Candle Storage Tips: How to Keep Your Candles Fresh and Fragrant
When it comes to creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere, nothing quite compares to the warm glow and delightful fragrance of a beautiful candle. Whether you’re a candle enthusiast or simply enjoy the occasional relaxing evening, knowing how to store your candles properly is essential. If you’ve ever purchased from an online candle shop like Price’s Candles or visited a candle shop UK based, you’ve likely encountered advice on keeping your candles looking and smelling their best. Today, we’ll guide you through the essential candle storage tips to ensure you get the most out of your collection.
Why Proper Candle Storage Matters
Candles—especially high-quality ones, like the best candles UK has to offer—are delicate products. They can be adversely affected by light, heat, dust, and even humidity. Storing them correctly ensures their longevity, preserves their fragrance, and maintains their pristine appearance. Improper storage can cause:
Discolouration
Fragrance loss
Warping or melting
Dust and debris accumulation
Let’s explore how you can protect your precious candles from these issues.
1. Store Candles in a Cool, Dark Place
Heat and direct sunlight are your candles’ worst enemies. Whether you’ve bought your candles from a candle shop UK or an online candle shop, the advice remains the same: keep them in a cool, dark environment. Prolonged exposure to sunlight or warmth can lead to:
Fading of colours
Melting or warping of the candle’s shape
Reduced scent throw
A cupboard, drawer, or storage box located away from windows is ideal. Just ensure the area is dry and free from excessive humidity—and remember that this applies to all candle varieties, from jar candles to elegant dinner candles and even outdoor citronella candles.
2. Use Airtight Containers for Fragrance Preservation
One of the main reasons people love candles is their fragrance. Even the best candles UK can’t maintain their scent if they’re stored incorrectly. To prevent aroma loss:
Store candles in airtight containers when not in use.
Glass jars, metal tins, or even sealable plastic bags can work well for short-term storage.
For long-term needs, consider vacuum-sealed bags to lock in the perfume.
If you’ve purchased scented candles from an online candle shop, they often arrive with lids or specially designed packaging to maintain freshness—so don’t discard those boxes or lids; they serve an important purpose!
3. Keep Candles Upright
Always store candles upright to retain their shape. Whether they’re jar candles, pillars, tapers, or votives, leaving them on their side can cause uneven melting or deform the wax. To ensure stability:
Place candles on a flat, sturdy surface.
Avoid stacking heavier items on top of them.
If space is limited, use dedicated candle racks or compartments.
4. Prevent Dust and Debris Build-Up
Candles displayed on open shelves or mantels can accumulate dust and debris over time. This not only affects their appearance but can also cause uneven burning and alter the scent quality. To minimise this:
Use protective covers or wrap your candles in acid-free tissue paper before storing them.
For jar candles, simply replace the lid after each use.
If any candle gathers dust, gently wipe it with a soft, dry cloth before lighting.
5. Avoid Extreme Temperature Changes
Rapid fluctuations in temperature can damage candles. Common problem areas include:
Attics (which tend to heat up in summer)
Basements (where damp and cold can be an issue)
Uninsulated garages (prone to both extremes)
If you’re ordering from an online candle shop during warm months, pick up your parcel promptly to avoid heat exposure during delivery. Likewise, don’t store citronella candles in areas that could freeze or overheat, as this can affect their insect-repelling properties.
6. Label Your Candle Collection
For avid collectors of the best candles UK suppliers provide, keeping track of your stash can be tricky. Labelling your candles with purchase dates and fragrance notes helps with rotation and ensures nothing gets overlooked. Consider:
Using small stickers or tags for quick identification.
Maintaining a journal or digital inventory if your collection is extensive.
This is especially useful when you have a mix of decorative jar candles, elegant dinner candles, and seasonal citronella candles.
7. Travel-Friendly Candle Storage
For those who love to take their favourite candles on holiday, it’s vital to prevent damage. When travelling:
Store candles in tins or containers with secure lids to guard against chips or dents.
Pack them in your hand luggage to avoid extreme temperature changes in the hold.
Whether it’s a scented jar candle to relax in your hotel room or a compact citronella candle for evenings on the patio, proper travel storage is a must.
8. When to Discard or Repurpose Your Candles
Even with perfect storage conditions, candles don’t last forever. Over time, the scent may fade or the wax can become brittle. If this happens:
Repurpose old candles into wax melts—simply break up the wax and remelt in a silicone mould.
Create DIY firelighters by dipping shavings in melted wax and wrapping them in recycled paper.
This way, nothing goes to waste, and you still get enjoyment from your once-favourite scents.
Final Thoughts
Proper candle storage is essential for maintaining the quality of your collection. Whether you shop locally at a candle shop UK or prefer the convenience of an online candle shop, applying these tips will ensure your candles remain fresh, fragrant, and visually appealing for as long as possible. From decorative jar candles and elegant dinner candles to garden-friendly citronella candles, the best candles UK has to offer will stay in perfect condition when you store them correctly.
Ready to expand your collection? Explore the finest selection of jar candles, dinner candles, and citronella candles at Price’s Candles—your go-to online candle shop for beautifully preserved fragrances every time.
