Maddie James
Candles are a great way to create a cosy atmosphere, but they can be a fire hazard if not stored properly. To ensure your candles last a long time without losing their scent or colour, it's important to find the right storage spot and use the correct packaging. The ideal storage area should be dark, cool, and dry, with a consistent temperature below 27°C or 80°F. Basements, linen closets, and under-the-stairs closets are perfect places to keep extra candles. Avoid areas with temperature fluctuations, such as garages, and places prone to leakage, like under sinks. To maintain quality, wrap candles in tissue paper to prevent scratches and melting, and store them in large plastic containers with lids to keep them dry and dust-free.
Where and How to Store Excess Candles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Room temperature or below, ideally between 50 and 85 °F |
| Light | Dark place, away from direct sunlight |
| Humidity | Dry place with low humidity |
| Storage Container | Large plastic containers with lids |
| Storage Location | Basement, linen closet, shelf in a guest room, under-the-stairs closet, top of a closet |
| Other Tips | Keep away from children and pets, cover with lids or dust covers, wrap in tissue paper, use coasters |
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What You'll Learn
Keep them cool and dry
Keeping your candles cool and dry is essential for maintaining their quality and prolonging their lifespan. Here are some tips to ensure your candles remain in optimal condition:
Firstly, avoid exposing your candles to excessive heat. Fragrance oils and waxes are highly sensitive to heat, and elevated temperatures can cause the candle wax to soften and the fragrance to deteriorate. Therefore, it is best to store your candles in a cool, dark place with a consistent temperature below room temperature (below 80 °F or 27 °C). Areas with temperature fluctuations, such as garages, are not ideal. Basements are a good option as they tend to stay cool year-round.
Additionally, keep your candles away from direct sources of heat like radiators, space heaters, and kitchen appliances. If you live in a warm climate, consider storing your candles in a refrigerator, but avoid the freezer to prevent damage to the wick and wax.
It is also important to maintain dryness and avoid moisture when storing your candles. Steer clear of areas with water, humidity, and condensation. Bathrooms and kitchens are typically not recommended due to higher humidity levels. Similarly, avoid storing candles in areas prone to leakage, such as under sinks.
To further protect your candles from the elements, consider their packaging and storage containers. Wrapping candles in tissue paper can prevent scuff marks and sticking, especially for taper candles, which are more sensitive and prone to warping. Pillar candles, on the other hand, should not be wrapped as they may stick to the wrapper and deform. Glass jars, small tins, or plastic containers with lids can provide an extra layer of protection and help maintain fragrance levels.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively keep your excess candles cool and dry, ensuring their longevity and preserving their scent and quality.
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Avoid sunlight and heat sources
Sunlight and heat sources are two of the biggest enemies of candles, so it's important to keep them away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Direct sunlight can cause oxidation and degradation of fragrance oils in the wax, resulting in a faster fading of the scent and colour. Therefore, it is best to store candles in a dark location and avoid placing them under desk lamps, spotlights, or any other harsh sources of light.
Heat sources such as radiators, space heaters, and kitchen appliances can cause the candle wax to soften and the fragrance to deteriorate. Hence, it is recommended to store candles in a cool, dry place with a consistent temperature ranging between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, ideally on the cooler side.
Additionally, it is important to avoid storing candles in areas prone to leakage, such as under sinks, as this can damage the candle and the surrounding area. If you are concerned about oil leakage, you can store candles in a plastic bag or container to catch any potential drips and avoid damage to furniture or other items.
By following these guidelines and keeping your candles away from sunlight and heat sources, you can help prolong the lifespan and quality of your excess candles.
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Use lids and covers
When storing excess candles, it is important to keep them covered to preserve their fragrance and prevent dust and other particles from settling on them. If your candles have lids, keep them covered with those. Otherwise, you can use wax paper, parchment paper, or reusable silicone covers to shield the wax. Fabric or mesh covers are also an option, as they allow airflow to prevent moisture buildup.
Candles with lids are ideal for storage. For example, the Ceramic Gold Collection candles by Harlem Candle Co. come with lids. If your candles don't have lids, you can invest in a bell cloche, which is a stylish way to display your candles while keeping the fragrance from escaping.
For pillar candles that don't come in containers, you can use storage containers to maintain their quality. Large plastic containers with lids are ideal as they are waterproof and can keep foreign contaminants out. If you're storing candles with lids in a container, you can use tissue or cardboard to create a barrier between each candle to keep them free from scratches or marks.
Additionally, storing candles in their original packaging or placing them in a drawer or cabinet can also help maintain their quality.
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Store candles upright or flat
When storing excess candles, it is important to keep them away from heat, humidity, and direct light. The ideal storage temperature for candles is below 80 °F, as excess heat may cause the candle wax to soften and the fragrance to deteriorate. Candles should also be stored in a dry environment, avoiding areas with water, moisture, or condensation.
Now, when it comes to storing candles upright or flat, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, storing candles upright helps to prevent their fragrance oils from shifting unevenly over time and can also save space. However, it is important to ensure that taper candles, in particular, are secure and do not wobble or lean, as this can be a safety hazard. Several methods can be used to keep taper candles upright, such as using sticky tack, museum wax, or rubber bands to stabilize the base of the candle in the holder. Another method is to melt wax into the base of the candle holder and then place the candle into it while the wax is still soft, creating a secure fit.
On the other hand, laying candles flat can help prevent them from sticking together or developing scuff marks. This is especially important if you plan on displaying your candles, as it will keep them free from scratches or marks. When laying candles flat, it is recommended to wrap them securely in tissue paper and place cardboard or tissue barriers between multiple candles to protect the wax and prevent scratches.
Ultimately, the decision to store candles upright or flat depends on factors such as space considerations, the type of candles being stored, and whether they will be displayed or simply stored. Both methods can be effective when combined with the appropriate techniques and materials to ensure the candles' stability, protection, and longevity.
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Keep them out of reach
Keeping candles out of reach is an important aspect of candle storage, especially if you have children or pets. It is recommended to store candles in a cool, dry, and dark place, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and areas prone to leakage.
Firstly, keep candles away from children and pets to prevent accidents and ensure fire safety. Store them in a secure location that cannot be easily accessed by little hands or curious paws. This could be a high shelf, a locked cabinet, or a closed storage box.
Secondly, avoid placing candles in areas with temperature fluctuations, such as the garage, attic, or near heating sources like radiators or kitchen appliances. Consistent temperature is crucial to prevent the wax from softening, bending, or melting. Choose a cool location, preferably with a temperature below room temperature, to maintain the integrity of the wax and fragrance.
Additionally, keep candles away from direct sunlight or harsh artificial lighting. Prolonged exposure to UV light can cause oxidation and degradation of the fragrance oils and dyes in the wax, resulting in a faded scent and discoloured appearance. Store them in a dark location, such as a basement storage room, a linen closet, or an under-the-stairs closet.
Furthermore, do not store candles in areas prone to moisture, water, or condensation, such as under the sink or in a damp basement. Candles should be kept as dry as possible to prevent damage to the wax and maintain their quality.
Lastly, consider using storage containers or lids to keep your candles secure and protected. Large plastic containers with lids can prevent foreign contaminants, dust, and debris from affecting your candles. For pillar candles, avoid wrapping them as they may stick to the wrapper and deform. Instead, stand them upright in a plastic or acrylic bin to protect the shelf from any potential leaks.
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Frequently asked questions
The best place to store excess candles is in an enclosed, dark, cool place. A basement storage room with low humidity, a shelf in a guest room, a linen closet, or an under-the-stairs closet are all good options. Avoid anywhere that gets hotter than room temperature, such as near radiators, space heaters, or kitchen appliances. Bathrooms and kitchens typically have higher levels of humidity than other rooms, so it's best to avoid storing candles in those rooms.
Taper candles should be stored flat to prevent them from warping. Wrap them in tissue paper and keep them in a box or basket.
If pillar candles are in glass jars, they can be stored upright. Otherwise, they should be stored flat like taper candles. Avoid wrapping pillar candles, as they may stick to the wrapper and deform.
Store candles in a dark location and cover them when they are not in use to preserve their scent. Avoid putting them near windows, as direct sunlight can cause the scent and colour of the candle to fade faster.
