Brooke Martin
Candles are a popular home décor item and are used in various celebrations and rites. They are made from different types of wax, including paraffin, beeswax, and vegetable-based waxes like soy and coconut. While candles do not have an expiration date, their longevity depends on the type of wax used and how they are stored. For example, natural wax candles made from soy, beeswax, or coconut oil can become rancid over time due to oxidation, which can cause the wax to discolour and give off an unpleasant smell. Therefore, it is recommended to store candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain their quality and prevent discolouration.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lifetime of a candle | Depends on the type of wax used and how it's stored |
| Burn time | Depends on the size of the candle, the type of wax, and the number of wicks |
| Storage | Keep away from direct sunlight and other harsh lights. Store in a cool, dry place away from heat sources and areas with high humidity or moisture |
| Scent | Scented candles can lose their scent over time, especially if not stored properly. Natural wax candles have a shorter shelf life than paraffin wax candles |
| Wax | Organic, vegetable-based waxes like soy and coconut are more prone to breaking down over time. Paraffin and beeswax candles are more stable and can last almost indefinitely if stored correctly |
| Wicks | Wicks can become dry and clogged over time, making it difficult to light the candle |
| Cleaning | Clean the candle of debris and soot or charred flakes using a wet cotton pad soaked with warm soapy water |
| Safety | Extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to bed to prevent accidental fires. Never leave a candle unattended |
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Candle storage
While candles do not technically "expire", their lifetime depends on the type of wax used and how they are stored. Organic, vegetable-based waxes like soy and coconut are more prone to breaking down over time, whereas paraffin and beeswax candles are more stable and can last almost indefinitely if stored correctly.
To ensure your candles last as long as possible, there are several storage do's and don'ts to keep in mind. Firstly, avoid storing candles in areas with high humidity or moisture, such as bathrooms. Similarly, do not store them near other heat sources, like kitchen stoves, fireplaces, or in the attic, as wax can melt in extreme heat. Keep candles at room temperature and away from direct sunlight. Store them somewhere dark and cool, and avoid areas with sudden changes in temperature, such as near radiators or vents.
If you are displaying your candles, you can use a candle topper or a glass cloche to help preserve the fragrance longer and protect the wax from dust. For candles in glass containers, it is important to note that they take about two hours to completely cool down. It is safer to trim the wick when the wax pool has hardened, and you can also reposition the wick to its wax centre to prevent soot stains from forming on the glass.
When it comes to organising your candle collection, there are various storage solutions available. You can purchase dedicated candle storage boxes or shelves, or opt for more affordable options like IKEA's Kallax cube shelves, which can fit multiple candles in each cube.
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Scented candles
Organic, vegetable-based waxes like soy and coconut are more prone to breaking down over time. Once they start to degrade, the wick may become clogged, and the candle will be difficult to light. On the other hand, paraffin and beeswax candles are more stable and can last almost indefinitely if stored properly. Soy candles are best used within a year or two of purchase.
To make your scented candles last longer, it's important to store them properly. Keep them away from direct sunlight and other harsh lights, as heat and sunlight can cause the wax to melt, discolour, or fade. Use a candle topper or a glass cloche to preserve the fragrance longer, and store candles in a cool, dark place with low humidity and consistent temperature.
Additionally, proper candle care can prolong the life of your scented candles. Upon first use, burn your candle for a few hours to allow the top layer of wax to fully melt, ensuring an even burn. After that, limit burn time to 3-4 hours to avoid tunneling, which wastes wax and reduces the candle's ability to light. Regularly trim the wick, clean the candle of debris, and reposition the wick to prevent soot stains.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your scented candles for longer and create a pleasant and immersive fragrance experience in your home.
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Candle safety
Candles are a great way to add ambience to a room, but they can be dangerous if not used properly. Here are some safety tips to follow when using candles:
Candle Placement
- Place burning candles at least three inches apart from one another. This ensures they don't melt each other and create drafts that affect the burn.
- Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything flammable, such as curtains or paper.
- Don't burn candles in the bedroom, bathroom, or sleeping areas.
- Place candles in stable holders that are specifically designed for candle use. The holder should be heat-resistant, sturdy, and large enough to contain any wax drips.
- Avoid placing candles near sources of heat like kitchen stoves, fireplaces, or attics.
- Store candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Candle Care
- Before lighting a candle, trim the wick to 1/4 inch. This promotes an even burn and prevents dripping or flaring.
- Upon first use, burn your candle for at least four hours to ensure the top layer of wax melts evenly. After that, limit burn time to three to four hours to avoid tunneling, which wastes wax.
- Keep the wax pool clear of wick trimmings, matches, and debris.
- Extinguish a candle if the flame becomes too high or flickers repeatedly. Allow the candle to cool, trim the wick, and check for drafts before relighting.
- Never leave a burning candle unattended. Always blow out candles when leaving a room or going to bed.
By following these safety guidelines, you can enjoy your candles while minimizing the risk of accidents or fires.
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Candle maintenance
Candles are a great way to add a cosy ambiance to your space, but they require proper care to keep them burning cleanly and to last longer. Here are some tips for candle maintenance:
Before Lighting
Before lighting your candle for the first time, trim the wick to about a quarter of an inch (6mm) to ensure a safer and smaller flame. This will also help to avoid "mushrooming", which can result in unnecessary soot. Also, ensure that the candle is placed on a heat-resistant surface, away from flammable items, drafts, and fans.
During Burning
For the initial lighting, it is recommended to burn the candle for 2-4 hours to ensure an even burn and to prevent \"tunnelling\", which is when the candle burns down the middle, leaving wax around the edges. Avoid burning your candle for extended periods, and keep it away from direct sunlight and other heat sources. Allow the candle to liquefy completely across the top, and maintain a clean burn by gently pouring off excess wax or using a candle wick dipper to push the wick into the wax pool.
After Burning
Allow the candle to cool completely before handling. If soot forms on the inside of the vessel, extinguish the candle, wait for it to cool, then wipe it with a clean, damp cloth. After each use, clean the candle of any debris, such as wick trimmings, matches, or charred flakes, using a wet cotton pad soaked with warm soapy water. Enclose the candle with a lid, if possible, to prevent dust from settling on the surface.
Storage
To maintain the quality of your candles, store them in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and areas with high humidity or moisture. Proper storage can extend the shelf life of your candles and help them burn as intended.
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Types of candle wax
The type of wax used in a candle can significantly influence its burning time, scent dispersion, and overall quality. Different types of waxes have their own unique properties, and some are synthetic, while others are natural. Here are some of the most common types of candle wax:
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax is one of the most popular types of candle wax, especially for those looking to create highly scented candles. It is known for its affordability and versatility. It has an excellent scent throw, meaning it can carry strong fragrances, and it comes in various melting points, allowing candle-makers to create everything from votives to pillars and container candles. It is derived from petroleum, making it widely available. However, it is not the most eco-friendly option as it creates toxic smoke and soot.
Beeswax
Beeswax is a natural and versatile wax that has been used for centuries in candle-making. It is a by-product of honey production and is known for its clean-burning properties and natural, earthy qualities. Beeswax burns slowly and produces little to no smoke, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a long-lasting, clean-burning candle with a subtle, natural honey scent. It is also believed to purify the air by releasing negative ions. However, beeswax is not vegan-friendly and is more expensive than some other types of wax.
Soy Wax
Soy wax is a natural wax derived from soybeans. It is a good middle-ground choice for candles, offering a slow, steady burn, and it is widely available, affordable, and environmentally friendly. Soy wax is known to hold fragrances well, making it suitable for scented candles, although it does not hold or dissolve pigments well. It works best in candles that come in vessels such as tealights and votive candles.
Coconut Wax
Coconut wax is a newer addition to the types of candle wax, but it is already gaining popularity for its luxurious properties. It is biodegradable, burns slowly, and holds fragrance and colour well, providing an excellent scent throw. Its creamy texture makes it perfect for blending with other waxes like soy to create high-quality candles. It is also eco-friendly, with coconuts being a high-yield, sustainable crop.
Rapeseed Wax
Rapeseed wax is a natural wax derived from rapeseed oil. It is a good option for those seeking an eco-friendly candle with excellent burn performance, as it is sustainable, vegan-friendly, and burns cleanly with minimal soot production. It is also suitable for blending with other waxes to achieve a desired consistency. However, one drawback is its higher price point due to the rigorous sourcing and extraction process.
Palm Wax
Palm wax is a natural wax that can give candles a unique, crystalline, and feathered texture, making it great for decorative candles. It burns slowly and cleanly, creating visually appealing textures. Palm wax is harder, making it suitable for freestanding candles like pillars. However, the main concern with palm wax is that it contributes to the deforestation of palm trees.
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Frequently asked questions
Candles do not have an expiration date, but they can expire. The wax can melt in extreme heat, and scented candles can lose their scent over time. The lifetime of a candle depends on the type of wax used and how it is stored.
The best way to tell if a candle has expired is to check the fragrance. If the fragrance is not as strong as it used to be, or if it has changed, the candle may have expired.
A candle will usually burn for somewhere between one and two years if it is properly cared for. Beeswax and paraffin candles are more stable and can last almost indefinitely if stored correctly.
Keep candles away from direct sunlight and other harsh lights. Store them somewhere dark, cool, and dry. Avoid areas with high humidity or moisture, and areas with sudden changes in temperature.
