How to Store Candles Properly: 3 Things to Avoid
A candle’s fragrance is a living thing. Even when it isn’t lit, scent molecules are slowly, constantly escaping from the wax. In the industry, we call this "cold throw." If you’re a pessimist, you might call it "scent degradation."
Either way, time is the factor. If you light a candle you bought five years ago and compare it to one you bought yesterday, the difference is heartbreaking. The old one has likely lost its soul.
If you want to preserve the narrative of your favorite scents and make your candles last, you need to protect them from 3 main conditions:
1. Heat
Fragrance oils and waxes are incredibly sensitive to temperature. You should avoid keeping your collection anywhere that gets warmer than a standard room (stay below 80°F). Never leave a vessel near a radiator, a space heater, or tucked behind a kitchen appliance that throws off heat.
Excess heat causes the wax to soften. When that happens, the fragrance oils start to "sweat" out of the wax, meaning they won't be there when you actually light the wick.
(A quick tip: The cooler, the better. Some people even use their fridge. But whatever you do, never put a candle in the freezer. The extreme cold can cause the wax to crack and ruin the integrity of the wick.)
2. Moisture
Candles need to stay dry to perform their best. You want to avoid humidity, condensation, and general dampness.
We often see people storing their beautiful candles in bathrooms or kitchens. These are actually the worst spots. The steam from a shower or a boiling pot creates a humid environment that can mess with the way the wax cures and burns later.
Also, watch out for the "under-the-sink" trap. Areas prone to leaks or hidden moisture are a quick way to ruin a high-quality cotton wick.
3. Sunlight (UV Light)
We all love the way a glass vessel looks sitting on a windowsill with the afternoon sun hitting it. It’s a beautiful image, but a terrible storage plan.
Direct sunlight is a thief. It causes oxidation—a fancy way of saying it eats away at the dyes and the precious fragrance oils in the wax. If left in the sun, that deep, evocative color will fade and the scent will follow suit.
This rule applies to harsh artificial light, too (like high-intensity desk lamps or spotlights). When you aren’t enjoying the ritual of the flame, keep your candles in a dark, quiet place.
Other Tips for Storing Candles
- Cover your collection. When a candle isn't in use, keep it covered to lock in the scent and keep dust from settling on the wax. Candles with lids—like our Ceramic Gold Collection—make this easy. For those without, I highly recommend a glass bell cloche. It’s an elegant way to display the vessel while protecting the fragrance.
- Keep them out of reach. Luxury candles are meant to be savored, not handled by curious children or pets. Storing your "stash" on a high shelf or inside a closed cabinet is the best way to ensure your ritual stays safe and your candles stay intact.
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