Candle making is a fun, creative activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It’s also a great way to relax and unwind after a long day. When making candles, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is how much salt to add.
Too little and your candles will not last very long. Too much and they won’t burn properly. So, exactly how much salt should you add?
Most experts believe that adding a pinch of salt to candle wax is more than enough to double its lifespan. That’s about 1/16th of a teaspoon or 0.36gms of salt. Any more than that, and your candles will be quite difficult to light and they will burn duller than usual.
We’re sure you must be having lots of questions about candle making and how adding salt affects the process. In this post, we’ll discuss the important role that salt plays in candle making and also give you some tips on increasing your candle’s lifespan. So, keep reading!
Why Do We Add Salt to Candle Wax?
The main reason that we add salt to candle wax is to increase its lifespan and make the candle burn for a longer period of time. You might have noticed that when you add salt to the water and then try to bring it to a boil, it takes longer than usual. The same principle applies here.
When you add salt to candle wax, it slows down the rate at which the candle melts. As a result, your candle will burn for a longer period of time before it melts completely. Some candle makers have even reported that their candles have burnt for a whole day before dying out after putting salt in them!
In addition to increasing the lifespan of candles, adding salt results in a brighter, cleaner flame that doesn’t produce as much smoke. The salt also helps to prevent the wax from dripping and makes it easier to remove the wick from the candle.
3 Ways You Can Add Salt to Your Candles
There are three ways that you can add salt to your candles – sprinkling it on top of the melted wax, dipping the finished candles in salt water for a few hours, or adding the salt directly to the wax. We’ll show you how to do all three of these methods!
Method #1 – Sprinkling Salt on Top of Melted Wax
In this method, you’ll first have to light the candle and then let it burn for a few minutes. By this time, a puddle of melted wax will have formed at the base of the wick. Blow out the candle and then sprinkle a pinch of salt onto the melted wax. You can now use a needle or a toothpick to properly mix the salt with the wax.
Once you relight the candle, you’ll notice that salt prevents the wax from burning too easily, thus keeping it lit for a long time.
Method #2 – Dipping Finished Candles in Saltwater
This method is particularly useful if you have a large batch of candles that you want to add salt to.
First, place your candles into a sufficiently deep dish or container, and then submerge them in two cups of water. Add in two tablespoons of salt and let it dissolve thoroughly. Let your candles soak in this mixture for about 24 hours. Once they’re done, take them out and let them dry.
These candles will now have an outer covering of salt that will prevent them from melting too quickly.
Method #3 – Adding Salt Directly to The Wax
This is quite a risky method, and we don’t recommend it unless you’re an experienced candle maker. The results can vary each time depending on the type of wax you’re using, but it’s found to be very effective at lengthening candle lifespan.
The first step is to grind some salt to a fine powder and then add a little bit of water to it. Let the salt dissolve completely. Now, add this water to the hot wax and mix thoroughly. Be very careful as the water might splash out due to the heat. Once the water has evaporated, the salt will crystallize inside the wax, thus giving your candles a pretty long lifespan.
What Other Ways Are There to Keep Your Candles Burning Longer?
While adding salt is the most common way to increase candle lifespan, there are other things that you can do as well to make your candles last longer.
- Trim the wick – Make sure that you trim the wick of your candles to about ¼ inch before each use. This will ensure that the wax is not consumed too quickly and that the flame is evenly distributed.
- Store candles in a cool, dry place – If you store your candles in a hot and humid environment, they’re bound to melt faster. Make sure to keep them in a cool, dry place where they will be less likely to melt.
- Use high-quality wax – If you use good-quality wax, your candles will last longer. Try to avoid using the cheapest types of wax, as they tend to not burn for very long.
- Freeze your candles – If you’re not going to use your candles for a while, you can freeze them. The colder the candle when it is lit, the longer it will take to melt, thus giving you more time until they’re completely gone.
- Wait before relighting candles – If you’ve blown out your candles but realize that you still have more time to burn them, wait at least five minutes before relighting them. This will give the wax enough time to cool down and avoid melting too soon.
- Find a suitable place to burn your candles – Make sure that the area where you’re burning your candles is free from drafts and other sources of airflow. This will help to keep the flame burning evenly.
- Use a candle holder – If you’re not using a candle holder, there are chances that the candle might melt inconsistently and sometimes even topple over before it’s fully melted. Make sure to use a holder to ensure that the candle burns evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s take a look at some of the most commonly asked questions regarding the addition of salt to candle wax.
Q.1. Will salt dissolve in wax?
No, salt will not dissolve in wax. However, it will get dispersed within the wax and recrystallize as the wax cools, thus protecting the wax from melting quickly.
Q.2. Can I add salt to candle wicks?
Yes, you can! Simply boil the wicks in some saltwater and allow them to dry overnight. These salted wicks will be stiffer and will burn more slowly, making them a great option for all types of candles.
Q.3. Which is the best salt to use for candle wax?
Any type of salt can be used for adding to candle wax, but we recommend using plain sea salt. You’ll almost always have them lying around the house and they tend to give the best results.
Final Thoughts
Adding salt to candle wax is a great way to keep your candles burning for a longer period of time. It’s an easy and affordable method that doesn’t require any special ingredients or tools. And remember, a tiny pinch goes a long way!
So, next time you’re about to light those candles, make sure to add some salt and watch as they burn through even the darkest of nights!
