A question I am often asked in regards to incense, is “how long does the smell of incense last?”
Well, of course, the answer is that it depends.
Typically, the aroma of incense will last anywhere between one to twenty-four hours after the incense is done burning.
Let’s discuss some of the reasons why.
Table of Contents
The Burn Time
Incense sticks typically burn for about 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the style of incense, the size of the incense stick, the ingredients, the surrounding airflow, and the angle of the incense stick.
The Lingering Scent
After the incense sticks burn out, the scent can linger for quite a while, but it will really depend on the ingredients burned.
Some Fragrances Last Longer
For example, some high-end agarwoods can scent a room for a full twenty-four hour period, while some lighter floral scents may dissipate rather quickly.
The scent of pure resin incense, such as frankincense or myrrh, often lasts a bit longer then an incense stick.
Storing Your Incense Correctly
Improperly stored incense can eventually lose some of it’s potency, particularly if you have an incense variety which incorporates plant oils.
Make sure you’re storing your incense correctly so that it lasts as long as possible. Incense doesn’t usually expire, and some people believe some materials, such as ingredients with some harsh notes in their fragrance profile, can actually improve over time. Everybody’s nose is different. Only you can be the judge.
Heating & Cooling Systems Affect How Long the Aroma Lasts
Another thing to keep in mind is that many modern houses have heating and cooling systems. When these are active, the airflow can often quickly filter your room of the aroma.
We hope you found this information helpful.
This article was updated on 07/31/2020.
