If you've ever wondered how long candles last—whether you're trying to calculate value, avoid waste, or just curious if that three-year-old candle in your closet is still good—you're in the right place.
The answer isn't one-size-fits-all. Candle longevity depends on the type of wax, how it's made, how you burn it, and how you store it. But here's the good news: with the right care (and the right candle), you can get way more burn time and enjoyment than you might expect.
Let's break down how long candles actually last, what affects their lifespan, and how to stretch every hour out of them.
How Long Do Candles Burn?
Burn time is the total number of hours a candle will give you from first light to final flicker. It varies widely based on size, wax type, and wick quality.
Here's a general breakdown:
- Small jar or container candles (8-10 oz): 30 to 50 hours
- Large jar candles (14-16 oz): 60 to 100+ hours
- Votives: 10 to 15 hours
- Pillar candles: 20 to 30 hours per inch of diameter
At ReCandle Co., our soy wax refills deliver 40 to 50 hours of burn time per refill. That's comparable to most high-quality jar candles, but without the waste. Once your refill burns down, you simply pop it out and drop in a new one. Your handmade ceramic vessel keeps going, burn after burn.
The key takeaway? Burn time isn't just about the candle itself—it's also about how you use it.
Do Candles Expire or Go Bad?
Technically, candle wax doesn't expire. Paraffin can last indefinitely if stored properly, and soy wax can remain stable for years. But here's where it gets tricky: the scent does fade.
Most scented candles are at their best within 12 to 18 months of being made. After that, the fragrance oils begin to degrade, especially if the candle has been exposed to heat, light, or air. You might notice the scent throw isn't as strong, or the candle smells slightly off.
Signs your candle is past its prime:
- Weak or no scent when burned
- Discoloration or a filmy layer on top
- Separation between wax and container
- Difficulty lighting or staying lit
If your candle still smells good and burns cleanly, it's fine to use—even if it's a few years old. Wax itself is remarkably stable. It's the fragrance that has a shelf life, not the candle.
With refillable candles, you're always working with fresh wax. No need to worry about that three-year-old jar collecting dust. Just swap in a new refill whenever you're ready.
What Affects How Long a Candle Lasts?
Not all candles are created equal. Several factors determine how long your candle will burn and how well it performs over time.
Wax Type
The type of wax makes a big difference. Soy wax burns slower and cooler than paraffin, which means you get more hours out of the same amount of wax. Soy also burns cleaner, producing less soot and fewer toxins.
Paraffin candles tend to burn faster and hotter, which can lead to tunneling (where the center burns down but the sides don't). They're also petroleum-based, which isn't great for indoor air quality.
Beeswax is another slow-burning option, though it's less common and usually more expensive. At ReCandle Co., we use 100% soy wax because it delivers the best combination of clean burn, long life, and scent throw.
Wick Quality
Your wick matters more than you'd think. A properly sized cotton wick ensures an even, consistent burn. If the wick is too small, the candle will tunnel. If it's too large, it'll burn too hot and fast, wasting wax and creating soot.
Low-quality wicks can also "mushroom" (form a carbon ball at the tip), which reduces burn time and creates smoke. That's why we use cotton wicks in all our candle refills—they're clean-burning, reliable, and sized perfectly for an even melt pool.
Container Material
The vessel your candle burns in affects heat retention and burn efficiency. Ceramic vessels, like our hand-thrown pottery, retain and distribute heat more evenly than thin glass jars. This helps the wax melt uniformly, preventing tunneling and extending burn time.
Glass can crack or weaken after repeated burns, especially if it's not heat-resistant. Ceramic candle vessels, on the other hand, are built to last. Ours are fired at over 2,000°F, so they can handle hundreds of burn cycles without issue.
How You Burn It
This is the biggest factor you can control. Even the best candle will underperform if you don't burn it correctly. More on that below.
How to Make Your Candles Last Longer
Want to squeeze every possible hour out of your candle? Follow these simple habits.
Trim Your Wick to ¼ Inch Before Every Burn
A long wick creates a larger flame, which burns through wax faster and produces more soot. Trimming your wick to about ¼ inch before each use keeps the flame controlled and the burn time maximized.
Follow the First Burn Rule
The first time you light a candle, let it burn until the wax melts all the way to the edges. This usually takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on the diameter. If you blow it out too soon, the candle will "remember" that smaller melt pool and tunnel every time after.
This is especially important for soy wax candles, which have a memory. One good first burn sets you up for even burns for the rest of the candle's life.
Burn for 2 to 4 Hours at a Time
Burning a candle for just 30 minutes won't give the wax enough time to melt evenly. On the flip side, burning for more than 4 hours can overheat the container and cause the wick to mushroom.
The sweet spot is 2 to 4 hours per session. This gives you a full melt pool without overdoing it.
Store Candles Properly
Heat, light, and air all degrade fragrance oils over time. Store your candles in a cool, dark place, and if possible, keep them covered when not in use.
For our refillable candle system, you can store extra refills in their original packaging until you're ready to use them. This keeps the scent fresh and protects the wax from dust or damage.
Avoid Drafts
Burning a candle near a fan, open window, or air vent causes uneven burning and can make the flame flicker out. It also wastes wax. Find a stable, draft-free spot for the best results.
The Refillable Candle Advantage: Lifetime Value
Here's where things get interesting. Traditional candles give you one burn cycle, and then you're tossing the jar. With a refillable candle, the vessel lasts indefinitely, and you're only replacing the wax.
Let's do the math.
A typical jar candle might cost $40 and burn for 40 hours. That's $1 per hour of burn time. After it's done, the jar goes in the trash (or sits empty on a shelf).
With ReCandle Co., you invest in a ceramic vessel once. Each refill gives you another 40 to 50 hours of burn time, and the cost per refill is lower than buying a whole new candle. Over time, your cost per hour drops significantly, especially if you subscribe to regular refills with free shipping.
But the real win? You never have to ask, "Should I throw this jar away?" The vessel stays. The candle keeps going.
It's not just about burn time. It's about getting more value, more enjoyment, and less waste from the candles you already love.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do soy candles last compared to paraffin candles?
Soy candles typically last 30% to 50% longer than paraffin candles of the same size because soy wax burns at a lower temperature. This slower burn also produces less soot and fewer toxins, making soy the better choice for clean indoor air.
Can I still use a candle that's a few years old?
Yes, as long as it still smells good and the wax looks intact. The fragrance may be weaker, but the wax itself doesn't expire. If the candle has separated, discolored, or lost its scent entirely, it's probably time to let it go.
How do I know when my candle is done?
Stop burning when there's about ½ inch of wax left at the bottom. Continuing past that point can overheat the container and create a fire hazard. With refillable candles, the empty wax shell pops right out when it's done, making it easy to know when to swap in a fresh refill.
Do refillable candles last as long as regular candles?
Absolutely. Our refills are made with the same high-quality soy wax and cotton wicks as traditional jar candles, so you get the same 40 to 50 hours of burn time per refill. The difference is that you're not throwing away the vessel every time. You're building a candle ritual that lasts for years.
What's the best way to store candles long-term?
Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If possible, store them in their original packaging or with a lid to protect the scent. Avoid garages, attics, or anywhere that gets hot, as heat accelerates scent degradation.
How can I make my candles smell stronger?
If your candle's scent seems weak, try burning it in a smaller room, trimming the wick, and making sure it burns long enough to create a full melt pool. Old candles may have lost fragrance over time, in which case a fresh candle (or refill) is your best bet.
