Busting Candle Myths: The Truth About Burn Time, Wax Types, and Safety

Let's be real—there's a lot of confusing information out there about candles. Maybe you've heard that soy candles always burn longer than paraffin, or that you should never burn a candle for more than an hour at a time. Some of these "facts" sound legitimate, but they're actually myths that have been passed around for so long that people just assume they're true.

At Luminate 365 Candles, we believe you deserve to know the actual facts about the candles you're bringing into your home. So let's clear up some of the most common misconceptions and get to the truth about what really matters when it comes to candles.

Myth #1: Soy Candles Always Burn Longer Than Paraffin Candles

This is probably one of the biggest myths in the candle world, and it's not exactly true. Yes, soy wax has a lower melting point than paraffin wax, which means it burns at a cooler temperature. In theory, this could lead to a longer burn time. But here's the thing—burn time depends on way more than just the type of wax.

The real factors that affect how long your candle lasts include the size of the wick, the diameter of the candle, how well the candle is made, and even how you burn it. A poorly made soy candle with an oversized wick can burn faster than you'd expect, while a well-crafted soy candle with the perfect wick size can give you amazing burn time. It's all about quality and design, not just claims about the wax type.

The bottom line? Don't choose a candle based solely on burn time promises. Look for candles from reputable makers who test their products and provide accurate burn time estimates. At Luminate 365, we carefully wick-test all our soy candles to ensure you get the maximum burn time possible.

Myth #2: You Should Only Burn Candles for One Hour at a Time

You've probably seen this advice floating around the internet, and it's causing a lot of confusion. The truth is, most candles actually need to burn for longer than one hour to perform properly.

Here's why: when you light a candle, the wax needs to melt all the way to the edges of the container. This is called achieving a full melt pool. If you blow out your candle before the wax melts to the edges, you'll create something called "tunneling." This is when the candle burns straight down the middle, leaving a ring of wasted wax around the sides. Not only does this waste your candle, but it also makes future burns less effective.

For most candles, you should burn them for at least 2-4 hours on the first burn, and long enough on future burns to reach a full melt pool. The general rule is to burn your candle for one hour per inch of diameter. So a 3-inch wide candle should burn for about 3 hours each time you light it. That said, you probably shouldn't burn any candle for more than 4 hours at a time for safety reasons.

Myth #3: All Natural Waxes Are Safer Than Paraffin

When you hear "natural" and "plant-based," it's easy to assume something is automatically better and safer. But when it comes to candles, this isn't necessarily the case. Paraffin wax has gotten a bad reputation over the years, with claims that it releases harmful toxins when burned. However, research has shown that high-quality paraffin candles burn just as cleanly as soy, beeswax, or coconut wax candles.

The National Candle Association has confirmed that all major candle waxes, when burned properly, are safe for normal use in the home. What matters more than the wax type is the quality of the ingredients and whether the candle has a lead-free wick (which all quality candles should have).

That being said, some people prefer natural waxes for environmental reasons, which is totally valid. Soy and coconut wax are renewable resources, while paraffin is petroleum-based. But from a safety standpoint during burning, a well-made candle of any wax type is safe to use.

Myth #4: Scented Candles Are Bad for Your Health

This myth has caused a lot of unnecessary worry. The concern usually centers around fragrance oils and whether they release harmful chemicals into your home. The reality is that reputable candle companies use fragrance oils that are specifically formulated for candle use and are safe when burned as directed.

The key is to buy candles from trusted brands that are transparent about their ingredients. Quality candle makers avoid phthalates (chemicals that have raised health concerns) and use clean, tested fragrance oils. Many companies, including ours at Luminate 365, specifically formulate with your health in mind.

If you're sensitive to fragrances, you might experience headaches or irritation from any strong scent, whether it's from candles, perfumes, or cleaning products. That's more about personal sensitivity than the candles being unsafe. In those cases, unscented candles or very lightly scented ones might be your best bet.

Myth #5: Trimming Your Wick Doesn't Really Matter

Actually, this is one of the most important things you can do to keep your candle burning safely and effectively. Before each burn, you should trim your wick to about 1/4 inch. This isn't just candle company propaganda—it serves real purposes.

A wick that's too long will create a larger flame, which means the candle burns hotter and faster. This can cause black soot to form on the container and in your home, and it can even become a safety hazard. A properly trimmed wick creates a steady, controlled flame that burns cleanly and helps your candle last longer.

Think of it like this: you wouldn't skip oil changes for your car, right? Wick trimming is basic candle maintenance that takes two seconds and makes a huge difference.

Myth #6: Candles Expire or Go Bad

Candles don't spoil like food, but they can lose their effectiveness over time. The main issue is with the fragrance oils. If you store a candle for years in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures, the scent can fade or change. The wax itself doesn't really "go bad," but it might discolor or develop a dusty film.

To keep your candles in the best condition, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If you do this, they should maintain their quality for several years. Just know that if you light up that candle you bought five years ago, it might not smell as strong as it did when you first brought it home.

The Bottom Line on Candle Safety

Beyond all these myths, here are the actual safety basics that really matter:

Never leave a burning candle unattended. This is the number one rule that prevents fires and accidents. Always place candles on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from anything that can catch fire, like curtains, books, or paper. Keep candles away from kids and pets who might knock them over. And always blow out your candles before you leave the room or go to sleep.

Following these simple guidelines will keep you and your home safe while you enjoy the cozy ambiance and beautiful scents that candles provide.

Trust the Facts, Enjoy Your Candles

At Luminate 365 Candles, we're all about creating products you can feel good about using. Now that you know the real facts behind these common myths, you can make informed choices about the candles you buy and how you burn them.

The candle world doesn't have to be complicated or scary. With quality products and proper care, candles are a safe, enjoyable way to add warmth and fragrance to your home every single day of the year. That's what we're here for—to help you illuminate your life, 365 days a year.