Jessie Taylor
Candles are a popular home décor item, often used to create a cosy atmosphere and provide a soothing aroma. But do candles have an expiration date? While candles don't exactly expire in the traditional sense, their lifespan depends on the type of wax used and storage conditions. Scented candles, for example, may experience fragrance degradation over time, resulting in a weaker scent when burned. Colour degradation and discoloration can also occur, affecting the appearance of the candle. Beeswax candles are known for their longevity, while soy and coconut wax candles have a shorter shelf life. Proper storage, such as keeping candles away from direct sunlight and strong scents, can help extend the life of your candles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Expiry | Candles do expire, but they do not pose a threat if lit past their shelf life. |
| Lifespan | The lifespan of a candle depends on the type of wax used and how it is stored. |
| Scent | Candles can lose their scent over time, especially if not stored properly. |
| Colour | Candles can undergo colour degradation over time. |
| Burning | Older candles may not burn as well as new ones, and may burn unevenly. |
| Storage | Store candles in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and strong scents. |
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What You'll Learn
How to store candles
While candles do not exactly "expire", their lifetime depends on the type of wax used and how they are stored. Scented candles, in particular, can lose their fragrance over time if not stored correctly.
Pick a storage spot
Choose a cool, dark, and dry location to store your candles. The ideal temperature range is between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, with a preference for the cooler side. Basements, linen closets, and under-the-stairs closets are excellent options as they maintain a consistent temperature and are out of the way yet accessible. Avoid storing candles in areas with temperature fluctuations, such as garages or outdoors.
Use appropriate containers
Store candles in enclosed containers to protect them from dust and other contaminants. Glass containers with lids are suitable for most candles, but avoid stacking them to prevent breakage. Open glass jars can be placed in plastic bags to maintain their scent. Pillar candles should not be wrapped as they may stick to the wrapper and deform. Instead, stand them upright in a plastic or acrylic bin to catch any melting wax and protect the shelf.
Organise your collection
Keep like items together and organise your candles by type, season, or fragrance. You can use shelves or cabinets to sort and display your candles. If you're concerned about oil leakage, place ceramic or cement candle jars in plastic bags to avoid damaging other items. Rotate your collection periodically to ensure all your candles are used and enjoyed.
Handle with care
Always use a coaster under candles to protect surfaces. When transporting or rearranging candles, be gentle to avoid breakage or deformation. If you're storing candles for an extended period, periodically check their condition and smell to ensure they haven't degraded.
By following these tips, you can effectively store your candles and prolong their lifespan, ensuring they burn beautifully when you need them.
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Scented candles losing their fragrance
Scented candles can lose their fragrance over time, and this process is known as scent degradation. While it typically occurs gradually and may take more than six months to a year for noticeable effects, it is always happening. The rate of degradation depends on factors such as the type of wax, the quality of fragrance oils, storage conditions, and age.
To preserve the fragrance of scented candles, proper storage is essential. Candles should be kept in a cool place, away from direct heat, sunlight, and high humidity. Additionally, covering them with lids or candle toppers helps retain the scent and prevents dust accumulation.
The type of wax used in candles also plays a role in scent retention. For example, paraffin candles can last almost indefinitely when stored properly, whereas soy candles are best used within a year or two.
It's worth noting that expired candles may not only lose their scent but also exhibit discoloration and poor burn performance. Heat and sunlight can cause yellowing or other forms of discoloration. Wicks of expired candles may become difficult to light, resulting in a smaller flame or frequent flickering.
To summarize, scented candles can lose their fragrance over time due to various factors, and proper storage and choice of wax type can help prolong their scent.
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Natural wax candles and shelf life
While candles do not exactly "expire", the lifetime of a candle depends on the type of wax used and how it is stored. Natural wax candles, such as those made from soy, coconut, or beeswax, tend to have a shorter shelf life than their paraffin counterparts.
Soy wax candles are best used within a year or two. Coconut wax candles are similar to soy wax candles in that they are also a natural and often organic material. Coconut wax candles are best burned within 1-2 years of purchase. Beeswax candles, on the other hand, never expire. They can be found burning beautifully even after several hundred years, as evidenced by beeswax candles found in sunken ships.
The shelf life of natural wax candles can be extended by proper storage. It is important to consider the melting point of the wax when choosing a storage location, as wax can melt within its packaging if stored in a warm, closed environment with no airflow. Natural sunlight and artificial light can also cause chemical reactions within the wax due to harmful UV rays, so it is best to keep wax in a dark environment.
Over time, natural wax will lose its ability to hold scent and colour due to the natural deterioration of its organic elements. This process is gradual and may not be noticeable for the first 6 months to a year, but the longer a candle is stored, the less scent it will produce when burned.
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Signs that a candle has expired
While candles do not have an expiration date, there are some signs that can indicate that a candle has expired or gone bad. Here are some signs to look out for:
Scent Degradation
Scented candles can lose their fragrance over time, especially if they are not stored properly. If you notice that your candle has little to no scent when you take a whiff, it may be a sign that the fragrance oils have degraded or evaporated.
Colour Degradation
Candles with added dyes may experience colour degradation, causing the wax to become discoloured. This can be due to oxidation if the candle contains natural oils such as soy, beeswax, or coconut oil.
Wax Issues
If the wax has split or formed a coating on the surface, it could indicate that the candle has been exposed to heat or sunlight. Wax that has melted and resolidified may pull away from the sides of the jar or container, affecting the candle's appearance and burn quality.
Burning Issues
If a candle is difficult to light or does not burn evenly, it may be a sign of improper storage or age. This could be due to wick issues, such as a wick that has become too moist or too long, affecting the flame and burning experience.
Safety Concerns
An expired candle may produce a weak flame or burn incorrectly, and the wax may separate or become rancid. Burning such candles may release harmful toxins, posing a potential health risk. If a candle seems strange or smells odd, it is best to discard it and purchase a new one.
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How long candles last when lit
Candles do not exactly "expire", but their lifetime depends on the type of wax used and how they are stored. Beeswax candles, for instance, can last for several hundred years, as evidenced by the discovery of beeswax candles in sunken ships that still burned beautifully after drying out the wick.
The "burn time" of a candle, or the amount of time it can stay lit, depends on the size of the candle, the type of wax, and the number of wicks. A 12 oz luxury candle from the Harlem Candle Company, for example, has an average burn time of 80 hours.
It is recommended that candles be burned for no more than 2 hours at a time, and ideally for no more than 4 hours. Burning a candle for too long can create a safety hazard, as the bottom of the candle can overheat. To avoid this, some high-quality candles have a safety clip at the bottom that automatically extinguishes the flame.
Scented candles will lose their fragrance over time, even when stored properly. This is due to the separation of the oils from the wax. The rate of scent degradation depends on the type of wax and the quality of the fragrance oils used. Colour degradation can also occur, causing the candle to fade over time.
To make your candles last longer, ensure they are stored properly. Paraffin candles, for example, can last almost indefinitely when stored correctly, while soy candles are best used within one to two years. Keeping a lid on jar candles can help enhance their fragrance by keeping the wax surface clear of dust and debris.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, most candles do expire, but how long they last depends on their ingredients and how they're stored.
Candles made with natural waxes like soy, coconut or beeswax tend to have a shelf life of around 1-2 years. Paraffin wax candles can last indefinitely in the right storage conditions.
Scented candles will lose their fragrance over time, and coloured candles will fade. If the wick looks dry, the candle may be past its best, but it can still be burned safely.
Expired candles don't usually pose a threat if lit and used according to the label instructions, but they may burn less evenly.
Store candles in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep them sealed and wrapped in paper or cotton. When burning a new candle for the first time, don't blow it out until the wax has melted all the way across the surface. Trim the wick regularly.
