Candle Care Guide: How To Store Candles To Keep Them Fresh

“When a candle burns, the world slows. The small flame glows gently, melting away noise and filling the moment with peace.”

Candles are way more than just a flame. They add warmth and charm to any space. Whether it’s a soft glow for a cosy evening or a pretty decorative piece sitting on your shelf, candles always bring a special vibe. 

But if you don’t know how to store candles properly, they can lose their magic way too soon!

Most of us have taken out a candle from the box, excited to light it up. But instead of a fresh glow, we find it cracked, warped, or with no scent at all. 

Well, that’s because:

• of the heat which melts them,

• sunlight that causes discolouration,

• and even the wrong kind of wrapping that traps the moisture.

But we have got the good news for you! We have brought a detailed guide with some simple storage tips that will help you keep your candles looking beautiful and all fresh for a long time.

So, without a wait, let’s start!

7 Amazing Ideas for Storing Candles 

   1. Keep Candles in a Cool, Dry Place

The proper storage of candles starts with the right environment. Excess heat and moisture can cause them to warp, soften, or even develop a sticky surface. 

So, keeping them in cool and dry places, like:

• closet,

• cupboard, and

• drawer

This is ideal for maintaining their shape and appearance. Also, it’ll help to preserve their fragrances and colour. For long-term storage, consider using the candle storage boxes or shelves where they can remain upright and untouched. 

    2. Avoid Direct Sunlight And Heat Sources

The UV rays from sunlight can fade the wax colour over time, while the heat can soften the candle. This will eventually cause it to lose its shape or partially melt. 

Also, the high temperatures can accelerate the evaporation process of fragrance, and due to this, a candle can easily lose its scent whenever you try to burn it. 

So, to avoid this, store candles away from windows, heaters, and other heat sources. 

   3. Store Candles Upright

Keeping candles upright is one of the easiest ways of storing candles to protect their shape and quality. When candles are laid on their side, softer wax types, such as soy or beeswax, can bend, warp, or develop uneven surfaces.

But storing them upright keeps the wax and wick in the correct position. 

   4. Use Airtight Containers for Scented Candles 

Scented candles require extra care to preserve their fragrance. That’s because exposure to air can cause the essential oils in them to evaporate, which eventually weakens the scent. 

But using airtight containers or jars with lids helps you to lock in the fragrance and prevent dust or debris from settling on the surface. 

By this proper sealing method, the scented candles will remain aromatic even after months of storage, giving you a fresh and long-lasting experience with every use. 

   5. Separate Different Types of Candles

Different types of candles have different storage needs, so it’s important not to store them all together. 

For example, strongly scented candles can transfer their fragrance to more delicate ones if they are stored too closely. Also, they can scratch or stick together if they touch. 

So, the best approach is to store the candles by their types and, if possible, by scent. 

But, how to do that?

Well, wrap them individually in tissue paper or soft cloth. After that, keep them in divided compartments. By this, their shape, color, and fragrance will remain intact. 

   6. Avoid Extreme Temperature Changes

Sometimes, the extreme temperature changes can severely damage candles. 

For example, moving a candle from a sunny window to a cool air-conditioned room can cause the wax to crack easily. 

So, it’s always recommended to keep candles in moderate temperatures, and away from heaters, direct sunlight, or draft areas. 

   7. Keep Them Out of Reach of Pets

Candles are fragile and can be easily damaged if playful pets accidentally knock them over. 

To prevent this, always store candles in a location that is out of pets’ reach, like high shelves, locked cabinets, or dedicated storage boxes.

Storage for Seasonal or Rare Candles

The seasonal and rare candles are mostly the ones that are of limited edition and made for holidays or specific occasions like Christmas, Halloween, or Valentine’s Day. 

To store them:

1. Wrap each candle in soft cloth or acid-free tissue to prevent scratches.

2. Store in sealed boxes or storage bins to protect from dust, moisture, and bumps.

3. Handle them gently when moving or taking them out of storage.

4. Label boxes if you have multiple seasonal candles for easy access.

5. Rotate them occasionally to prevent uneven wax settling.

7 Common Mistakes to Avoid While Storing Candles

1. Don’t use plastic wrap that can trap moisture and damage the wax.

2. Avoid stacking candles on top of each other, which can cause dents or scratches.

3. Don’t store heavily decorated or painted candles with regular candles. They can get scratched or smudged.

4. Avoid overcrowding shelves or boxes, which can lead to accidental dents or breaks.

5. Don’t store candles near cooking areas where heat and smoke can affect them.

6. Avoid using tape or stickers directly on candles because this can damage the surface.

7. Don’t place candles near vibrating surfaces, which can cause cracks in softer wax.

How To Extend Candle Life? (Important Tip)

To extend the life of a candle, trim the wick before every burn to ensure a clean and even flame. You can also burn them in short intervals to prevent tunneling and uneven melting. 

Summing Up

Proper candle storage is important to keep them looking their best and smelling delightful for longer. Following ways like storing them in a cool and dry place, keeping them upright, and more will prevent warping, cracking, and fragrance loss. 

Also, it will help you to bring warmth, charm, and a cosy glow to your home for months to come. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q1. Can wax melts be stored together?

A1. Yes, you can store wax melts together only if you keep them separated in different compartments. You can also use resealable bags to prevent scents from mixing.

Q2. For how long can you store candles?

A2. Candles usually don’t have any specific expiration date, but their shelf life depends on their storage. So, always store them in a cool and dry place away from sunlight and humidity. Also, look for airtight containers to maintain their fragrance and quality over time. 

Q3. Should candles be stored in the fridge?

A3. No, candles should not be stored in the fridge because the extreme cold temperature can cause cracking, damage the wick, and weaken the scent. So, they should always be stored in a cool and dry place, and extreme temperature fluctuations should also be avoided. 

Q4. Where to keep scented candles?

A4. Scented candles should be kept in airtight containers in a cool and dry place to protect the wax and fragrance from dust, moisture, and direct sunlight. Also, avoid extreme temperature changes for a long shelf life. 

Q5. How to wrap candles for storage?

A5. To wrap candles for storage, use acid-free tissue paper or wax paper. You can also use bubble wrap and carefully store them in an airtight container away from direct sunlight and dust.