent throw and helping to prevent tunneling. Overheating can cause fragrance oils to burn off too quickly, reducing the candle’s lifespan.
Extinguish Properly
Avoid blowing out your candles, as this can create soot and affect future burns. Instead, use a candle snuffer or carefully dip the wick into the wax to extinguish the flame. This helps maintain a cleaner burn and preserves the scent for longer.
Can Expired Candles Still Be Used?
Candles don’t expire in the traditional sense, but the fragrance may fade over time. While an older candle may lack its original scent, it’s still safe to burn. If a candle has lost its scent, here are some ways to repurpose the remaining wax:
- Wax Melts: Melt leftover wax in a wax warmer to enjoy a gentle, subtle fragrance in smaller spaces.
- Sachets: Place small pieces of scented wax in fabric sachets to add a light fragrance to drawers or closets.
- Fire Starters: Use unscented wax as fire starters for your fireplace or campfire, as they can help logs catch fire easily.
Recommended Scentiment Candles for Long-Lasting Fragrance
Scentiment offers a range of candles crafted with high-quality waxes and premium fragrance oils, designed for lasting, vibrant scents. Here are a few top picks known for their long-lasting fragrance and high-quality ingredients:
- The One Candle: Known for its deep, warm aroma, this candle’s rich base notes linger, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
- Minuit à Paris Candle: Perfect for bedrooms, this soothing fragrance combines floral and sweet notes that retain their aroma through multiple burns.
- Only W Candle: This refreshing blend has a strong scent throw, making it ideal for kitchens and bathrooms, where it helps keep the space fresh.
With Scentiment’s candles, you can trust that each product is crafted with care and made to provide an enduring, luxurious scent experience.
Frequently Asked Questions about Candle Lifespan and Scent
How long do scented candles last before losing scent?
Scented candles can last 1–2 years if stored properly. High-quality candles tend to retain their scent longer, especially when kept in cool, dark, and dry environments.
What’s the best way to store candles to preserve their fragrance?
Store candles in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and humidity. Keeping them covered or in airtight containers will also help protect the scent.
Do soy candles last longer than paraffin candles?
Soy candles often burn longer and cleaner than paraffin candles, though paraffin can provide a stronger scent throw initially. Soy is generally preferred for a slower, more even burn.
How can I tell if a candle has expired?
An expired candle may have a weaker scent and appear discolored or faded. While still safe to burn, it may not provide the same fragrance experience.
Is it okay to keep candles in the freezer to preserve them?
While some people store candles in the freezer to harden the wax, it’s not recommended for fragrance preservation, as cold temperatures may affect the scent quality.
