The Best Ways To Store Christmas Candles

Christmas is a time for celebration, and what better way to set the mood than with festive candles? But once the holidays are over, how do you store those candles to ensure they last until next year? Whether you're a collector or simply enjoy creating a cosy ambiance, knowing how to properly store your candles is essential. From choosing the right location to considering different types of candles and their specific needs, there's more to it than meets the eye. So, get ready to dive into the world of candle storage and discover the best ways to keep your Christmas candles in tip-top shape for the next festive season.

Choose a cool, dark location

When storing Christmas candles, it's important to choose a cool, dark location. The ideal temperature range is between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, with the cooler side being better. Avoid placing candles in areas that are too hot or that experience temperature fluctuations, as this can cause the wax to soften, bend, or melt. Direct sunlight can also cause oxidation and degradation of dyes and fragrance oils, resulting in a faster loss of scent and colour.

Basements are a great option for storing candles, as they tend to have low humidity and consistent temperatures. If you don't have access to a basement, consider using a linen closet, a hallway cabinet, or a shelf in a guest room. These areas are naturally cooler and provide easy access when you need to retrieve your Christmas candles.

Another option is to utilise storage containers designed for cups or mugs, which can be placed in a dining room credenza, under a bed, or on a closet shelf. Clear refrigerator bins can also be useful for separating different types of candles and ensuring they are organised. If you have drawer space, photo boxes are an affordable option for storing smaller candles.

It's important to avoid cardboard boxes and areas prone to leakage, such as under the sink. Additionally, keep candles away from flammable items and out of reach of children and pets. By choosing a cool, dark location and following these storage tips, you can effectively preserve the scent, colour, and condition of your Christmas candles.

Avoid temperature fluctuations

When storing Christmas candles, it is important to avoid temperature fluctuations. This is because candles are sensitive to temperature changes, which can cause the wax to soften, bend, or melt. Fragrance oils and waxes are also sensitive to heat, which can cause the candle to lose its scent. Therefore, it is recommended to store candles in a cool, dark place with a consistent temperature between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, erring on the cooler side if possible.

Basements are often recommended for candle storage as they tend to have low humidity and maintain a cool temperature. If you don't have access to a basement, there are other suitable locations in your home. A linen closet, hallway cabinet, or under-the-stairs closet are all good options as they are naturally cooler and provide easy access when you need to retrieve your Christmas candles.

It is best to avoid storing candles in areas with higher humidity, such as bathrooms and kitchens. These areas can cause the candles to degrade faster and may affect their scent and colour. Additionally, avoid placing them near sources of direct heat, such as radiators, space heaters, or kitchen appliances.

If you live in a warm climate, your garage may not be the ideal place to store candles as it can get too hot. Instead, opt for indoor storage options that provide a more controlled and stable temperature environment.

To maintain the scent and quality of your Christmas candles, consider storing them in airtight containers or bags. This will help to regulate the temperature and prevent any damage caused by temperature fluctuations.

Keep away from children and pets

When storing Christmas candles, safety should always come first. Candles pose a fire risk, especially in homes with children and pets, who may knock them over or play with them. To prevent accidents, keep candles out of reach by placing them on high shelves, mantels, or tables. Avoid leaving them on low coffee tables or other easily accessible surfaces.

Consider using candle holders with sturdy bases to prevent accidental tipping. If you have children, teach them about fire safety and explain why candles should be treated with care. Instruct them never to touch or play with a lit candle and to always ask an adult for help if they need to blow one out or move it.

When lighting candles around pets, be mindful of the ingredients and fragrances used. Scented candles often contain synthetic fragrances and dyes, which can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals and pets. Choose candles made from natural, non-toxic materials such as beeswax, soy wax, or coconut wax, which are less likely to release harmful chemicals and are safer for indoor use.

If you want to avoid the risks associated with open flames, consider using flameless LED candles or a candle warming base. These electric devices gently heat the candle from the bottom, releasing the scent without the need for lighting a wick. This option eliminates the fire risk, making it safer for homes with children and pets.

Store candles upright or flat

When storing candles, it is important to consider the type of candle, the storage location, and the impact of temperature and humidity.

For taper candles, it is recommended to lay them flat in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. They should be stored in their original box or a similar container to keep them straight and protected. On the other hand, tealight candles can be stored in a drawer or box, as long as it is cool and dry. Votive candles, which are usually sold without a container, should be wrapped individually in tissue paper or bubble wrap and stored upright in a sturdy box to prevent warping.

Pillar candles should be stored upright in a plastic or acrylic bin to protect the shelf from melting. Jar candles should always be stored upright, as oil can leak if the temperature is too high. Ceramic or cement candle jars should be stored in a plastic bag to contain the fragrance and avoid damage to furniture in case of oil seepage. Glass containers with lids can be stored on a shelf, but avoid stacking them as they can fall over and break.

The ideal storage location for candles is a cool, dry, and dark place, with consistent temperatures between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Basements, linen closets, hallway cabinets, and under-the-stairs closets are ideal spots. Avoid storing candles near windows, heaters, or other sources of heat and humidity.

Use a storage container

If you have a large collection of Christmas candles, a storage container is a great way to keep them all in one place and maintain their scent and shape. The first step is to gather all your candles in one place, such as on a kitchen counter or table. Then, choose a storage location that is dark, cool, and dry. Basements, linen closets, guest rooms, and under-the-stairs closets are all good options as they tend to be naturally cool and dark.

Once you have chosen your storage location, you can select a container. Clear plastic containers are a good option as they allow you to see your candles easily. You can use storage containers designed for cups or mugs, which often have padded dividers to keep your candles separate and upright. These can be placed under a shelf or bed, or even in a closet. For smaller candles, photo boxes are an affordable option. If you are storing tapers, you can place them in oatmeal containers, but be aware that they may take up a lot of room.

If you are storing candles in glass jars, you can stack them, but be careful as they can easily fall and break. A box or basket will also hold them safely. If you want to display your candles, you can use a bell cloche to cover them and keep the fragrance from escaping.

Remember to keep your candles away from children and pets, and avoid placing them near flammable items, sources of direct heat, or direct sunlight.

Frequently asked questions