Chloe Adams
Candles are a popular home décor item and are used in various celebrations and rituals. They are often bought in bulk and stored away for months, which raises the question: do candles expire? While the wax itself does not have an expiration date, candles can expire due to several factors, including the type of wax, the amount of aroma oils, and storage conditions. Natural wax candles, such as those made with soy wax, beeswax, or coconut oil, can become rancid over time due to oxidation, resulting in discolouration and an unpleasant smell. Synthetic wax candles, such as those made with paraffin wax, have a longer shelf life of up to five years but may start to lose their aroma after two years. Proper storage in a cool, dry, and dark place can help prolong the life of a candle, but ultimately, all candles will experience a decline in quality and performance over time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Expiry | Candles do not expire in the same way that food does, but they can show signs of degradation over time. |
| Factors Affecting Lifespan | Wax type, aroma oils, storage conditions, wick size, container size, additives, manufacturing methods, and environmental factors like room temperature, air movement, and oxygen levels. |
| Storage | Store in a cool, dry, dark, dust-free place, away from direct sunlight to preserve colour and fragrance. |
| Burn Time | A candle with a smaller wick could last for 9 hours per ounce of wax. The burning time of a 3-wick candle is approximately 48-90 hours. |
| Scent | The fragrance will dissipate over time, especially if the candle is not stored correctly. Natural fragrances will degrade faster than synthetic fragrances. |
| Colour | Candles may lose their colour over time, especially if exposed to UV rays. |
| Performance | Candles will lose performance over time, with wicks struggling to hold a flame and odd colours indicating expiration. |
| Lifespan | Candles should be used within 12-16 months or one to two years to guarantee the best scent and burn. |
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Candle storage
Candles can indeed expire, although they will not spoil like food. The scent of a candle will eventually fade, and its colour may change, but this process takes a long time if the candle is stored correctly.
To ensure your candles last as long as possible, it is best to store them in a cool, dry, and dark place. This will help to preserve the colour and fragrance of the candle. UV rays will break down the materials composing your candles over time, causing the colour to fade and the fragrance to dissipate.
Room temperature, air movement, and oxygen levels can also affect a candle's burn time. For example, candles kept in stuffy spaces may burn faster as they have access to less oxygen.
The type of wax used in a candle will also determine how long it lasts. Soy wax, for instance, tends to expire more quickly as it is a natural type of wax. Conversely, paraffin wax tends to last longer than other types of wax. However, paraffin is a petroleum-based material that burns quickly and produces toxic fumes.
If you have a large collection of candles, you may want to invest in storage shelves or containers to keep them organised and protected. Some people recommend IKEA Kallax cube shelves for storing candles, as they are sturdy and can fit many candles in each cube.
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Natural vs synthetic wax
Candles do not last forever, and there are several factors that determine their lifespan. The type of wax, the presence of a scent, and storage conditions all play a role in how long a candle will last.
Natural waxes are produced by plants and animals and occur in petroleum. They consist of long aliphatic alkyl chains and may contain unsaturated bonds and functional groups such as fatty acids, alcohols, ketones, and aldehydes. Beeswax, for example, is a natural wax with a high melting point, allowing candles made from it to burn for a long time. Soy wax is another natural wax that is popular due to its affordability and low burning temperature, resulting in longer-lasting candles. However, soy wax can expire more quickly if left unused for extended periods.
On the other hand, synthetic waxes are obtained through synthesis and consist of homologous series of long-chain aliphatic hydrocarbons (alkanes or paraffins) that lack functional groups. Paraffin wax, derived from petroleum, is a commonly used synthetic wax in candle-making due to its long lifespan. However, it burns quickly and produces toxic fumes, making it a less desirable option for scented candles. Another type of synthetic wax is Alpha Olefin wax, which is obtained through a chemical process involving the fractionation of ethylene oligomers.
The choice between natural and synthetic waxes depends on various factors, including cost, burn time, and environmental considerations. Natural waxes like beeswax and soy wax are preferred for their natural ingredients and long-lasting burn, but they may be more expensive. Synthetic waxes, such as paraffin, are cheaper and have a longer lifespan, but they burn faster and produce toxic fumes. Additionally, the presence of scent in candles can affect the choice of wax, as natural fragrance oils degrade more quickly than synthetic fragrances.
To maximise the lifespan of candles, regardless of the wax type, proper storage is crucial. Candles should be kept in a cool, dry, and dark place to prevent colour and fragrance dissipation due to UV rays and temperature changes.
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Candle scent
Candles can lose their scent over time, but this can be prevented or slowed down with proper care and maintenance. The first type of degradation that occurs in a candle is scent degradation, which happens when fragrance oil molecules slowly evaporate from the wax into the air, even when the candle is not burning. This process is almost unnoticeable for the first 6 months to a year, depending on the type of wax and the quality of the fragrance oils used.
To prolong the lifespan of a candle's fragrance, it is best to store it in a cool, dry, and dark place away from direct heat, sunlight, and sources of humidity. UV rays can break down the materials composing the candle, causing the fragrance to dissipate and the colour to fade. Additionally, candles made with natural fragrances tend to degrade faster than those with synthetic fragrances. Therefore, to achieve the best scent with the best lifespan, opt for candles that combine natural essential oils with perfume-quality fragrances.
The type of wax used in a candle also affects its scent longevity. For example, soy wax tends to expire more quickly than other types of wax, as it is a natural product. On the other hand, candles made from paraffin wax can last almost indefinitely when stored properly. Beeswax candles are another good option for longevity, as they require a high temperature to melt and can therefore be kept burning at a low flame for a long time.
Overall, while candles can lose their scent over time, proper storage and the choice of wax and fragrance type can help to prolong their fragrance.
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Wick size
The wick is an essential component of a candle, and choosing the right wick size is critical to ensuring the candle burns effectively and lasts longer. The size of the wick influences the rate at which the candle burns, with a larger wick leading to a faster burn and a smaller wick resulting in a slower burn.
When selecting a wick, it is important to consider the size and type of candle. A thicker wick is typically recommended for larger candles to ensure an even burn across the surface. Conversely, a thinner wick is more suitable for smaller candles, as it will burn at a slower pace. For example, tea light candles, which are smaller in size, have thinner wicks, resulting in a burn time of 12 to 15 hours. On the other hand, three-wick candles, which are larger, have multiple wicks to offer a longer burn time of over 35 hours.
Additionally, the number of wicks in a candle impacts its longevity. A candle with multiple wicks, such as the wooden dough bowl candle with five wicks, will last longer than a single-wick candle of the same size and wax type. This is because multiple wicks increase the surface area of the candle that is burning, allowing for a longer-lasting candle.
To optimise the burn time of a candle, it is crucial to trim the wick regularly. Trimming the wick to a specific length, such as 1/4 inch or 0.5 cm, helps the candle burn at a slower and more consistent pace. It also prevents the wick from becoming too long, which can cause smoking and the release of excessive soot.
Furthermore, the type of wax used in the candle plays a role in determining the appropriate wick size. Organic, vegetable-based waxes like soy and coconut tend to degrade over time, and their wicks may become clogged. In contrast, paraffin and beeswax candles are more stable and can last longer, provided they are stored correctly.
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Burn duration
Candles do not last forever, and there are several factors that determine how long a candle will burn for. The size of the candle is one of the most important factors, with larger candles having longer burn times than smaller candles due to containing more wax and fuel for the flame. The type of wax used also affects burn duration, with paraffin wax candles tending to have longer burn times than soy or beeswax candles. Harder waxes may also burn longer than softer waxes.
The number and size of wicks can also influence burn duration. Candles with a single wick tend to last longer than those with multiple wicks, and a smaller wick may burn slower than a larger wick. Additionally, candles burned in drafty or warm environments may burn faster than those in still or cool environments. Burning a candle for too long can also decrease its lifespan, as the wax may become too hot and melt away quickly. To prolong the life of a candle, it is recommended to burn it in short increments of no more than 4 hours at a time and to ensure that the wick is trimmed to 1/4 inch before each use.
The fragrance of a candle can also affect its burn duration. Natural fragrances will degrade more quickly than synthetic fragrances, and if a candle is not used for a long time, the fragrance oils may dissipate, causing the scent to fade. Storing candles in a cool, dry, and dark place can help prolong their lifespan by preventing changes in atmospheric conditions and protecting them from UV rays that can break down their materials.
On average, candles are typically burned for 1 to 6 hours at a time, with some candles designed to burn slowly and steadily and others designed to burn quickly. By taking into account the various factors that affect burn duration and properly caring for and using candles, their lifespan can be extended.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, candles can expire, but not in the same way that food does. Candles are subject to a decline in quality and performance over time. The fragrance and colour may fade, and the wax may become rancid or discoloured.
Candles should be used within 12-16 months of purchase to get the best scent and burn. They will last for one to two years if properly cared for and stored.
Store your candles in a cool, dry, dark place, away from direct sunlight. Keep them in a sealed container to preserve the scent. Trim the wick before lighting to prevent soot buildup and ensure an even burn.
