The Best Ways To Store Candles At Home

Candles are a great way to create a cosy atmosphere and fill your home with your favourite scents. However, storing them can be a challenge, especially if you have a large collection. When it comes to storing candles, safety should be a top priority, but you also want to ensure they are kept in optimal conditions to maintain their scent and quality. So, where is best to store your candles at home?

How to store candles at home:

Avoid heat sources and direct sunlight

When storing candles, it is important to keep them away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Candles are sensitive to temperature variations, and exposing them to direct sunlight or heat sources can cause them to melt or stick together. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can also cause the candle's appearance and fragrance to fade or discolour. Therefore, it is best to store candles in a cool, dark place, such as a basement or a closet, to maintain their quality and prevent warping.

Keeping candles away from heat sources is crucial as fragrance oils and waxes are sensitive to heat. Excess heat can cause the candle wax to soften, leading to a reduced fragrance lifespan. Heat sources such as radiators, space heaters, and kitchen appliances should be avoided, as these can cause the candles to become too warm. Instead, opt for storage areas with a cool, even temperature, preferably below 80 °F. The colder the storage location, the better it is for preserving your candles.

Some creative storage solutions to keep candles away from heat sources and direct sunlight include utilising heavy-duty shelving in cool areas of the home, such as the basement. You can also store them on high shelves in closets, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Keeping them in their original cartons or crates is also recommended, as it provides an extra layer of protection from heat and sunlight.

Additionally, it is important to avoid storing candles in areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Moisture, humidity, and condensation can affect the quality of the candles. By choosing dry storage locations, you can further ensure that your candles remain in optimal condition.

Following these guidelines will help you effectively avoid heat sources and direct sunlight when storing your candles at home, thus preserving their scent, colour, and overall quality.

Store in a cool, dark place

When storing candles, it is important to keep them in a cool, dry, and dark place. Avoid storing candles in areas that are susceptible to temperature fluctuations, such as garages, attics, or outdoors. Instead, opt for a cool and dark location in your home, such as a hallway cabinet, linen closet, or basement. These areas tend to maintain a consistent temperature and are less likely to be exposed to direct sunlight, which can cause the candles' fragrances and colours to fade.

It is best to keep your candles away from heat sources such as radiators, space heaters, kitchen appliances, and sunlight. Candles should be stored in a place where the temperature remains below 27 degrees Celsius to prevent long-term overheating and scent degradation. If you live in a warm climate, consider storing them in a hallway cabinet or linen closet, as these areas are typically cooler and more easily accessible.

Additionally, avoid placing candles in areas with high moisture or humidity, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Keep them away from areas prone to leakage, like under the sink. To maintain the scent and quality of your candles, store them in their original cartons or in airtight containers, such as bags or bell cloches.

When organising your candle collection, consider sorting them by season or colour to make it easier to find and rotate your candles throughout the year. You can also use clear stacking bins or all-purpose storage bins to keep your candles together in one central location, ensuring a neat and tidy space.

By following these storage tips, you can effectively preserve the fragrance, colour, and overall quality of your candles while maintaining a safe and organised space in your home.

Avoid areas with temperature fluctuations

When storing candles, it is important to avoid areas with temperature fluctuations. This is because candles are intended to melt, and no one wants to deal with a waxy mess or waste their favourite scent. Fragrance oils and waxes are sensitive to heat, so it is best to avoid keeping candles anywhere that gets hotter than room temperature. Direct heat sources such as radiators, space heaters, or kitchen appliances should be avoided. The ideal temperature for storing candles is below 80 °F, and the colder the temperature, the better. Candles can even be stored in the fridge, but never in the freezer as this may damage the candle wick and cause the wax to crack or split.

Additionally, certain types of candle jars can be prone to oil leakage if the temperature is too high. For example, ceramic candle jars may absorb oils through micro-cracks, damaging the furniture they are stored on. In this case, it is recommended to store such jars in a plastic bag to contain the fragrance and avoid any potential damage.

Areas with consistent cool temperatures, such as basements, linen closets, or hallway cabinets, are ideal for storing candles. These spots are naturally cool and easily accessible when needed. It is worth noting that garages may not be the best option for candle storage if they are not climate-controlled, as extreme temperatures can affect the scent quality of candles.

Overall, by avoiding areas with temperature fluctuations and finding a cool, dark place to store your candles, you can help maintain their scent and quality while also avoiding any potential mess or damage caused by melting wax.

Keep candles covered

Keeping candles covered is an important step in candle care. When not in use, candles should be covered to preserve their scent and keep dust and other airborne particles out. This is especially important for scented candles, as scent molecules constantly evaporate from the candle wax, even when it is not burning. Covering candles helps to maintain their fragrance for longer.

Candles with lids are ideal for storage, as they can be easily covered and kept dust-free. For candles without lids, a bell cloche is a stylish way to display your candles while also preserving their fragrance. Bell cloches are elegant glass covers that can be placed over a candle to protect it from dust and other airborne particles.

If you do not have access to a bell cloche or candles with lids, there are other creative ways to keep your candles covered. One option is to wrap them in tissue paper. This method is particularly useful for taper candles, which are the most sensitive type of candle and can easily get scratched or damaged. By wrapping them in tissue paper and storing them in a box or basket, you can protect them from dust and other potential damage.

Another option for covering your candles is to use galvanized boxes. These boxes are resistant to extreme temperatures and can help protect your candles from heat damage. This is especially useful if you live in an area with high temperatures or are storing your candles in a space that is not climate-controlled.

It is important to note that while covering your candles is crucial, it is just one aspect of proper candle storage. Candles should also be kept in a cool, dry, and dark place, away from direct sunlight and sources of heat. By combining these storage methods, you can ensure that your candles remain in optimal condition and provide a pleasant and safe experience when burned.

Store in a hallway cabinet or linen closet

If you have a hallway cabinet or linen closet at home, you're in luck—these spots are ideal for storing candles! Here are some tips to make the most of these spaces and keep your candles in tip-top shape:

Firstly, ensure your hallway cabinet or linen closet doesn't get too hot. Candles should be stored in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources like radiators or kitchen appliances. This helps maintain the scent and prevents the wax from softening. If your hallway cabinet tends to get warm, consider using your linen closet instead, as linens also fare better in cooler environments.

Next, organise your candles within the space. You can sort them by colour, type, or seasonality. For example, you might keep all your orange and yellow candles together in a bin or cardboard container, making them easy to grab for autumn. Or, if you prefer, organise them by type, such as tea lights, votives, and tapers.

To protect your shelves from potential oil leaks, place ceramic or cement candle jars in plastic bags. For open glass jars, plastic bags can also help maintain their scent. If you're using bins to organise your candles, opt for plastic or acrylic ones, as they're easier to clean. Additionally, always use a coaster under your stored candles to protect the shelves.

Finally, ensure your candles are easily accessible. While the top shelf of your linen closet might be the coolest spot, it may not be the most convenient for regular use. Consider storing your everyday candles within easier reach, perhaps on a lower shelf or in a bottom cabinet drawer.

Frequently asked questions