The Best Way To Store Candles: Freezer Method

Candles are a great way to create a cosy atmosphere, but storing them can be tricky. While some sources suggest placing candles in the fridge or freezer to harden the wax and extend their lifespan, others advise against it as it may damage the wick and cause the wax to crack. To keep your candles in top condition, store them in a cool, dry, dark place, such as a cupboard or closet, and avoid areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Additionally, keep them away from direct heat sources and sunlight, and always cover or wrap them when not in use to preserve their scent and keep dust at bay.

Freezing candles may damage the wick and cause wax to crack

There are several reasons why freezing candles is not a good idea. Firstly, it can damage the candle wick, compromising the candle's ability to burn effectively. Secondly, freezing temperatures can cause the wax to crack or become brittle, affecting the evenness of the burn and potentially resulting in an uneven or unstable flame.

The misconception that freezing candles will make them burn longer stems from the idea that a candle doesn't get used up until the wax is liquefied and burns. People assume that if a candle is frozen, it will take longer to melt because it starts at a colder temperature. However, this notion is false. Freezing a candle will not increase its burn time, and it may even cause the wax to crack or split.

While candles can be frozen to remove excess wax for repurposing, this is generally not recommended for candles you intend to burn. Freezing can affect the structure and integrity of the candle, compromising its performance and potentially causing safety hazards.

To maintain candle quality and ensure their longevity, it is best to store them in a cool, dry, and dark place, avoiding extreme temperatures. Places like cupboards, closets, and dry basements are ideal. Additionally, it is important to keep candles away from direct sunlight, as this can cause oxidation and degradation of dyes and fragrance oils in the wax.

Overall, freezing candles may seem like a convenient storage option, but it is important to consider the potential risks to the candle's performance and aesthetics. Proper storage in a cool, dry place is the best way to extend the lifespan of your candles while maintaining their quality.

Keep candles in a cool, dry, dark place to maximise lifespan

Keeping candles in a cool, dry, dark place is the best way to maximise their lifespan. Storing candles in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and indoor lighting will ensure that the scent and colour of the candle do not fade. Heat and light can cause the candle wax to soften, bend, melt, or even become brittle, which will affect the burn quality.

The ideal storage temperature for candles is low to moderate, so a cool, dark cupboard, closet, or basement is ideal. If you don't have access to these spaces, a spare drawer (away from lighters and matches) or the space under your bed could also work. Avoid storing candles in bathrooms or kitchens, as these rooms typically have higher levels of humidity. Areas prone to leakage, such as under the sink, are not recommended.

It's also important to keep candles away from humidity and moisture to maximise their lifespan. Metal storage boxes are a great option for this, as metal won't let in moisture, rot, or catch fire accidentally. Old toolboxes, lock boxes, empty coffee canisters, and cookie tins can be repurposed into functional candle containers. Plastic storage containers are another option, as they are readily available and affordable.

Covering your candles when they are not in use will also help to protect the wax and fragrance. Candles with lids are ideal, but if your candles don't have lids, you can use a bell cloche to display them while keeping the fragrance from escaping.

Finally, always keep candles out of reach of children and pets.

Avoid storing candles in humid areas like bathrooms and kitchens

When storing candles, it is important to keep them dry. Humidity, moisture, and condensation can cause issues with the candle's wick, making it harder to light and affecting how evenly it burns. In extreme cases, a damp wick can become mouldy.

Kitchens and bathrooms are typically more humid than other rooms in the house, with higher levels of moisture and condensation. Therefore, it is best to avoid storing candles in these areas. This includes avoiding areas prone to leakage, such as under the sink.

Instead, store candles in cool, dry, dark places such as cupboards, closets, or dry basements. If these spaces are not available, a spare drawer or space under the bed can also work. Keeping candles in a non-flammable container or wrapping them individually can also help to preserve their quality and structure.

Additionally, it is important to keep candles out of reach of children and pets. Placing them in a container with a locking lid, hiding them, or storing them on a high shelf can help ensure they do not fall into the wrong hands.

By avoiding humid areas like bathrooms and kitchens and following these other storage tips, you can help extend the lifespan of your candles and maintain their fragrance and quality.

Cover candles when not in use to preserve scent and keep dust out

Candles are a wonderful source of illumination and atmosphere. To preserve their scent and keep dust out, cover your candles when they are not in use.

Candles with lids are great, but be mindful that not all candle lids are meant to be used to extinguish the flame. Some candle lids are purely decorative, made from wood or plastic, or contain rubber seals that can melt or deform when exposed to heat. Trapping smoke under the lid can gradually alter the original fragrance of your scented candle, and the lid might get stuck due to the vacuum created when the flame uses up all the oxygen inside the container.

If you don't have a lid, consider investing in an elegant bell cloche to display your candles while keeping the fragrance from escaping. Alternatively, you can use a wick dipper or a candle snuffer to extinguish the flame without the use of a lid. Wick dippers are long pieces of metal with a flat handle on one end and a thin tip with a bent hook on the other. You use it to gently press the lit candle wick into the wax pool, which instantly snuffs out the flame, before pulling the wick back up into a straight position. A candle snuffer is a long-stemmed metal rod with a small cone or bell at the end that hovers over the candle flame and lowers until it touches the surface of the wax pool to cut off the oxygen supply and extinguish the flame.

It is also important to store your candles properly when they are not in use. Keep them in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a cupboard, closet, or dry basement. Avoid areas with water, moisture, humidity, and condensation, such as bathrooms and kitchens, as these can damage the candle wick and cause the wax to crack or split. Additionally, make sure to store your candles out of reach of children and pets to prevent any accidents or ingestion of wax, which can pose health risks.

Store candles out of reach of children and pets

Candles can be a great way to enhance the ambiance of your home, but it's crucial to prioritise safety, especially when children and pets are around. To store candles out of their reach, consider the following:

Choose Safe Storage Spaces

Select storage areas that are high and inaccessible to children and pets, such as high shelves or cupboards. Avoid placing candles on low tables or other easily accessible surfaces. If possible, opt for a cool, dry, and dark location, such as a closet or basement, to extend the lifespan of your candles by preventing scent degradation and wax damage. Keep them away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and areas with high humidity, like bathrooms and kitchens.

Use Secure Containers

Store candles in non-flammable containers with locking lids to ensure they are secure and out of reach. Metal containers are ideal as they keep out moisture and provide durability. Alternatively, consider repurposing old metal toolboxes, lockboxes, or cookie tins. For added protection, wrap the candles individually before placing them in the containers.

Opt for Enclosed Candle Holders

When using candles, choose sturdy candle holders that fully enclose the candle or have deep containers to prevent accidental knocks and spills. Wall-mounted candle holders or enclosed lanterns can also help keep candles out of reach while adding to the decor.

Consider Flameless Alternatives

If you're concerned about the risks of open flames, opt for flameless LED candles. These battery-operated alternatives mimic real candles without the fire risk, making them ideal for homes with children and pets.

Educate Children About Candle Safety

If your children are old enough, teach them about candle safety. Explain the dangers of fire and why candles should be treated with caution. Instruct them never to touch or play with lit candles and always to ask an adult for help when interacting with candles.

Remember, by taking these precautions, you can enjoy the beauty and ambiance of candles while ensuring the safety of your loved ones and pets.

Frequently asked questions