How do you properly store candles? Candles are a wonderful addition to any home — bringing warmth, comfort, and ambiance to a space. But to ensure they stay in excellent condition and burn properly, correct storage matters more than most people realize. Proper candle storage preserves both the appearance and performance of your candle, allowing you to enjoy your luxury home fragrance exactly as intended.
1. Keep Candles Away From Heat and Sunlight
Candles are sensitive to temperature and light. When exposed to heat or direct sunlight, the wax can melt, soften, or become discolored — affecting both the candle’s appearance and the integrity of the fragrance. Store candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, windows, and other heat sources. This is the single most important step in preserving both the look and the scent of your candle.
2. Store Candles Upright
Storing candles upright maintains their shape and prevents the wax from shifting or softening unevenly. If you need to stack candles, wrap them in tissue paper or bubble wrap to prevent scratching or sticking. This is especially important for Thompson Ferrier decorative vessels, where the finish and form are as much a part of the experience as the fragrance itself.
3. Trim the Wick Before Storing
Before storing your candles, trim the wicks to approximately ¼ inch. This prevents the wicks from becoming too long and creating an oversized flame on the next burn — which can cause the candle to burn too quickly and produce soot. Trimming before storage also ensures a cleaner, more even burn the next time you light the candle.
4. Store in a Dry Environment
Candles can absorb moisture from the air, which may affect both their quality and burn time. Store candles in a dry place — a closet, cabinet, or drawer — away from bathrooms or kitchens where humidity fluctuates. A stable, dry environment is one of the best ways to maintain the candle’s fragrance, texture, and overall performance over time.
5. Use Candles Within a Year of Purchase
Candles are made from organic materials and can gradually deteriorate over time. To enjoy the fragrance at its fullest and ensure a consistent burn, use your candles within a year of purchase. This is particularly relevant for high-fragrance candles like Thompson Ferrier’s — where the richness of the scent is best experienced fresh.
By following these candle storage tips, you can ensure your candles stay in beautiful condition and burn beautifully every time. A well-stored candle offers lasting fragrance, elegance, and atmosphere — long before it is ever lit.
Explore the Thompson Ferrier collection → — and store every candle the way it deserves.
Quick Answers: How to Store Candles
Where is the best place to store candles?
The best place to store candles is in a cool, dry, dark environment — away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and humidity. A cabinet, closet, or drawer is ideal. Avoid windowsills, bathrooms, and areas near radiators or air conditioning vents, all of which cause temperature fluctuations that can affect the wax and fragrance.
How long can you store a candle before it goes bad?
Most candles are best used within one year of purchase. Over time, the fragrance can fade and the wax can deteriorate, affecting both the scent throw and the burn quality. Thompson Ferrier candles are formulated with a high fragrance load — 16–18% — which is best experienced when the candle is relatively fresh.
Should you cover candles when storing them?
Yes. Covering candles — with their original lid, a dust cover, or tissue paper — protects the wax surface from dust and debris, which can affect the burn. It also slows the rate at which fragrance evaporates from the surface of the wax, helping preserve the scent throw for longer.
Does sunlight damage candles?
Yes. UV light from direct sunlight breaks down the molecular bonds in candle wax, causing discoloration — particularly yellowing in white or light-colored candles. It can also degrade the fragrance compounds in the wax over time. Always store candles away from windows and direct light.
For more on candle care, read candle care tips, why candles turn yellow over time, and what are the sweat beads on the surface of my candles.
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