The Best Ways To Store Your Candle Sticks

Candles are a great way to create a cosy atmosphere, but storing them safely and properly is important to maintain their shape, scent, and longevity. The first step is to find a suitable storage location, which should be cool, dark, and dry, with a consistent temperature. Basements, cupboards, closets, and drawers are ideal spots to store candles, as they are naturally cool and dark. It is also important to avoid placing candles in areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms and kitchens, as well as areas prone to leakage or direct sunlight. Once you've determined the storage location, consider the type of candle and the best way to store it. Taper candles, for example, should be stored flat and wrapped in tissue paper or soft fabric to prevent warping and sticking. Meanwhile, tea lights and votive candles can be organised in compartmentalised containers or boxes with built-in dividers to prevent them from getting lost or jumbled. Additionally, it is crucial to keep candles away from children and pets, and flammable items for safety reasons.

Store candles flat to prevent warping

Candles are sensitive to temperature variations and can melt or warp if exposed to heat or sunlight. To prevent this, it is important to store candles in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

Storing candles flat can help prevent warping, and this is especially important for taper candles, which are the most sensitive type of candle. They can easily get scratched or dinged, so it is recommended to wrap them individually in tissue paper or soft fabric before placing them in a box or basket. This will prevent them from sticking together and provide a buffer between the wax, making it easier to separate them later.

Pillar candles are easier to store and can be kept upright if they are already in glass jars. However, if they are not in jars, they should be stored flat in the same manner as taper candles to prevent damage.

Birthday candles, tea lights, and votive candles can also be stored flat, and small containers with compartments or dividers can be useful for keeping these small candles organised and preventing them from getting lost or jumbled together.

Overall, it is important to prioritise safety when storing candles, keeping them away from children, pets, and flammable items.

Keep candles in a cool, dry, dark place

Keeping candles in a cool, dry, dark place is the number one rule for storing candles, according to Raffi Arslanian, owner of Thompson Ferrier, a New York-based luxury candle company. The ideal temperature for storing candles is between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, but the colder the better, so long as it's room temperature or below. Basements are a great option for storing candles as they tend to be cool, dry, and dark.

Other good storage spots include a hallway or linen closet, under-the-stairs closet, or a shelf in a guest room. These spots are cool, easily accessible, and out of direct sunlight. If you live in a warm climate, avoid storing candles in the garage as this is likely to be too hot.

Some people choose to store candles in the fridge, which is fine, but never use the freezer as this may damage the candle wick and cause the wax to crack or split. Bathrooms and kitchens are also not ideal due to higher levels of humidity.

Candles should be wrapped in tissue paper or fabric and stored flat to prevent them from warping or sticking together.

Avoid cardboard boxes and direct sunlight

When storing candles, it is important to avoid cardboard boxes and direct sunlight. Cardboard boxes are flammable and prone to temperature and humidity fluctuations, which can cause candles to soften, bend, or melt. Additionally, cardboard can absorb fragrance oils, affecting the scent of your candles over time.

Instead of cardboard, opt for non-flammable containers such as metal tins or boxes. Metal is durable, moisture-resistant, and won't rot or catch fire accidentally. You can find affordable metal storage boxes in various shapes and sizes at home goods stores or online. Old toolboxes, lockboxes, and cookie tins are also great options for storing candles safely.

Another reason to avoid cardboard boxes is to prevent candle damage caused by temperature changes. Candles should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place with a consistent temperature to maintain their shape, scent, and colour. Direct sunlight causes oxidation and degradation of dyes and fragrance oils in the wax, resulting in a faded scent and discoloured wax.

Therefore, it is best to store candles in enclosed, dark, and cool areas such as cupboards, closets, basements, or drawers. These spaces provide a consistent temperature and protect candles from direct sunlight. If you live in an area with a warm climate, avoid storing candles in the garage, as the temperature can fluctuate and cause damage.

Additionally, when storing candles, consider using natural heat-resistant fabrics such as silk or wool to wrap around them. This adds an extra layer of protection against heat and sunlight, ensuring your candles remain in optimal condition.

Wrap candles to keep them from sticking together

When storing candles, safety should always come first. It is important to store them away from children, pets, and flammable items. Candles should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place to prevent softening, bending, or melting.

If you're worried about your taper candles sticking together, you can wrap each candle in tissue paper before storing them in a box or basket. The tissue paper provides a buffer between the tacky wax, making the candles easier to separate. However, tissue paper is flammable, so be cautious about where and how you store your wrapped candles. Avoid stacking or piling candles wrapped in tissue paper. Instead, lay them out in a single flat layer.

You can also use soft, naturally heat-resistant fabrics such as silk or wool to wrap your candles. This method is safer if you're concerned about the flammability of tissue paper.

If you're wrapping candles as gifts, the process is a little different. Choose wrapping paper that is about 6 inches (15 cm) taller than the candle. Measure the candle's circumference and add 0.5 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm). Cut the wrapping paper to size. Place a piece of double-sided tape along the side edge of the paper, lay the candle on its side, and roll it towards the other end of the paper to wrap it up. Gather the corners of the paper together at the top of the candle and secure them with ribbon or twine. You can also cut two circular pieces of wrapping paper, apply double-sided tape, and stick them onto the ends of the candle to hide any messy folds.

Use metal tins for maximum safety

Metal tins are a great way to store candles safely. Metal is non-flammable, so it will protect your candles from catching fire accidentally. Metal tins are also highly durable, so your candles will be safe from damage if the storage container gets knocked or dropped. Metal is a good material to use because it won't let in moisture or rot, and it can be purchased in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and styles. You can buy metal storage boxes online or at home goods stores, often for very reasonable prices.

If you want to save money, you can repurpose metal items you may already have at home. Old toolboxes, lock boxes, empty coffee canisters, and cookie tins can all be used to store your candles safely.

When storing candles, it's important to keep them in a cool, dry, and dark place. A consistent temperature of between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit is best, and it's important to avoid anywhere that gets hotter than room temperature. Basements, cupboards, closets, and drawers are all good options for storing candles, as long as they are out of reach of children and pets.

If you're storing taper candles, it's best to store them flat to prevent warping. You can wrap them in tissue paper first to prevent them from sticking together, but be aware that tissue paper is flammable, so take extra care when choosing a storage location.

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