Jessie Taylor
Candles are made from organic materials and will eventually decay, although they do not decompose. The scent and colour of a candle will fade over time, especially if it is left unsealed or placed in direct sunlight. The type of wax and additives used in candle-making will determine how long a candle lasts and whether it will expire. Beeswax candles, for example, are known to have a long shelf life due to their natural conservative properties. Soy wax candles have a shelf life of around one to two years. Partylite, a company that creates candles with natural and ethically sourced ingredients, does not explicitly state the shelf life of their candles, but it can be assumed that the shelf life depends on the type of wax and ingredients used in their candles.
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What You'll Learn
PartyLite candles are made with natural, ethically-sourced ingredients
Candles can be made from a variety of waxes, including beeswax, soy wax, palm wax, and paraffin wax. While candles do not decompose, they can "go bad" or expire over time. This is due to the organic materials used in their production, which can cause the candle to decay and lose its scent and colour. Scented candles, in particular, may spoil more easily if left unsealed or exposed to sunlight for extended periods.
The use of natural ingredients in PartyLite candles means that proper storage is essential to maintain their quality and prolong their lifespan. Candles should be kept in airtight containers to prevent scent evaporation and protect the wax from atmospheric moisture. Additionally, during the candle's lifetime, it is important to keep the wick trimmed to no longer than 1/4 inch, as a longer wick will cause the wax to burn quicker.
While the natural ingredients in PartyLite candles may require more careful storage, they offer benefits that make it worthwhile. Natural waxes like soy and palm have a slower burn rate compared to paraffin wax, providing a longer-lasting candle. They also tend to be more thermally stable, thanks to their higher melting points. Furthermore, palm wax has a superior fragrance load due to its crystal-like molecular structure, allowing it to hold and slowly release scents.
By choosing natural, ethically-sourced ingredients, PartyLite ensures that its candles are not only of high quality but also environmentally conscious. With proper care and storage, these candles can provide an enhanced fragrance experience and contribute to a brighter, more sustainable world.
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Natural wax candles expire within a year of opening the original packaging
While candles do not decompose, they are made with organic materials that will eventually decay. Natural wax candles, such as those made from soy or palm wax, are particularly susceptible to this. As such, it is recommended that natural wax candles are used within a year of opening the original packaging.
Natural wax candles can "'rot' or "spoil", just like food, because they are made from organic materials. Vegetable waxes have a shorter lifespan than paraffin waxes. Soy wax, for example, has a shelf life of a maximum of 2 years, even when stored properly. After this time, or within a year when opened and not properly stored, soy wax will begin to deteriorate and go bad. This is because soy wax is essentially super-hydrogenated soybean oil, which, like all vegetable shortening, can go bad.
Palm wax has a higher melting point than soy wax, which means that palm wax candles burn more slowly and are more thermally stable. Palm wax also holds onto fragrance better than other waxes due to its large, crystal-like molecular structure. However, palm wax is still considered an organic wax and will eventually decay.
To maximise the shelf life of candles, they should be stored in airtight containers, which will keep them fresh for longer than if they were stored in their original packaging. During a candle's lifetime, keeping the wick no longer than 1/4 inch will elongate its burn time. A longer wick will cause excess heat and the wax to burn quicker than needed.
Partylite candles are made with natural, ethically-sourced ingredients. As such, they are likely to be made with natural waxes, which will expire within a year of opening the original packaging if not stored properly.
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Scented candles can lose their fragrance over time
While candles do not decompose, scented candles can lose their fragrance over time. The scent is usually the first thing to go, followed by colour degradation. The rate at which a candle loses its fragrance depends on how it is stored. If a candle is left unsealed or exposed to direct sunlight, it will lose its scent and colour. Pillar and taper candles that are left out on display are likely to lose their scent much faster than container candles that are kept closed when not in use.
The type of wax also determines how long a candle's fragrance will last. For example, beeswax candles have the longest shelf life of any candle due to their waxy substance, propolis, which has preservative effects. In contrast, soy wax has a shelf life of about two years, even when stored properly. This is because soy wax is considered an \"organic\" or \"natural\" wax, made from soybeans, which are organic materials that can \"rot\" over time. Similarly, candles made with essential oils may also "rot" because they are made from plants and flowers.
To ensure that a candle's fragrance lasts as long as possible, it is recommended to burn the candle correctly the first time. This means burning the candle until the wax melts to the edge of the container to create a layer of protective wax. This layer traps the scents below the melted wax and decreases the rate of scent evaporation. It also protects the unburned wax from atmospheric moisture. During the candle's lifetime, keeping the wick no longer than 1/4 inch will elongate its burn time. A longer wick will cause the wax to burn quicker than needed due to excess heat.
In addition to proper burning techniques, proper storage is essential to prolonging a candle's life and keeping it in optimal condition. Storing candles in airtight containers can help keep them fresh for longer. It is also recommended to use candles within a year of opening their original packaging, especially if they are made of natural waxes such as soy or palm wax.
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Colour degradation can occur if exposed to sunlight
While some sources claim that candles never expire, this is not entirely true. Candles can "go bad" or go stale over time. This is especially true for scented or coloured candles, which may spoil if left unsealed or placed in direct sunlight for extended periods. Colour degradation can occur if exposed to sunlight, leading to dye discolouration and a poor hot throw.
The wax type of a candle determines its shelf life. Natural waxes, such as soy and palm wax, have shorter lifespans than paraffin waxes. Soy wax, for example, has a shelf life of up to two years, even when stored properly. Soy and palm waxes are considered "'organic'" or "natural" waxes, derived from soybeans and palm berries, respectively. As organic materials, they can "'rot'" over time, similar to food. Vegetable waxes also have shorter lifespans than paraffin waxes.
Beeswax candles, on the other hand, are known for their longevity. They have the longest shelf life among candles due to the conservative properties of their substances. Ancient Egyptians even used propolis, a substance in beeswax, for mummification. Candles made from citronella, an organic material derived from lemongrass, typically last for 24 months before degrading in quality.
The addition of preservatives can also extend a candle's lifespan. Commercial-grade candles often contain preservatives to prevent the wax from turning rancid and yellow. However, factors like fragrance load and colourants can still impact how these candles burn over time. Proper storage is crucial, as scented candles can lose their fragrance, and coloured candles can fade when exposed to sunlight.
To maximise the shelf life of candles, it is recommended to use airtight storage containers and burn the candle correctly initially. This involves burning the candle until the wax melts to the edge of the container, creating a protective layer that traps scents and slows scent evaporation. During the candle's lifetime, maintaining a wick length of no more than 1/4 inch will elongate its burn time.
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Proper candle storage can increase shelf life
While candles do not decompose, they are made with organic materials and will eventually decay. Proper candle storage can increase shelf life.
Firstly, it is important to note that the type of wax and the additives used will determine how long a candle will last. For example, beeswax candles have the longest shelf life of any candle due to their waxy substance, propolis, which the ancient Egyptians used to mummify the dead. Soy wax, on the other hand, has a shelf life of 2 years even when stored properly.
Secondly, scented and coloured candles may spoil if left unsealed or placed in direct sunlight for long periods of time. This is because the sun's UV rays can cause the candle to lose its scent and colour, leading to a poor hot throw and dye discoloration. Therefore, it is recommended to store candles in airtight containers and away from direct sunlight to prolong their life and keep them in optimal burning condition.
Additionally, it is important to burn a candle correctly to maximize its burn time. This means burning the candle until the wax melts to the edge of the container, creating a protective layer of wax that traps the scents and slows their evaporation. Keeping the wick no longer than 1/4 inch will also elongate burn time as a longer wick will cause excess heat and quicker wax melting.
Finally, it is worth noting that candles made with essential oils may rot over time as they are considered organic and made from plants and flowers. Therefore, it is recommended to use these candles within a year of opening the original packaging.
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Frequently asked questions
Partylite candles are made from natural, ethically-sourced ingredients. While candles do not decompose, they can degrade over time, especially if they are scented or coloured. To ensure your Partylite candles stay fresh, store them in a cool, dry place and use them within a year of opening the original packaging.
To maximise the shelf life of your Partylite candles, store them in airtight containers to keep them fresh. During the candle's lifetime, maintain the wick at no longer than 1/4 inch to elongate its burn time. A longer wick will cause the wax to burn quicker.
The initial indicators of candle expiration are scent degradation and colour loss. Eventually, the integrity of the wax itself will be compromised.
