Brooke Martin
Vintage candles are a beautiful addition to any home, but they can be tricky to store. Whether you're a collector or have received one as a gift, it's important to know how to store vintage candles properly to ensure their longevity and maintain their scent and colour. The key factors to consider when storing vintage candles are safety, temperature, humidity, and sunlight. By choosing a safe location with the right conditions, you can preserve your vintage candles and enjoy their beauty for years to come.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Cool, dark, and dry |
| Storage location | Linen closet, hallway cabinet, basement, shelf in a guest room, under-the-stairs closet |
| Storage container | Plastic bag, plastic bin, glass container with a lid, cardboard box, galvanized box, glass jar, small tin |
| Safety | Keep away from children, pets, flammable items, and sources of heat |
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What You'll Learn
Keep vintage candles away from children, pets, and flammable items
When storing vintage candles, safety should always come first. It is important to keep them away from children, pets, and flammable items. Here are some tips to ensure your vintage candles are stored safely:
Firstly, choose an enclosed, dark, and cool storage location. A consistent temperature between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal, erring on the cooler side. Basements, linen closets, hallway cabinets, and under-the-stairs closets are excellent options as they are naturally cool and easily accessible. Avoid warm areas of the house, such as garages, kitchens, and bathrooms, as well as places prone to leakage, like under sinks.
Secondly, ensure the storage area is dry and well-ventilated. Keep candles away from humidity, moisture, and condensation. Avoid storing them in cardboard boxes, as they can absorb moisture and damage the candles. Instead, opt for galvanized boxes or plastic containers that can protect against extreme temperatures and humidity.
Thirdly, do not store vintage candles near windows or any sources of direct sunlight, such as under desk lamps or spotlights. Direct sunlight can cause oxidation and degradation of the fragrance oils and dyes in the wax, resulting in a faded scent and discoloured appearance.
Lastly, always store vintage candles out of reach of children and pets. Keep them in a secure location where curious hands and paws cannot access them. This is crucial for fire safety and preventing accidental ingestion or injury.
By following these guidelines, you can safely store your vintage candles while also maintaining their condition and fragrance over time.
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Store in a cool, dry, and dark place
When storing vintage candles, it is important to keep them in a cool, dry, and dark place. The ideal temperature for storing candles is between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, with the cooler end of the spectrum being preferable. Basements are a good option for storage as they tend to be naturally cooler and have low humidity. If you don't have a basement, a linen closet or under-the-stairs cupboard are also good choices as they are usually naturally cool and dark.
It is best to avoid storing candles in areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms and kitchens, as this can cause the candles to soften, bend, or melt. Areas prone to leakage, such as under sinks, should also be avoided. Direct sunlight can cause oxidation and degradation of the fragrance oils in the wax, resulting in a faster fading scent. Therefore, it is important to choose a storage location that does not receive direct sunlight.
When storing candles, it is also important to consider fire safety and keep them out of the reach of children and pets. Additionally, avoid storing candles near flammable items or sources of direct heat, such as radiators or space heaters. By choosing a cool, dry, and dark location for storage, you can help ensure that your vintage candles remain in good condition and maintain their scent.
While it is important to keep candles in a cool environment, it is worth noting that freezing temperatures may damage the candle wick and cause the wax to crack or split, so freezers should be avoided as a storage location. However, if you are looking to maintain a very cool temperature for your candles, you can consider storing them in the fridge, as long as you have the extra space.
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Avoid temperature fluctuations and direct sunlight
Vintage candles are a beautiful addition to any home, but they require careful storage to maintain their integrity. One of the most important considerations when storing vintage candles is maintaining a consistent temperature and avoiding temperature fluctuations.
While candles are designed to melt, excessive heat can cause several issues. Firstly, it can lead to a waxy mess, with softened or even melted candles losing their shape and becoming difficult to use. This is especially true if the candles are stored upright; the heat can cause them to bend or warp. Additionally, heat can accelerate the degradation of fragrance oils in the wax, resulting in a diminished scent. The colder the storage temperature, the better, as long as it remains above freezing to prevent wax cracking. An ideal temperature range is between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, with cooler temperatures being preferable.
Direct sunlight is another factor that can contribute to temperature fluctuations and cause other issues. Sunlight, especially through windows, can increase the temperature that candles are exposed to, leading to the same issues as mentioned above. Furthermore, sunlight can cause oxidation and degradation of dyes and fragrance oils, resulting in a faster loss of colour and scent. Therefore, it is best to store vintage candles in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and other sources of light and heat, such as desk lamps and spotlights, radiators, space heaters, or kitchen appliances.
Basements, linen closets, hallway cabinets, and under-the-stairs closets are all excellent choices for candle storage as they tend to be naturally cool and dark while still being easily accessible. If you live in a warm climate, avoid storing candles in the garage, as the temperature fluctuations and direct sunlight can be detrimental.
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Use tissue paper for wrapping taper candles
When storing vintage candles, safety should always come first. Ensure that your candles are stored away from flammable items and in a space that doesn't fluctuate in temperature. A cool, dark, and enclosed place is ideal, such as a basement storage room with low humidity, a shelf in a guest room, or a linen closet.
Now, let's focus on using tissue paper for wrapping taper candles:
The tissue paper wrapping method is perfect for gifting taper candles, adding a delicate and thoughtful touch. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Measure and cut: Start by measuring and cutting a piece of tissue paper that is slightly larger than the candle's circumference. This ensures a snug fit.
- Wrap the candle: Place the candle in the centre of the tissue paper. Roll the candle on the paper, ensuring it is fully covered. You can secure the paper with double-sided tape or regular tape.
- Twist and secure: Twist the excess tissue paper at the top of the candle. You can secure it with ribbon, twine, or even a piece of fabric. This adds an elegant finish and can be chosen to coordinate with the colour of the candle.
- Personalise: Add a gift tag or label for a personalised touch. You can also include a blessing or a special message, especially if the candle is for a festive occasion.
- Display ideas: If you're not gifting the candle right away, consider displaying it on a shelf or bedside table. You can even place it on a bar cart to set the mood and serve as a decorative piece.
Remember, when wrapping taper candles, the tissue paper should be light and airy, gently caressing the sides of the candle. This wrapping method is perfect for romantic or thoughtful gifts, and you can coordinate the colours for an elegant look.
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Avoid stacking glass jars
Glass jars are a great way to store vintage candles, as they can help maintain the scent and keep dust out. However, it is important to avoid stacking these jars. Stacking glass jars can cause them to fall over and break, creating a mess and potentially hazardous situation.
Firstly, glass jars, especially when stacked, can be unstable and prone to falling over. This is especially true if the jars are stacked on a shelf or in a door rack, which are common storage locations for candles. If the jars fall, the glass can shatter, creating sharp, dangerous fragments. The wax from the candles could also melt and spread, making the cleanup more difficult and potentially damaging surfaces.
Secondly, vintage candles may be more fragile than newer ones, and the glass jars may be thinner or weaker. Stacking these jars could increase the likelihood of breakage, even if they are carefully stacked and stored. The weight of the jars on top could put pressure on the jars below, causing them to crack or break, especially if the temperature is too high or the jars are exposed to direct sunlight, which can cause the wax to soften or melt.
Additionally, stacking glass jars can make it difficult to access the candles inside. If you need to use a candle from the bottom or middle of the stack, you would have to unpack and restack the entire stack, increasing the risk of dropping and breaking the jars. It is also important to consider the frequency of use. If the vintage candles are used regularly, stacking them may not be practical and could increase the chances of an accident occurring.
Finally, stacking glass jars can affect the quality of the candles. The weight of the jars above can put pressure on the candles below, potentially distorting their shape or causing cracks in the wax. This is especially true if the candles are soft due to high temperatures or direct sunlight exposure. By avoiding stacking glass jars, you reduce the risk of damage to both the jars and the candles themselves, ensuring the integrity of your vintage collection.
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Frequently asked questions
The number one rule of storing candles is to keep them in an enclosed, dark, cool place. The ideal temperature range is between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, erring on the cooler side. Avoid placing candles in areas that receive direct sunlight or are exposed to heat sources such as radiators or kitchen appliances.
Fragrance oils and waxes are highly sensitive to heat, sunlight (UV light), and moisture. To preserve the scent, store candles in a cool, dry, and dark location. Covering the candles when not in use can also help maintain their fragrance and keep dust at bay.
Taper candles are the most sensitive type of candle and can easily warp or get damaged. To prevent this, store them flat and wrap them individually in tissue paper before placing them in a box or basket. Galvanized boxes are ideal due to their resistance to temperature extremes.
