You splurged on a good candle, and you want to make the most of it, but you're not sure how. Here are some tips and tricks on how to store candles properly.
Properly storing your candles will help ensure a smooth, even, clean burn; prevent your candles from becoming rancid; and make sure the fragrance doesn't sweat out of the wax.
Here's how to properly store your candles:
- Keep your candles clean! After burning, always replace the lid on your candle. If the candle includes a dust cover (a piece of paper that covers the wax with a hole for the wick), wait until the wax has cooled and hardened, then replace the dust cover on top of the wax. Why? Because dust and debris will clog the wick of your candle, making it difficult to light or impossible to stay lit.
- Store your candles in a cool, dry place. Why? Sunlight is the enemy of candles. Natural waxes (coconut, apricot, and pure soy blends) don't contain additives or stabilizers the way petroleum-based waxes do, which means they can (and do) spoil. Keeping your candles at room temperature also helps the fragrance stay where it's supposed to - in the wax. If you ever see a candle that has droplets on the top of the wax, the candle is sweating, which can be caused by excessive heat. If you ever see sweat on the top of your candle, you can use a disposable paper towel or napkin (don't use fabric unless you want it to smell like fragrance oil forever) and dab the excess fragrance off the top. This will not impact the performance of the candle (it may be a tiny bit less fragrant, but it's unlikely you'd notice), and light the candle as usual.
- Keep your candles somewhere you'll remember to light them. Why? I know this sounds weird, but if you're a person who forgets something exists when you can't see it (Hi, my fellow ADHD friends!), you'll want the reminder to light the gorgeous candle you love.
Other tips and tricks for your candles (these are for the extra nerdy candle folks like me): When you buy or receive a candle, grab a piece of masking tape and write the date on it, and stick the masking tape on the bottom of the candle. Why? Candles made with natural waxes have a two-year(ish) shelf life. It's easier to keep track of your candles and make sure you enjoy them while they're still fresh if you remember when you got them.
Properly storing candles is easy if you know what to look out for. Hope these tips and tricks help keep your candles fresh, clean, and burning strong!
