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How To Store Your Candles and Wax Melts
Knowing how to correctly store your candles and wax melts is a great way to ensure you have a backlog of products in stock whilst also keeping them fresh and in good condition for your customers. Take a look at just some of the ways you can store your creations to give them a longer shelf life!
Important Points When Storing Candles and Wax Melts
Safety
Before you get to the actual conditions of storing your wax based products, it's best to outline the safety aspects first. First and foremost, keep out of reach of children and pets. Often things such as individual wax melts can be mistaken by small children as edible, it’s best to keep all of your products out of sight and reach of children and pets in the home or keep them in a lockable cupboard.
Storage at height is also another important aspect to consider. Remember to always follow correct lifting procedures and remember to store heavier items on shelves between shoulder and mid-thigh height, ideally at waist height, for example this is applicable to heavier boxes that may contain filled candles in glass jars.
Temperature
One of the most important factors you need to consider when storing anything wax-based, is your temperature. You don’t want them to be stored somewhere too hot where your wax will melt or leach, alternatively you don’t want to store them somewhere too cold. Huge variances in temperature can affect the finish and burn of your creations, so it’s important to store them correctly.
Sunlight also has a tendency to bleach dyed candles after a while, leaving them looking faded or discoloured, therefore we recommend storing them somewhere dry, out of direct sunlight and at temperatures no higher than 28°C.
Rotate Your Stock
When storing your stock, remember to rotate older candles and wax melts to the front of your stash to make sure you use them first.
How to Store Wax Melts
Depending on the type of wax melts you’ve made will depend on how they’re stored. If they’re in a clam shell or deli pot they’re already packaged, just follow the same steps as storing your candles, wrap well and place in a durable box! If you have made individual melts using a silicone mould, you’ll have to think about your packaging. Glassine bags are a popular choice for storing wax melts along with small plastic segment boxes and cardboard trays! We also recommend storing your wax melts flat, the wax in your wax melt is purely a carrier of your fragrance oil. The fragrance oil is mixed in the wax, but over time the oil can settle to the bottom of the bar or clamshell if kept in an upright position. This makes the end of your snap bar more fragrant than the end.
How Long Can Wax Melts Be Stored?
Wax melts can typically be stored for an extended period if kept in the right conditions. When stored properly in a cool, dry, and airtight environment, wax melts can last anywhere from one to two years or even longer without losing their fragrance or quality. However, over time, their scent may gradually weaken.
Can You Store Wax Melts Together?
Yes, you can store wax melts together in a single container or storage unit, as long as you take some precautions to prevent them from mixing scents or sticking together. Here are some tips for storing wax melts together:
Use individual compartments: If storing multiple wax melts together in the same container, use individual compartments or sections within the container to keep them separated. You can use small containers, dividers, or wax melt clamshell packaging with separate cavities for each melt.
Wrap or bag them: If you don't have separate compartments, consider wrapping each wax melt in wax paper or placing them in separate resealable bags. This helps prevent scents from mixing and wax melts from sticking together.
Label and date: It's a good idea to label your wax melts and include the date of purchase or creation. This makes it easier to use older melts first and ensures you know which scents you have.
Store in a cool, dry place: Keep your container of wax melts in a cool, dry, and dark location away from direct sunlight and heat sources to preserve their scent and quality.
Organise by scent type: If you have a large collection of wax melts, consider organising them by scent type (e.g., floral, fruity, spicy) to make it easier to find the scent you want.
By following these guidelines, you can store wax melts together without worrying about scent contamination or them sticking together. Proper storage helps maintain the quality and fragrance of your wax melts for an extended period.
Click to shop all of our wax melt packaging here.
How to Store Candles
Proper candle storage is essential to maintain their quality and prolong their shelf life.
Here are steps on how to store candles effectively:
Keep them cool and dry: Store candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Exposure to heat can cause candles to warp or soften.
Avoid humidity: Moisture can affect the quality of candles. Keep them away from humid areas like bathrooms or basements. Store them in an airtight container or resealable bag if necessary.
Store upright: Keep candles upright to prevent them from bending or becoming misshapen. If you have tapered candles, use a candle holder or a tall, sturdy container to store them vertically.
Separate by type: Group candles by type, such as pillar candles, votives, and tapers, to make them easier to find and use when needed.
Protect from dust: Dust can accumulate on candles and affect their appearance and burn quality. Cover candles with a cloth or place them in a storage box or container to keep them dust-free.
Label and date: If you have a variety of scented candles, label them with their scent names and dates of purchase or creation. This helps you identify them and use older candles first.
Inspect periodically: Check your stored candles periodically for signs of damage, such as discoloured wax or wick issues. Address any problems promptly.
Use proper containers: If you store candles in containers, make sure they are heat-resistant and won't react with the candles' wax.
Keep away from drafts: Avoid storing candles in drafty areas, as drafts can cause uneven burning and may lead to excessive dripping.
Rotate stock: If you have a large candle collection, rotate your stock by using older candles first to ensure freshness.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your candles remain in good condition and ready for use when you need them. Proper storage helps maintain the quality and appearance of your candles for a longer time.
How Long Can You Store Candles?
Candles can be stored for an extended period if stored properly. In general, candles do not have a strict expiration date, and their shelf life can vary based on factors such as the type of wax, fragrance, and storage conditions. Here are some general guidelines:
Store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Keep them in an airtight container or resealable bag to protect them from dust and moisture.
Avoid storing them in areas with high humidity, as this can affect the quality of the wax.
Use older candles first and rotate your stock to ensure freshness.
While candles may still be safe to use after several years, their fragrance and quality may diminish over time. It's a good practice to periodically assess your candle collection and use older candles to enjoy their full potential before they lose their scent or become less effective.
Click to shop all of our candle packaging here.
How to store Pillar Candles
Proper storage of pillar candles is essential to preserve their quality and prevent damage. Follow these steps on how to store pillar candles effectively:
Cool and Dry Location: Store pillar candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and humidity. Excessive heat can cause pillar candles to warp or soften, while humidity can affect their texture.
Upright Position: Store pillar candles upright to maintain their shape. Using a candle holder or placing them in a tall, sturdy container can help keep them vertical.
Separate by Size and Type: Group pillar candles by size and type (e.g., unscented, scented, decorative) to make them easy to find and use.
Protect from Dust: Dust can accumulate on candles, affecting their appearance and burning quality. Cover pillar candles with a cloth or place them in a storage container or airtight bag to keep them dust-free.
Label and Date: If you have a variety of pillar candles, label them with their scent names and dates of purchase or creation. This helps you identify them and use older candles first.
Inspect Periodically: Periodically check your stored pillar candles for signs of damage, such as discoloured wax or wick issues. Address any problems promptly.
Use Proper Containers: If you use containers for storage, ensure they are heat-resistant and won't react with the candles' wax.
Avoid Drafts: Do not store pillar candles in drafty areas, as drafts can cause uneven burning and excessive dripping.
Rotate Stock: If you have a large collection of pillar candles, rotate your stock by using older candles first to ensure freshness.
Properly stored pillar candles can maintain their quality and appearance for an extended period, ready for you to use and enjoy when needed.
Click to shop all of our candle packaging here.
FAQs
Can you store wax melts in a jar?
Yes, you can store wax melts in a jar or a glass container, and it can be a convenient and decorative way to keep your wax melts organised and accessible. Here's how you can do it:
Select a Suitable Jar: Choose a glass jar or container with a lid that is large enough to accommodate your wax melts. Make sure it's clean and dry before use.
Arrange the Wax Melts: Place your wax melts inside the jar. You can arrange them in a single layer or stack them neatly, depending on the size of the jar and your preference.
Label and Date: Consider labelling the jar with the names of the wax melt scents and the date of purchase or creation. This helps you identify the scents and keep track of freshness.
Seal with a Lid: Securely close the jar with its lid to keep the wax melts fresh and to prevent any scent mixing with other items.
Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Keep the jar of wax melts in a cool, dry location, away from direct sunlight and heat sources, to preserve their scent and quality.
Using a jar or glass container for storing wax melts helps protect them from dust, moisture, and exposure to air, which can affect their fragrance and quality over time. Plus, it can make for an attractive and organised display, especially if you have a variety of wax melt scents to choose from.
Can you store wax melts in the fridge?
Storing wax melts in the refrigerator is generally not recommended. While keeping wax melts in a cool environment is beneficial, refrigerators can introduce humidity and moisture, which can be detrimental to wax melts. Here's why storing wax melts in a fridge is not ideal:
Moisture: Refrigerators are designed to maintain a humid environment to keep food fresh. The introduction of moisture can affect the texture and quality of wax melts, potentially causing them to become soft, sticky, or even develop water spots.
Odour Absorption: Wax is porous and can absorb odours from the refrigerator, leading to scent contamination. Your wax melts may take on unwanted food odours, affecting their intended fragrance.
Condensation: When you take wax melts out of the refrigerator and expose them to room temperature, condensation can form on their surface. This moisture can affect their appearance and may lead to issues when melting.
Instead of the refrigerator, it's best to store wax melts in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. A cool, dark cupboard or a dedicated storage container in a climate-controlled room is a more suitable option for preserving the quality and fragrance of your wax melts.