Ben Carter
Candles are a great way to add ambiance to a room, but how long do they last in storage? The lifespan of a candle depends on several factors, including its ingredients and how it's stored. While some candles, like those made with synthetic oils, can be stored for years, others, such as those made with natural wax and essential oils, have a shorter shelf life. Proper storage is key to preserving the quality of a candle, especially when it comes to scent and colour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lifespan | Depends on the ingredients; candles with synthetic oils and ingredients can be stored for years, while those with natural wax and essential oils won't last as long. Paraffin wax candles can last almost indefinitely. |
| Scent | The fragrance of a candle will weaken with age, especially if not stored properly. |
| Colour | Candles can change colour over time, especially if exposed to UV light. |
| Wick | If the wick struggles to hold a flame, the candle may have expired. |
| Wax | If the wax has an odd colour, this may be a sign of exposure to UV rays. Wax can also become dry, cracked, or pitted over time. |
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What You'll Learn
Scented candles should be used within 12-16 months
Scented candles are a wonderful addition to any home, but they don't last forever. While candles themselves don't truly "expire", their scent and colour will eventually fade, and their wicks may deteriorate. To ensure the best scent and burn, scented candles should be used within 12-16 months.
The lifespan of a candle depends on its ingredients and how it is stored. Candles made with natural wax and essential oils will not last as long as those made with synthetic ingredients, which can be stored for years. Beeswax candles, for example, are known to last for hundreds of years, while still burning beautifully.
To preserve the quality of your scented candles, it is important to store them properly. Keep them away from sunlight and in a cool, dark place. Sunlight and indoor lights emit UV rays, which can cause the candle's colour to fade and the wax to degrade over time.
Additionally, the fragrance of a candle will gradually weaken and change as the fragrance oil molecules slowly evaporate into the air, even when the candle is not burning. This process occurs very gradually and may not be noticeable for the first 6 months to a year, depending on the type of wax and quality of fragrance oils used. However, the longer a scented candle is stored, the less scent it will produce when burned.
By following proper storage guidelines and using them within the recommended timeframe, you can ensure that your scented candles provide the best fragrance and burning experience.
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Beeswax candles don't expire
While most candles have a shelf life of around one to two years, beeswax candles are unique in that they do not expire. This is why they are often included in emergency kits and favoured by preppers. In fact, beeswax candles have been found in sunken ships that were several hundred years old and could still be burned (once the wick was dried out).
Beeswax candles are made from pure beeswax, which does not go rancid. They will, however, ''bloom' over time, developing a film-like appearance that may look like frost. This is considered a good sign, indicating that the candle is made from pure beeswax. If you prefer a shinier look, you can simply polish the candle with a soft cloth.
Unlike candles made from natural wax and essential oils, beeswax candles can be stored for years and will still burn just fine. The lifespan of a candle depends on various factors, including the type of wax, fragrance load, colourants, and quality of the wick. However, beeswax candles are known for their longevity and can be enjoyed for many years, even decades, with proper storage.
To ensure the best possible burn, it is important to store beeswax candles properly. Keep them away from sunlight and in a cool, dry place. This will help preserve the fragrance and prevent discolouration. While the fragrance of a beeswax candle may fade over time, it is worth noting that the scent is trapped within the wax, and once lit, the fragrance will be released again.
Overall, beeswax candles are a long-lasting and reliable option that can be enjoyed for years, making them a favourite for those who appreciate both their functionality and aesthetic appeal.
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Paraffin candles can last indefinitely
Paraffin candles are made from low-grade petroleum wax, which is extremely stable. They can last indefinitely in the right storage conditions.
Firstly, check if the manufacturer has listed an expiration date. If so, it's best to assume that this is accurate. If no expiration date is listed, which is often the case, there are other ways to tell if a candle has expired.
One of the first things to degrade in a candle is its scent. This is because fragrance oil molecules slowly evaporate from the wax into the air, even when the candle is not burning. To test this, check the candle's cold throw, or fragrance. If it is hard to detect, gently scratch the outer surface. If it still doesn't smell like anything, it may have expired.
Another way to tell if a candle has expired is to observe its colour. If the colour has faded or changed, it is likely that the candle is old. It should still burn, but it won't be as aesthetically pleasing. Similarly, if the candle was originally colourless and has since turned yellow, or if the wax is dry and cracked, it has probably expired.
To ensure that paraffin candles last as long as possible, store them correctly. Keep them away from direct sunlight and harsh lights, and use a candle topper or a glass cloche to preserve the fragrance. Store them in a dark, cool place, avoiding areas with high humidity or moisture, like bathrooms. Avoid areas with sudden temperature changes, such as radiators or vents.
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Store away from sunlight and heat
Sunlight and heat are two of the biggest enemies of candles, especially those made with essential oils, natural fragrances, and plant-based or organic waxes. When exposed to direct sunlight, the dyes and fragrance oils in the wax can undergo oxidation and degradation, causing the scent and colour of the candle to fade faster. Similarly, warm temperatures can cause the candle to sweat and separate from its fragrance, resulting in a loss of scent.
To prevent these issues, it is recommended to store candles in a cool, dark place with a temperature below 80 °F (26.7 °C). Basements are ideal for this purpose. Keeping candles away from direct heat sources such as radiators, space heaters, and kitchen appliances is crucial. If possible, avoid storing them near windows, as sunlight can cause the same issues as direct heat.
While it is important to keep candles cool, it is also essential to avoid freezing temperatures. Freezing may damage the candle wick and cause the wax to crack or split. Instead, aim for a cool, even temperature that will help preserve the fragrance and prevent any damage to the candle's structure.
Additionally, when storing candles, it is best to keep them in enclosed containers or covered with lids. This helps to block out direct light and preserve the scent, especially for scented candles. For candles without lids, consider using a bell cloche or a plastic bag to cover them when not in use, as this will also help keep dust and debris from settling on the wax.
By following these storage guidelines, you can extend the lifespan of your candles and ensure they remain in optimal condition until you are ready to light them.
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Colour and scent may fade over time
Colour and scent are two key features of a candle that may fade over time, especially when the candle is exposed to UV light. This happens because the molecules of fragrance oil evaporate from the wax into the air, even when the candle is not burning.
The longer a candle is stored, the less scent it will produce when burned. This is called scent degradation, which occurs very gradually, and may be almost unnoticeable for the first 6 months to a year, depending on the type of wax and quality of fragrance oils used. However, the scent will still be trapped within the wax, and once lit, the fragrance will be released again.
Similarly, a candle's colour can also change over time, especially if exposed to UV light. This is due to the dyes mixed into the wax oxidizing and degrading. To preserve the colour, it is recommended to store candles in a dark place, away from direct sunlight or bright indoor lights.
The lifespan of a candle depends on many factors, including its ingredients. Candles made with natural wax and essential oils will not last as long as those made with synthetic oils and ingredients. Beeswax candles, for example, are known to last for several hundred years, while soy candles are best used within a year or two.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, candles do expire, but this depends on the materials used to make them and how they are stored.
Candles made with natural wax and essential oils will not last as long as those made with synthetic oils and ingredients. Natural candles are best used within 12 to 16 months and stored properly.
Paraffin wax candles can last almost indefinitely when stored properly.
Soy candles are best used within a year or two.
An expired candle will smell more like wax than its intended scent. The wick may also struggle to hold a flame, and the wax may have an odd colour to it.
