Is It Ok To Close Candle Lid?

A candle lid refers to the removable cover that sits on top of a candle jar or container when the candle is not being burned. Candle lids serve several purposes:

• They protect the wax and wick from dust, dirt, and other environmental contaminants when the candle is not in use.
• They help retain fragrance by preventing the essential oils in scented candles from dissipating into the air.
• They prevent the candle wax from melting or softening due to heat and light exposure.
• They can help prevent fire hazards by limiting oxygen supply to an abandoned burning candle.
• They provide an attractive decorative element to complete the look of a candle.

So in summary, the main reasons for closing candle lids are to extend candle life, retain fragrance, prevent wax issues, reduce safety risks, and for aesthetics.

Safety Concerns

There are a few safety hazards to be aware of when closing a burning candle lid, especially leaving a lit candle unattended with the lid closed.

One of the biggest risks is potential fire hazards if the flame gets too large. Closing the lid can trap heat and allow wax to pool, which can cause flare-ups or make the glass container prone to cracking. Excessive heat buildup can also lead to melted wax overflowing if the lid isn’t removed.

Accessibility is another issue, especially in homes with children or pets. A closed lid makes it harder to monitor the flame size or blow it out in case of emergency. Wax drips along the side may also be obscured. There’s greater danger of accidental burns if kids or pets knock over a closed, burning candle.

Effect on Burn Time

Closing a candle lid can significantly shorten the candle’s burn time. When the lid is closed, it starves the flame of oxygen since the airflow is restricted. This oxygen deprivation prevents the candle from burning efficiently.

With limited oxygen, the flame cannot fully release the scent and liquid wax molecules into the air. The wick has to work harder to draw up wax. This forces the candle to use up its wax supply faster than normal. Tests show that an open candle may burn for up to 20 hours, while closing the lid can shorten burn time to just 4-6 hours.

Therefore, closing the lid should be avoided if you want your candle to burn slowly and have a long burn time. An open flame allows maximum oxygen flow for slow, even burning. If you need to extinguish the candle temporarily, use a snuffer instead of the lid.

Effect on Scent Throw

Closing the lid of a burning candle can help intensify and distribute its scent throughout a room. Leaving the lid on traps the fragrance and prevents it from dissipating into the air as quickly. The lid essentially contains and circulates the scent, creating a stronger aromatic experience than with an uncovered candle.

With the lid closed, fragrance molecules have a harder time escaping the candle. Instead of floating away, they remain concentrated near the flame and disperse more slowly. Consequently, you are likely to notice a stronger, fuller scent. It envelops the space for a longer duration rather than quickly fading.

The effect on scent throw is one of the main reasons some people choose to burn their candles with the lids on. If you want your home to be infused with the candle’s fragrance, keeping the lid closed can help achieve that goal.

Keeping Dust Out

Closing the lid of a candle can help prevent dust and other particles from falling into the melted wax or landing on the wick.

When a candle is left uncovered, bits of dust, pet hair, and other debris can make their way into the candle, contaminating the wax pool and the wick. Over time, this buildup of dust on the wick can alter or disrupt the way the wick burns. Dust particles that fall into the melted wax can also create bubbling or smoking when the candle is lit. Keeping the lid closed ensures the wax and wick stay clean and free of debris.

Closing the lid forms a barrier between the candle and the open air, stopping dust and dirt from getting to the hot wax or wick while the candle is between uses. This keeps the candle burning smoothly when it’s lit again.

Preventing Tunneling

Closing the candle lid can help prevent tunneling, which is when the wax melts unevenly around the wick. This causes the melting wax to focus around the wick, leaving the edges of the candle untouched. Tunneling results in an uneven candle surface and can make the candle unusable well before all the wax has melted.

Closing the lid can help minimize air flow to the surface of the candle, which reduces tunneling. The restricted air flow helps the wax melt more evenly across the entire surface, rather than just around the wick. This allows the candle to maintain its original shape better.

Leaving the lid open provides more oxygen to reach the wick, accelerating the melting process there. Closing the lid restricts airflow and evens out the melting process across the surface of the candle.

Aesthetics

Many candle enthusiasts not only enjoy candles for their light and fragrance but also their visual appeal when decorating a space. Candle lids and jars often come in coordinating colors, patterns, and designs that add to the aesthetic harmony of a room. Closing the lid can help maintain this visual continuity when the candle is not in use.

Decorative lids adorned with cutouts, decorative knobs, or other embellishments are popular among high-end and specialty candles. Leaving these artistic lids in their closed position preserves the full decorative presentation when the candle is inactive between burns. An open lid may detract from the overall visual design.

Those focused on interior décor may prefer the tidy, finished look of a closed lid candle sitting on a shelf, table, or candle warmer between uses. Many feel an open jar looks incomplete or accidental rather than an intentional design choice.

When to Avoid Closing

Closing the lid of a candle may not always be advisable. Here are some instances when you’ll want to avoid closing a burning candle:

Certain wick types: If a candle has a wooden wick, zinc core wick, or other specialty wick, closing the lid can lead to rapid sooting which will clog the wick. These wick types benefit from being left open to allow proper airflow.

Container warnings: Check the candle label or underside of the lid for any warnings against covering a burning candle. Glass and other material types with warnings should not be covered when lit.

Unfamiliar candles: If you purchased a candle from an unknown brand or received it as a gift, it’s best not to cover it until you can confirm the safety of doing so. Test it first for any issues with an open flame.

Alternatives to Closing

If you want to avoid closing the lid of your candle, there are a few alternatives to consider:

Trim the Wick

Trimming the wick to 1⁄4 inch before lighting can help the candle burn evenly and avoid tunneling. This reduces the need to close the lid between burns.

Use a Candle Warmer

Candle warmers allow you to enjoy the scent of a candle without lighting it. The warmer heats the wax just enough to melt it and release fragrance. This avoids any issues with closing the lid.

Place in a Glass Surround

Using a glass vase or candle surround can protect the candle surface from dust and drafts. This can minimize the need to close the lid while still keeping debris out.

Conclusion

In closing, there are pros and cons to closing the lid on a burning candle. On the plus side, closing the lid can help the candle burn longer, prevent dust and debris from getting into the melted wax, and prevent tunneling. However, closing the lid can also trap scent molecules, leading to a weaker scent throw. The lid may also cause the candle flame to extinguish if the oxygen supply runs out.

Generally, it’s fine to close the lid on a candle for short periods of time, such as when briefly leaving a room. This helps contain the flame and prevent accidents. However, for optimal performance, it’s best to leave the lid off while the candle is actively being used to maximize scent diffusion and provide proper air flow. If you do close the lid, crack it slightly to allow oxygen flow. Consider using a candle lamp or hurricane lamp to safely contain the flame if you need to leave a burning candle unattended.