Jessie Taylor
Candles are a great way to decorate your home and create a cosy atmosphere. However, they can be tricky to store. In this article, we will explore the do's and don'ts of candle storage, including choosing the right location, preventing damage, and maintaining scent. We will also discuss the importance of safety and provide creative storage solutions to keep your candles in top condition. Whether you're a candle collector or simply looking for ways to organise your space, read on to discover the best practices for storing candles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Should be stored in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and fluctuations in temperature |
| Humidity | Should be stored in a low-humidity environment |
| Storage location | Suggested locations include a basement storage room, a shelf in a guest room, a linen closet, an under-the-stairs closet, or a hallway cabinet |
| Storage container | Should be stored in a plastic bag or airtight container to maintain scent and avoid dust and damage |
| Safety | Should be stored away from flammable items and out of reach of children and pets |
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What You'll Learn
Keep candles in a cool, dark place
Keeping candles in a cool, dark place is the number one rule for storing candles for short or extended periods. The ideal temperature range is between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, but it's best to err on the cooler side. Avoid placing candles in areas that are prone to temperature fluctuations, such as garages, attics, or outside. Instead, opt for a basement storage room with low humidity, a shelf in a guest room, a linen closet, or an under-the-stairs closet. These locations provide consistent temperatures and protect the candles from direct sunlight, which can cause oxidation and degradation of dyes and fragrance oils, resulting in a faster loss of scent and colour.
When storing candles in a cool, dark place, consider using clear stacking bins or containers to organise them neatly. Separate tea lights, pillar candles, tapers, and votives to make finding the right candle easier. Avoid throwing all your candles into one big box, as it can be frustrating to dig through and may damage the candles. If you have candles in jars, consider investing in elegant bell cloches to protect the fragrance and keep dust out.
Additionally, utilise every available space, such as the back of closet doors, by hanging shoe bags that can hold smaller candles. Keep like items together, and if you have many candles, consider storing them in one central location to ensure tidiness. Avoid placing candles near flammable items and sources of direct heat, such as radiators, space heaters, or kitchen appliances. The colder the temperature, the better, but do not store candles in the freezer, as this can damage the wick and cause the wax to crack.
To maintain the scent and quality of your candles, store them in plastic bags or their original packaging. This practice also helps contain the fragrance and prevents oil leakage, protecting nearby items from damage. If you have wire shelving, always place candles in plastic bags or on coasters to catch any potential drips. For open glass jars, consider placing them in plastic bags to maintain their scent.
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Avoid temperature fluctuations
Candles are sensitive to temperature and humidity fluctuations. Fragrance oils and waxes are particularly vulnerable to heat. Therefore, it is important to avoid storing candles anywhere that gets hotter than room temperature. The ideal temperature range is between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, but the colder the temperature, the better.
Direct heat sources, such as radiators, space heaters, and kitchen appliances, should be avoided. If you live in an area with a warm climate, storing candles in the garage may not be ideal. Basements, linen closets, hallway cabinets, and under-the-stairs closets are preferable options as they tend to be cooler and more stable in temperature.
Additionally, bathrooms and kitchens typically have higher humidity levels, so it is best to avoid storing candles in these rooms. Areas prone to leakage, such as under the sink, should also be avoided. Sunlight and other harsh light sources can cause oxidation and degradation of the dyes and fragrance oils, so choose a dark location for storage.
If you are concerned about oil leakage, place ceramic or cement candle jars in plastic bags. Glass containers with lids can be stored on shelves, but avoid stacking them to prevent breakage. Open glass jars can also benefit from being placed in plastic bags to maintain their scent.
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Store candles separately
When storing candles, it is important to keep them away from heat, humidity, and direct light. The ideal temperature for storing candles is between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, with the colder side being better. Therefore, it is best to avoid storing candles in the kitchen, garage, or any other place that gets hotter than room temperature. Bathrooms and kitchens typically have higher humidity levels, so it is best to avoid storing candles in these rooms too.
Additionally, it is important to store candles away from flammable items and to keep them out of the reach of children and pets. If you are concerned about oil leaking, you can store candles in a plastic bag. Glass containers with lids can be stored on a shelf, but it is important to avoid stacking them as they can easily fall over and break. Open glass jars can also be placed in a plastic bag to maintain their scent.
Pillar candles should not be wrapped as they can stick to the wrapper and deform. They should be stored upright in a plastic or acrylic bin to protect the shelf. Using a coaster under stored candles is also recommended. If you have a large collection of candles, it is a good idea to store them in a central location to keep things neat and tidy.
There are various creative ways to store candles separately. For instance, you can use clear stacking bins for votive and tea light candle storage. You can also use a shoe bag hanging on the back of a closet door to hold pillar candles. Another idea is to use a cabinet and leave the bottom shelf empty to store oversized candle holders.
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Avoid humidity
Humidity and dampness can affect the longevity and performance of candles. Moisture can lead to a damp wick, which can be difficult to light. In extreme cases, it could even encourage mould growth. Therefore, it is important to keep candles as dry as possible. Avoid storing them in humid areas like bathrooms, basements or kitchens, which typically have higher levels of humidity than other rooms. Also, avoid placing them in areas prone to leakage, such as under the sink.
To prevent candles from being affected by humidity, store them in a cool, dry place. The ideal temperature for storing candles is between 50ºF and 85ºF (or 10ºC and 29.4ºC). While it is recommended to keep candles in a cool environment, it is important to note that an overly dry and cold environment could also lead to issues. If the air is too dry, it can cause the wax to dry out and crack. Therefore, a balance is needed—a dry but not arid environment is ideal.
It is also important to store candles away from direct sunlight or harsh indoor lighting. Direct sunlight can cause oxidation and degradation of dyes and fragrance oils in the wax, causing the candle's colour and scent to fade faster. Instead, store candles in a dark location when possible, such as inside a drawer or cabinet.
In addition to choosing the right location, you can also protect your candles from humidity by storing them in an airtight container or resealable bag. This will help to keep out moisture and dust, preserving both the structure and functionality of your candles.
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Use plastic bags or containers
Plastic bags or containers are a great way to store your candles, especially if you're concerned about oil leaks. Raffi Arslanian, owner of Thompson Ferrier, a New York-based luxury candle company, recommends using plastic bags to store ceramic or cement candle jars to prevent oil seepage and potential damage to furniture. This method also helps maintain the scent of open glass jars.
Pillar candles, however, should not be wrapped as they may stick to the wrapper and deform. Instead, stand them upright in a plastic bin to protect the shelf from potential melting. Using a coaster under stored candles is also recommended. Plastic bags are useful if you're concerned about breakage during shifting or moving. They help maintain the scent and keep things fresh.
While plastic bags are useful for individual candles, larger plastic containers or bins are ideal for storing multiple candles together. Clear plastic bins allow you to easily see the contents and stack neatly. Look for bins with lids or covers to protect the candles from dust and maintain their scent. These bins can be placed in optimal storage locations like a basement storage room, a shelf in a guest room, a linen closet, or an under-the-stairs closet.
When using plastic bags or containers, ensure the storage location maintains a consistent temperature between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, ideally erring on the cooler side. Avoid placing candles in areas with temperature fluctuations, direct sunlight, or sources of heat like radiators or kitchen appliances. By following these guidelines, you can effectively utilise plastic bags and containers to store your candles and maintain their scent and quality.
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Frequently asked questions
Store candles in a cool, dark place, out of direct sunlight, and away from sources of heat and humidity. The ideal temperature range is between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, erring on the cooler side.
Avoid storing candles in places with fluctuating temperatures. For pillar candles, do not wrap them as they can stick to the wrapper and deform. Stand them upright in a plastic or acrylic bin to protect the shelf.
Keep candles away from fragrance oils and direct sunlight, which can cause oxidation and degradation of dyes and fragrances. Cover your candles when not in use to preserve the scent and keep dust out.
Utilise a linen closet, hallway cabinet, or a shelf in a guest room. Keep them out of the way but within reach. You can also display them on a shelf or bedside table in a guest room or use clear stacking bins to organise different types of candles.
Always store candles away from flammable items and out of the reach of children and pets. Avoid stacking glass containers with lids as they can easily fall over and break.
