How to Make a Candle Burn Longer: Three Simple Methods
The Ukrainian news site Unian.net has compiled tips for getting a candle to burn more evenly and for longer at home: chilling the wax, using salt and trimming the wick. Safety reminders are included.
In autumn and winter, shops stock a growing range of candles in different colours and shapes, yet at home they often burn down faster than people would like. The Ukrainian news portal Unian.net lists several simple methods that may help a candle burn more evenly and last longer.
Chilling before lighting
Some people suggest placing a candle in the refrigerator or freezer for several hours. At low temperatures wax hardens, and it is believed to melt more slowly as a result. However, the effectiveness of this method has not been reliably proven, so there is no guarantee that a chilled candle will burn noticeably longer. A candle in a glass jar or other fragile container is better kept out of the freezer, because sudden temperature changes can damage the container.
A pinch of salt
Another tip is to sprinkle a small amount of table salt around the wick before lighting. It is claimed that this can slow the melting of the wax and give a steadier flame.
Trimming the wick
The most practical advice is to check the wick length. A wick that is too long can produce a tall, unstable flame, increase soot and make the candle burn out faster. The candle should first be allowed to cool completely, and the wick then trimmed if necessary, following the manufacturer's instructions. For many candles a suitable length is about 5–7 millimetres, though this can vary by candle type.
Safety
A candle should always be placed on a stable, heat-resistant surface, away from curtains and other easily flammable items. A burning candle should never be left unattended, and it should be extinguished before going to bed or leaving the room.
