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How to Store Candles & Wax Melts Properly
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5 min
Ever lit a candle only to realise the scent isn't as strong as it used to be? It's not your imagination—poor storage can ruin even the best-made candles and wax melts. Heat, humidity and even the wrong container can break down fragrance oils, fade colours or cause wax to soften before it's ever burned.
And if you're a business owner, storage isn't just about keeping stock tidy—it directly affects product quality. A candle that's been sitting in a sunlit shop window or an overly warm storeroom won't perform the way it should. Let's talk about how to store candles or wax melts and what keeps them in peak condition.
Table of contents
General storage rules to keep your candles at their best How to store candles (depending on the type) Candles containing vanilla Jar candles Small candles or votives Pillar candles Taper candles Wax melts Bonus tips for making candles last longer A little care goes a long way Frequently Asked Questions Popular Articles
General storage rules to keep your candles at their best
Candles might seem low-maintenance, but where and how you store them makes all the difference. A few easy tweaks can keep them smelling strong, burning evenly, and looking as good as the day you bought (or poured) them.
- Keep everything cool. Heat softens wax, warps shapes and weakens fragrance. A cool but not cold room temperature is ideal.
- Store in a dry place. Humidity can cause frosting or sweating, especially with soy wax. No one wants damp-looking candles.
- Avoid direct sunlight. UV rays fade colours and break down fragrance oils. Candles aren't fans of sunbathing.
- Put fire safety first. Obvious but important. Store away from heat sources because melted-before-you-lit-it isn't the goal.
How to store candles (depending on the type)
There are specific ways to store certain types of candles, as the ingredients in them respond differently. Here are some of the main examples:
Candles containing vanilla
Did you know vanilla-based candles can discolour over time? If left in direct sunlight or exposed to air for too long, they can develop a yellowish tint—even in high-quality wax. This doesn’t affect the scent or burn, but it’s not the best look if you're selling them. Keep them in a cool, dark place and sealed when possible to preserve their creamy appearance.
Jar candles
Jar candles have the benefit of built-in protection, but that doesn't mean they can be stored anywhere. Always keep the lid on when they're not in use—this prevents dust from collecting on the wax and stops fragrance from evaporating too soon. Stacking jars? Store them upright to avoid uneven settling or warping in softer waxes like soy.
Small candles or votives
Because they don't come in containers, votives and small candles are more exposed to air and dust, affecting their scent and burn quality. Store them in an airtight box or bag to maintain fragrance strength. If you're stacking them, use tissue paper or dividers to prevent them from sticking together, especially in warmer months.
Pillar candles
Pillar candles hold their shape well, but only if stored correctly. Over time, heat can cause warping, especially in softer waxes like soy or coconut. Store them flat rather than upright to prevent leaning to keep them in perfect condition. Wrapping them in parchment paper or tissue paper helps avoid surface damage or scratches. And if you’re stacking multiple, add a layer of bubble wrap or cardboard to stop them from denting each other.
Taper candles
Tapers are notoriously delicate. They'll bend if stored incorrectly, especially in warmer spaces. The trick? Lay them flat, not upright, and store them in a cool, dark place away from humidity. If they're left exposed, dust can cling to the wax and dull their finish, so keep them wrapped in tissue paper or a cloth bag. For business owners, consider storing them in individual sleeves or tubes to keep them pristine for customers.
Wax melts
Unlike candles, wax melts do not have a wick to burn off any dust or surface residue, so it is essential to keep them sealed. Store them in clamshell packaging, an airtight container, or a resealable bag to prevent scent loss. Heat and humidity can cause them to sweat, leading to fragrance oil pooling on the surface, so always keep them in a cool, dry place. While it may be tempting to display them in direct sunlight, UV exposure can fade vibrant colours, making them appear less appealing.
Bonus tips for making candles last longer
Proper storage helps, but how you use your candles matters just as much. The right wick trimming, burn time, and care routine can extend their lifespan and keep them performing at their best. Here's how to get the most out of every candle.
Trim the wick. A wick that's too long burns too fast. Keep it around ¼ inch to prevent excess soot and ensure an even burn.
Let it melt to the edges. To avoid tunnelling, burn your candle until the wax pool reaches the jar's edge. Ideally, this is achieved on your second burn.
Snuff, don't blow. Blowing out a candle creates excess smoke and can bury the wick in wax. Use a wick dipper or snuffer instead.
Rotate scents. Burning the same candle daily can lead to scent fatigue (where you stop noticing the fragrance). Switching between a few prevents this.
Keep the wax clean. Avoid dropping matches, wick trimmings or dust into the wax, as these can affect the burn quality.
Reuse the jar. Once the wax is finished, repurpose the jar for storage, planters or even another candle pour.
A little care goes a long way
Whether you're keeping stock fresh for customers or making the most of your personal collection, proper storage and burn habits make all the difference. Follow these tips, and your candles will burn cleaner, smell stronger, and stay looking their best. Because your crafting efforts deserve to last as long as the care you put into them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I store my products for?
When stored correctly, candles and wax melts can be kept for up to 24 months after being made.
How do I know if they're still okay to sell?
First step: sniff them! They should have a great cold throw, a good sign that they're still fit for use. Second step: test-burn one to be sure!
My products have turned yellow, what can I do?
Unfortunately, once products turn yellow, there isn't much you can do other than embrace it and let your customers know it's a sign of a quality scent!
NI Candle Supplies specialises in high-quality candle-making materials, offering a diverse range of waxes, wicks, and fragrances. Committed to inspiring creativity, we provide resources for beginners and seasoned artisans. Our mission is to empower candle makers with quality products and expert guidance, fostering a vibrant community of enthusiasts who share a passion for craftsmanship and creativity.
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