Chloe Adams
Candles are a great way to decorate your home and create a cosy atmosphere, but they can be a hassle to store. Whether you're a frequent host or just like to create a warm ambiance, it's important to know how to properly store candles to extend their lifespan and maintain their scent and colour. In this text, we will discuss the do's and don'ts of candle storage, including temperature control, protection from sunlight, and organisation techniques, so that you can keep your candles in perfect condition until you're ready to light them up!
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What You'll Learn
Keep them in a cool, dark place
Keeping your candles in a cool, dark place is essential for maintaining their condition and maximising their lifespan. Fragrance oils and waxes are sensitive to heat, so storing candles in a cool location is crucial. An ideal storage area should be below 80 °F; the colder the temperature, the better.
It is best to avoid placing candles near sources of direct heat, such as radiators, space heaters, or kitchen appliances. Additionally, areas with temperature fluctuations, like garages, are not suitable for candle storage. Instead, opt for spaces that maintain a cool, consistent temperature, like a basement or a linen closet.
Bathrooms and kitchens are also not ideal due to their typically higher humidity levels. To protect your candles from humidity and moisture, choose a dry storage location.
Direct sunlight can cause oxidation and degradation of dyes and fragrance oils in the wax, resulting in a faster loss of scent and colour. Therefore, it is essential to store candles away from windows and other sources of harsh light, such as spotlights and desk lamps.
By following these guidelines and choosing a cool, dark, and dry location, you can effectively preserve the quality and longevity of your candles.
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Avoid temperature fluctuations
Candles are sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Fragrance oils and waxes are sensitive to heat. Avoid keeping candles anywhere that gets hotter than room temperature, and never leave them near sources of direct heat, such as radiators, space heaters, or kitchen appliances. The ideal temperature for storing candles is below 80 °F. The colder the temperature, the better. You can even store them in your fridge, but never in the freezer, as this may damage the candle wick and cause the wax to crack or split.
If you live in an area that's warm year-round, your garage might not be the best place to store candles. A linen closet or hallway cabinet is a better choice as these spots are more naturally cool and easy to access. Keep them on the top shelf of a closet, organised by season or type.
If you're short on space, take advantage of every available nook and cranny. One commonly overlooked storage space is on the back of your closet doors. A shoe bag hanging on the back of the door is perfect for holding pillar candles.
If you have a lot of candles, heavy-duty shelving in the basement is an option, as it stays very cool year-round. Rotate your candles seasonally and keep the ones you're not using in a cool, dry place.
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Don't store them in the bathroom or kitchen
While it may be tempting to store your candles in the bathroom or kitchen, these are not the best places to keep them. Bathrooms and kitchens typically have higher levels of humidity than other rooms in the house. Humidity, along with temperature fluctuations, can cause the candle wax to soften and melt, creating a mess. Additionally, candles are sensitive to temperature changes, and kitchens can get quite hot due to cooking and the use of appliances, which can affect the integrity of the wax and fragrance.
The same issue arises with temperature control in bathrooms. The hot and steamy environment from baths and showers can cause similar damage to candles, especially those with essential oils, which tend to degrade after about two years. Therefore, it is best to avoid storing candles in areas prone to high humidity and temperature fluctuations, such as bathrooms and kitchens, to ensure they remain in optimal condition.
Furthermore, kitchens and bathrooms may have windows that let in direct sunlight. Storing candles under direct sunlight is not recommended as it can cause oxidation and degradation of the dyes and fragrance oils in the wax. This can result in the scent and colour of your candle fading much faster than it would in a dark location. So, while it may be convenient to keep candles in these spaces, the impact on their quality is something to consider.
Lastly, kitchens and bathrooms are typically smaller spaces with limited storage areas. If you have a large candle collection, it may be challenging to find a suitable spot that is dark, cool, and dry. By avoiding these rooms, you open up more storage possibilities, such as linen closets or hallway cabinets, which are naturally cooler and better suited to preserve the scent and appearance of your candles.
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Keep them out of direct sunlight
Keeping candles out of direct sunlight is one of the most important things to remember when storing candles. Direct sunlight causes oxidation and degradation of the dyes and fragrance oils in the wax, resulting in the candle's scent and colour fading faster than they would otherwise.
The same rule applies to other harsh sources of light, such as desk lamps and spotlights. Therefore, it is best to store candles in a cool, dark location, preferably somewhere that does not get hotter than room temperature.
Bathrooms and kitchens are not ideal for candle storage as they typically have higher levels of humidity than other rooms in the house. Garages are also not recommended for candle storage, especially in areas with hot summers, as the heat may cause the candle wax to soften and the fragrance to deteriorate.
Instead, a linen closet or hallway cabinet is a better choice for storing candles, as these spots are more naturally cool and easy to access. If you have extra room, you can even keep your candles in the fridge, but be sure to never store them in the freezer as this may damage the candle wick and cause the wax to crack or split.
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Store them in a sealed container
If you want to store your candles in a sealed container, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, candles are sensitive to temperature and humidity fluctuations. Therefore, it is best to avoid storing them in places with high humidity, such as bathrooms and kitchens, and to keep them away from direct sources of heat like radiators, space heaters, or kitchen appliances. Instead, opt for a cool, dark location, such as a hallway cabinet or linen closet, to maintain a consistent temperature.
When choosing a sealed container, consider using clear stacking bins or all-purpose storage bins, which can be easily found at homeware stores. These bins help to keep your candles organised and protected. You can also utilise shoe bags that hang on the back of closet doors, which are perfect for holding pillar candles.
Additionally, if you plan to store your candles for an extended period, cover them or keep them in their original packaging to preserve the scent and prevent dust accumulation. If you're storing scented candles, it's important to know that essential oils have a shorter shelf life, typically degrading after about two years.
While candles have a long shelf life, proper storage is key to maintaining their condition and fragrance. By following these tips, you can effectively store your candles in a sealed container while preserving their quality.
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Frequently asked questions
It is best to store candles in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and sources of heat such as radiators, heaters, and kitchen appliances. The ideal temperature is below 80 °F.
To protect your candles from losing their scent, store them away from direct sunlight as this causes oxidation and degradation of fragrance oils. You can also cover your candles when not in use.
Keeping your candles organised helps to avoid clutter and keeps them in perfect condition. Group like items together and store them in a cool, enclosed, and dark place.
Candles should be stored away from flammable items and in a place where the temperature does not fluctuate. A linen closet or hallway cabinet is a good choice as they are naturally cool and easy to access.
