Buzz
Candles contribute to a cozy ambiance and serve as a reliable light source. However, managing surplus candles can be challenging. Properly storing unused candles is essential for safety and longevity. Store them in a non-flammable container, ensuring they lay flat and remain separate to prevent sticking together. Keep them in a cool, dry, dark area until needed.
Storage Guidelines
Choose a Suitable Storage Spot
Opt for a cool, dry location to store your candles. Candles maintain their quality best when stored at moderate temperatures. Consider cupboards, closets, or dry basements as ideal storage places. Alternatively, use a spare drawer or under-bed storage if available. Ensure the storage area maintains a temperature between 50 °F (10 °C) and 85 °F (29 °C) to preserve candle quality.
Important Note: Always ensure your candles are kept away from open flames or direct heat sources, such as heaters, radiators, or kitchen appliances, even for short periods.
Secure your candles from children and pets. Regardless of where you store them, take precautions to prevent access by using containers with secure lids, hiding spots, or elevated shelves out of reach. Children and pets may mistake candles for food or accidentally start fires with matches or lighters.
Avoid exposing candles to direct sunlight. Sunlight can fade colored candles and diminish the scent of fragrant ones. Extended exposure to sunlight can also cause candles to soften or melt partially.
Avoid freezing candles to prolong their lifespan. Contrary to popular belief, freezing candles does not slow down their burning rate. Instead, it can cause wax to harden, leading to cracks, splits, or changes in texture. Freezing may also damage the wicks by introducing moisture.
Selecting the Right Storage Container
Opt for metal tins for enhanced safety and durability. Metal containers are resistant to moisture and fire accidents, providing sturdy protection for your candles. Additionally, their durability ensures that your candles remain intact even when stored among other items.
Pro Tip: Repurpose items like old toolboxes, lock boxes, empty coffee canisters, or cookie tins as cost-effective candle containers.
Select a plastic storage container to access a variety of sizes. Plastic containers offer versatility in sizing options, making them suitable for organizing diverse candle collections. While durable, they may melt if exposed to high temperatures.
Utilize a sturdy cardboard box if other options are unavailable. Although cardboard should be a last resort due to its flammability, it can suffice if kept in good condition and placed in a cool, dry location. Shoeboxes are particularly convenient for storing candles.
Organize tea lights and votive candles in compartmentalized containers. Divided boxes help keep small candles organized and prevent them from getting lost. Consider using an egg carton or ice cube tray as a budget-friendly alternative for storing wax-based air fresheners.
Arrange excess candles in a cabinet or display case. Instead of hiding your surplus candles, consider showcasing them by arranging them creatively. You can organize them by various criteria or use them as decorative accents alongside other items like books or china.
Different Ways to Store Candles
Store jar and tumbler candles as they are. These candles come in their own containers, so simply replace their lids and store them in a cabinet or on a shelf. To save space, stack them carefully while ensuring they won't topple over.
Keep pillar candles flat to maintain their shape. Lay them in a container in a single layer, arranging them evenly to prevent warping. For multiple layers, stack them in an offset pattern to ensure stability.
Protect taper candles from sticking together with tissue paper. Wrap each taper in tissue paper before storing them flat to prevent them from merging. Be cautious with tissue paper as it is flammable, and avoid stacking taper candles to prevent breakage.
Safety Tip: To minimize fire risks, consider wrapping your candles in soft, heat-resistant fabrics like silk or wool. Synthetic materials such as nylon and acrylic are also less prone to ignition and burn slower.
Preserve the scent of scented candles by sealing them in plastic bags. Choose bags with zip or snap closures to prevent air and moisture from affecting the fragrance. Alternatively, use plastic wrap or parchment paper, securing the bundle tightly with rubber bands or tape.
Useful Tips
- Store slender candles like birthday candles in their original boxes. If boxes are unavailable, stack them flat in an old mint tin or similar container to keep them organized.
