The Best Way To Store Candles

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 candle hoarder or just looking to store a few, finding the right place to keep them can be tricky. Storing candles is all about maintaining their scent, protecting them from damage, and ensuring safety. So, where do you even start?

Keep candles in a cool, dry, dark place

Keeping candles in a cool, dry, dark place is the number one rule for storing all types of candles for short or extended periods. The ideal temperature range is between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, erring on the cooler side.

A basement storage room with low humidity is a great option, as basements tend to stay cool year-round. Alternatively, a shelf in a guest room, a linen closet, or an under-the-stairs closet are all perfect places to keep extra candles. These spots are naturally cool, and your candles will be within easy reach when you need them.

If you live in an area with a warm climate, avoid storing candles in the garage, as this can impact the scent quality. Instead, opt for indoor storage solutions like a hallway cabinet or a linen closet.

To maintain the scent of your candles, consider storing them in their original packaging or wrapping them in tissue paper before placing them in a box or basket. Galvanized boxes are an excellent choice due to their resistance to extreme temperatures. Avoid cardboard boxes, especially if you plan to store candles in a warm area, as the heat may cause the candles to soften, bend, or melt.

Additionally, ensure that your candles are stored away from children and pets and are not placed near anything flammable.

Store candles away from flammable items

When storing candles, safety should be the top priority. It is important to keep candles away from children, pets, and anything flammable. Candles are sensitive to temperature and humidity fluctuations, so they should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place. A basement storage room with low humidity is ideal, but if that is not an option, a linen closet, hallway cabinet, or under-the-stairs closet are also good choices. These spots are naturally cool and keep the candles out of direct sunlight while still being easily accessible.

If you live in an area with a warm climate, avoid storing candles in the garage as they may melt or spoil. Instead, opt for indoor storage solutions such as a shelf in a guest room or a cabinet in a hallway or kitchen. Keeping candles in a cool and dry place will help prevent softening, bending, or melting. Additionally, using a coaster under stored candles can protect the shelf or surface they are placed on.

To maintain the scent of your candles, consider storing them in their original packaging or wrapping them in tissue paper before placing them in a box or basket. Glass jars or small tins are also great for storing candles, especially if you want to display them. If you choose to store candles in a glass jar with a lid, avoid stacking them as they can easily fall and break. However, open glass jars can be placed in plastic bags to maintain their fragrance.

When storing multiple candles, keep like items together to stay organised. Utilise clear stacking bins or boxes with dividers to separate different types of candles. Avoid cardboard boxes as candles can stick to them, and consider using tissue paper or plastic bags to prevent candles from sticking together. If you have a large collection, make use of nooks and crannies, such as the back of closet doors, to store your candles efficiently.

Avoid cardboard boxes

When storing candles, it is best to avoid cardboard boxes. Cardboard boxes are not ideal for storing candles as they are sensitive to temperature and humidity fluctuations. Candles should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place, away from direct sunlight, with a consistent temperature ranging between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Basements with low humidity, shelves in guest rooms, linen closets, and under-the-stairs closets are perfect spots for candle storage.

Additionally, it is important to consider the type of candle when choosing a storage option. Taper candles, for example, should be stored flat to prevent warping and can be wrapped in tissue paper to prevent scratches and dings. They can then be placed in a box or basket, although some prefer galvanized boxes for their temperature resistance. Pillar candles, on the other hand, should not be wrapped as they may stick to the wrapper and deform. Instead, they should be stored upright in a bin to protect the shelf.

Glass jars or small tins are also great options for candle storage, especially for scented candles, as they help maintain the fragrance. If the candles are in glass jars, they can be stored upright, but if they are not, they should be stored flat to prevent damage. Small ornament boxes or egg cartons work well for storing votives, while birthday candles can be easily stored flat in a drawer.

Overall, it is important to avoid cardboard boxes when storing candles due to their sensitivity to temperature and humidity changes. By choosing alternative storage options, you can ensure that your candles remain in good condition and are protected from melting, warping, or spoilage.

Store candles flat to prevent warping

When storing candles, safety should be the top priority. Ensure that candles are stored away from children, pets, flammable items, and anything that can catch fire easily. Avoid storing candles in cardboard boxes.

The next thing to consider is the storage location. Candles should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place, away from direct sunlight. The ideal temperature range is between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, with a preference for the cooler side of this range. Basements, linen closets, hallway cabinets, and under-the-stairs closets are great options for maintaining a consistent temperature and avoiding extreme heat. Avoid storing candles in areas with fluctuating temperatures, such as garages, especially in warm climates.

Now, let's focus on the specific instruction to "store candles flat to prevent warping." This recommendation primarily applies to taper candles, which are the most sensitive type of candle. Storing taper candles flat helps prevent warping and protects them from getting dinged or scratched. Wrapping taper candles individually in tissue paper before placing them in a box or basket can provide additional protection. This method helps keep the candles flat and prevents them from sticking together.

Additionally, if you have glass jar candles, you can store them upright without worrying about warping. However, if you have candles without jars, it is best to follow the advice of storing them flat to maintain their shape and prevent damage.

Use glass jars, tins, or plastic bags

Glass jars, tins, or plastic bags are all great options for storing candles. Glass jars are a good choice for storing candles, as they can protect the candle from damage and contain the fragrance. If you're using a glass jar, it's important to ensure that the jar has a lid, especially if you plan on stacking them. Open glass jars can be stored in a plastic bag to maintain their scent.

Small tins are another option for storing candles, and they can be placed in a galvanized box. Tins are a good choice if you want to separate your candles by colour, as it makes it easy to find the right candle when you need it.

Plastic bags can be used to store wax melts, which are a type of flameless fragrance. They can also be used to store candles in glass jars, especially if the jar doesn't have a lid. This will help to maintain the scent of the candle and prevent it from leaking.

No matter which storage option you choose, it's important to keep your candles in a cool, dry, and dark place. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight or in areas with temperature fluctuations, as this can cause the candles to melt or spoil.

Frequently asked questions