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Candles

How Long Do Tea Light Candles Last? A Comprehensive Guide

Tea light candles are among the most popular types of candles, offering a long burn time and a beautiful ambient light. But how long do tea light candles burn for? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the burn time of tea light candles, from the best materials to use to safety tips. Read on to find out more!

What Is A Tea Light Candle?

A tea light candle is a small, shallow candle typically made from paraffin wax. Tea lights often provide ambient lighting in living rooms and bathrooms. You can also use them in crafting and decorating projects. Tea light candles usually come in metal or plastic containers that help to keep the fire contained and can also reflect the candle’s light.

Tea light candles are often used in aromatherapy and meditation practices, as the burning wax’s scent can help create a calming atmosphere. Tea lights are also popular for outdoor events, such as weddings and parties, as they can create a romantic atmosphere. Tea light candles are also a great way to add a decorative touch to any room in your home.

The Benefits Of Tea Light Candles

The main benefit of tea light candles is their long burn time. Typically, a tea light candle will burn for between 4 and 8 hours, depending on the size and type of candle. 

Tea light candles are also relatively inexpensive, making them an accessible option for many people. Additionally, these candles produce a bright, ambient light that can help to create a cozy atmosphere in any room.

Tea light candles are also incredibly versatile. They can be used in various settings, from outdoor events to indoor gatherings. They can also be used to create a romantic atmosphere or to provide a calming ambiance. Furthermore, tea light candles are available in various colors and scents, allowing you to customize your experience.

What Sort Of Wax Should You Use For A Tea Light Candle?

Many tea light candles are made from paraffin wax, generally the most popular material choice. However, some tea lights are made from beeswax or soy wax, which tend to have longer burn times than paraffin wax. Candles made from stearin wax often have a longer burn time than those made from paraffin.

When choosing a tea light candle, it is important to consider the type of wax used. Paraffin wax is the most affordable option but may not burn as long as other materials. Beeswax and soy wax are more expensive but tend to burn longer and produce less smoke. Stearin wax is also a good choice for those looking for a longer burn time but it is more expensive than paraffin.

How To Measure The Burn Time Of A Tea Light Candle

If you’re looking to calculate the burn time of a tea light candle, there are several methods you can try. The easiest is to measure the diameter of your candle, then divide it by eight. 

This number will give you the approximate number of hours your candle will burn for. Alternatively, you can measure your candle’s height and width, then divide those measurements by four, giving you the approximate burn time for your candle.

You can also use a stopwatch to measure the burn time of your tea light candle. Light the candle and start the stopwatch. When the candle has completely burned out, stop the stopwatch, and you will have the exact burn time of your candle. This method is more accurate than the other methods but requires more time and effort.

Tips For Making Your Tea Light Candle Last Longer

  1. Make sure your candles are stored in humidity-proof containers. Storing them here will help them to stay dry and last longer. 
  2. Try trimming the wick to about ¼ inch before lighting it. Doing so will help the flame to burn more efficiently, increasing its burn time.
  3. Using a candle snuffer to extinguish the flame will help prevent the wick from burning too quickly and help preserve the remaining wax. 
  4. Avoid burning the candle for more than four hours at a time. This will help to ensure that the candle can burn evenly and will help to extend its burn time.

How To Dispose Of Used Tea Light Candles

When disposing of used tea light candles, make sure that the wick has been extinguished and that there is no trace of a flame. Place the used tea lights in an appropriate container and dispose of them responsibly. 

Ensuring that the used tea lights are disposed of safely and responsibly is important. If you dispose of the candles in a public area, ensure the container is marked as containing used tea lights. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the container is placed in a secure location, away from any potential ignition sources.

Safety Tips For Using Tea Light Candles

Never leave a lit candle unattended; keep children and pets from your open tea light candles’ flames. Place your candles out of draughts and on fireproof surfaces like metal trays or ceramic plates. Additionally, keep candles at least three feet away from any combustible materials.

Following this guide’s advice, you can ensure that your tea light candles provide maximum safety and enjoyment. With a bit of knowledge and some simple safety measures, you can enjoy a beautiful ambient atmosphere with your tea lights for many hours to come.

It is also important to check the wick of your tea light candles before lighting them. Ensure that the wick is trimmed to about 1/4 inch in length, which will help prevent the flame from becoming too large. Additionally, be sure to extinguish the candle when it has burned to within 1/2 inch of the holder, as this will help prevent the holder from becoming too hot.

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96NORTH sells the best soy wax candles on the market. We have a wide variety of naturally-scented candles, such as Madagascar vanilla and tropical coconut, which can transform your home into a serene, relaxing landscape.

Allow our candles to carry you to distant countries, atmospheres, and settings. Embrace their fragrance and journey through the aroma of beautiful exotic beaches and jaw-dropping lush jungles. 

Allow the luxurious scents of 96NORTH’s candles to turn your house into a comfortable and relaxing home. Shop our selection of soy scented candles on our website.

Can I leave a tea light burning?

You should not leave a tea light burning unattended, especially when it is within reach of young children or pets. 

Can tea light candles cause a fire?

Yes. You should handle tea light candles carefully; if they are not in candle holders, they can become a fire hazard. 

Why do my tea light candles keep going out?

Tea light candles often go out for several reasons, such as tunneling. To avoid your candle going out too often, trim the wick to between ⅛ and ¼ of an inch.