Never Leave a Candle Burning for This Long, Experts Warn (2024)

FAQs

Never Leave a Candle Burning for This Long, Experts Warn? ›

Burning a candle for more than four hours can damage the wax and the container. Tunneling means that the wax has burned unevenly, which shortens the life of your candle. But Candleers Candle Co. adds that letting your candle burn too long can also make the wick move.

Burning a candle for too long will cause carbon to collect on the wick, leading it to “mushroom.” The wick will then become unstable and produce a dangerously large flame. Plus, your candle will start to smoke and release soot. Avoid this by always following the manufacturer's instructions.

If you leave a candle burning overnight, you may have an unexpected visit from firefighters who are called to put out the flames. After a candle burns for around four hours, carbon build-up begins, creating an unstable flame. This can lead to wax tunneling, soot damage, and damaging the candle container.

Unattended candles start many preventable fires that sadly lead to tragic fire deaths. Often, the fire is sparked by things that easily catch on fire. This includes curtains or paper being left too close to the flame.

A good rule of thumb is to limit each candle to 2 hours of burn time, but absolutely no more than 4 hours at a time. If a candle isn't manually extinguished, it can stay lit for a long time—and burning down to the bottom of the candle wick can create potential fire hazards.

"Most candles are heavily scented with fragrances made up of hundreds of chemicals including some that can interfere with hormones or irritate the lungs," says Sarah Evans, assistant professor of environmental medicine and public health at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and a member of the Institute for ...

But remember, the longevity of a candle also depends on factors like its size, wick type, and how it's used. To maximize a candle's burn time, remember to trim the wick to about a quarter of an inch before each use and avoid burning it for more than 4 hours at a time.

The synthetic fragrances that are used in making candle scents usually contain phthalates. As the candles burn, phthalates are released into the air and can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin. When the phthalates enter the bloodstream, they can exacerbate allergic symptoms and asthma and alter hormone levels [4].

Soy wax, coconut wax and beeswax candles are all excellent options that are not toxic. For the best results, ensure labels state 100% soy or beeswax and opt for sustainably sourced and cruelty-free products.

As mentioned above, studies show that when soy and paraffin candles are burnt they release formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, toluene, benzene, and acetone, carcinogens that can lead to cancer and other health problems. So that is why we only use 100% Australian beeswax.

Is it okay to have a candle in the bathroom? ›

The safest places to put a candle in the bathroom are on a stable, flat surface away from flammable materials like towels or curtains. Ideal locations include countertops, shelves, or dedicated candle holders at a safe distance from water sources, such as sinks and showers.

Never use a candle as a night light or while you may fall asleep. Be very careful if using candles during a power outage. Flashlights and other battery-powered lights are safer sources of light during a power failure.

The first time you light and enjoy your new candle sets the stage for how well the candle will perform throughout its lifetime. Candle wax has a memory. This means that your candle remembers where it is burnt up to on that first burn and will only ever burn up to the point it was last extinguished.

According to The New York Times, most of a candle's matter actually ends up evaporating into the air. As the wax starts to melt and puddle around the candle's cotton wick, it actually travels upward. The wick soaks it up, and it eventually evaporates into the air as either carbon dioxide or water vapor after it burns.

Occasional headlines linking carbon monoxide poisoning to candles usually referred to recalled products or candles with wooden wicks. Carbon monoxide from candles doesn't' pose a health risk if your home's ventilation system is well-maintained and functioning properly.

The synthetic fragrances that are used in making candle scents usually contain phthalates. As the candles burn, phthalates are released into the air and can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin. When the phthalates enter the bloodstream, they can exacerbate allergic symptoms and asthma and alter hormone levels [4].

Do You Need to Pour Out the Wax from Scented Candles? Possibly Not! If you are satisfied with current scent throw and want to prolong the lifespan of your candle, it may not be necessary to pour out the wax. Some manufacturers also advise against pouring out the wax while the candle is burning.