Have you ever bought a candle and wondered how long it will really last? It can be hard to figure out the burn time of various types of candles especially when there are so many different claims on the internet. Some people claim their candles burn for 100 hours, others say 30. So what’s the truth?
When it comes to soy wax candles, the answer is slightly more clear. In this blog, we will cover all you need to know about how long soy candles burn, what affects burn time, and how you can make your candle last even longer.
Let’s keep it simple and honest.
Why Burn Time Matters
Whether you’re lighting candles to relax, freshen up a room, or set a mood, you want to know how long your candle will burn. This helps you decide if a candle is worth the price or if you’re better off buying one with better value.
Soy wax candles (we’ll talk more about this below) offer a longer burn time than regular candles made with other types of wax like paraffin. But why is that? Let’s find out.
We’re going to answer that below.
What Affects Candle Burn Time?
Burn time means how many total hours a candle can stay lit before all the wax is used up. There are a few important things that affect how long a soy wax candle burns:
1. Wax Type
The type of wax matters a lot. Soy candle wax burns slower than many other waxes, especially paraffin. Soy has a lower melting point, which means it doesn’t need as much heat to melt, so it lasts longer. This is one reason many people prefer soy wax candles as they’re not just cleaner, but also longer-lasting.
2. Wick Type and Size
A wick is what you light in the candle, the thread/string inside the candle. The wick’s size and material will affect how hot the flame gets and how fast the wax melts. Most soy candles use either a cotton or wood wick. If the wick is a little thick or too long, the candle will burn faster. A properly sized wick helps your candle last longer and burn evenly.
3. Candle Size
This one’s easy, the more wax in the candle, the longer it burns. A small 4 oz soy candle might last about 20-25 hours, while a bigger 12 oz soy candle can burn for up to 80 hours.
Here’s a simple chart to help:
| Candle Size | Estimated Burn Time |
| 4 oz soy candle | 20–25 hours |
| 6 oz soy candle | 30–40 hours |
| 8 oz soy candle | 40–50 hours |
| 12 oz soy candle | 60–80 hours |
| 3-wick soy candle | 70–90+ hours |
As you can see, even a small soy candle gives you a good amount of burn time, especially if it’s made well.
4. Candle Jar Shape
The shape of the candle container matters more than you think. A wide, shallow jar makes the wax melt faster because more surface area is exposed to the flame. A taller, narrower jar helps the candle burn slower and more evenly.
5. Fragrance and Additives
Candles that have strong fragrances or synthetic oils might burn faster than those with natural scents. However, most good-quality soy wax candles use clean, phthalate-free fragrances that burn evenly without shortening the candle’s life. So, if your candle has too much fragrance oil, it might also cause it to burn faster.
How Long Do Soy Candles Burn on Average?
So, how long does a soy candle burn compared to others?
On average, soy candle wax burns for about 7 to 9 hours per ounce. That means an 8 oz soy candle can burn for about 40–50 hours that is more than enough for a week of daily use if you burn it for 5–6 hours each day.
This is one of the main reasons people choose soy candles. As you get more value for your money, and they last longer without needing to replace them too soon.
Why Soy Wax Burns Longer
Let’s quickly look at why soy wax lasts longer than other types:
– Lower Melting Point
Soy wax melts at a lower temperature, so it takes less heat to keep it burning. That means the candle uses wax more slowly.
– Clean Burning
Soy wax gives a steady flame and doesn’t create a lot of black smoke or soot. This keeps the wax clean and helps it burn evenly over time.
– More Efficient
Unlike some waxes that tunnel or leave wax on the sides, soy wax tends to melt all the way across. This means less wasted wax and more hours of burn time.
People often search for long-burning soy candles or slow-burning natural candles, and soy wax checks all the boxes.
How to Make Your Soy Candle Last Longer
If you want to get every minute out of your soy wax candle, here are some easy tips:
1. Trim the Wick
Before lighting your candle each time, cut the wick down to about ¼ inch. This helps the candle burn cleaner and slower. A long wick can cause a big flame that burns wax too fast.
2. Let the Wax Pool
The first time you light your candle, let the top layer of wax melt all the way to the edge of the jar. This helps the candle burn evenly and stops “tunneling,” which is when wax only melts down the middle and leaves waste on the sides.
3. Keep Away from Drafts
Wind from fans or open windows can make the flame flicker, which causes uneven burning and uses wax faster. Try to burn your candle in a calm, draft-free spot.
4. Don’t Burn Too Long
It’s best not to burn your candle for more than 3–4 hours at a time. If the jar gets too hot, it can melt wax too quickly and reduce the total burn time.
5. Use the Right Container
Thick glass jars or ceramic containers help keep the heat balanced, which helps the wax melt slowly and evenly.
Final Thoughts: Soy Wax Candles Burn Long and Clean
So, how long do soy wax candles really burn?
It depends on the size of the candle and how you use it, but in general, soy candles burn much longer than regular candles made with paraffin or cheap wax blends. A simple 8 oz soy candle can give you 40–50 hours of clean, even burning and that’s great value.
If you take care of your candle (trim the wick, let it burn evenly, and keep it in a safe spot), you can enjoy your soy candle wax for days or even weeks.
That’s why soy wax is the perfect option, especially because it is natural, slow burning, clean and it lasts longer than most other options.
So next time you’re confused about which candle to make or what wax to use, remember:
Soy wax = long burn time + better value.
Want to start making your own candles? Choose the Natural Soy Wax from Budget Depot. Our Natural Soy Wax is made from 100% pure soy bean oil and it is an eco-friendly, renewable wax and it’s perfect for both beginners and experienced candle makers!
FAQs
A soy candle burns about 7 to 9 hours per ounce. An 8 oz candle can last 40–50 hours if used properly.
Yes, soy wax burns slower than paraffin, so it lasts much longer with a cleaner burn.
Wick size, candle size, and how you burn it all matter. Trim the wick and avoid drafts for better results.
Yes! Use high-quality soy wax like Budget Depot’s and follow the right steps for best burn time.
It’s natural, eco-friendly, clean-burning, and gives you more hours of candlelight for less cost.
