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My Reward PointsCandles, unlike food and cosmetics, do not have an expiration date. They are not susceptible to mold, germs, or harmful effects due to age. Well-preserved candles can burn for decades, but they are not impervious to the passage of time. This blog provides the answer to the query ‘Can candles expire?, signs of deterioration, various candle lifespans, DIY tips for extending candle life, and methods for reusing old candles with creative DIY tricks.
Do Candles Ever Expire?
Upon returning from travel or cleaning old household items, it's common to find forgotten candles in storage boxes. However, most old candles can still be enjoyed safely if burned according to the original directions. Although the aroma may not be as pleasing as in a new candle, the aroma oils are still present inside, albeit at a lower strength.
In other words, old candles may not provide the same experience as new ones, and those kept for over two years may not emit a delicate smell or generate a less beautiful glow. So, do candles expire? Understanding the anatomy of the candle can help get the answer to this query.
Signs Your Candle Has Gone Bad
Some symptoms that can have a negative impact on how long a candle lasts include faded scents, candle discolouration, a broken wick, and an uneven burn.
1. Faded Scents
An unlit candle's scent fades over time, and if you find it difficult to discern, gently scratch the outside surface. If you can't detect the scent, it might indicate that the candle has reached its life.
2. Candle Discolouration
If the colour of a candle has faded or changed (for example, from vibrant red to salmon), it likely indicates an old candle. Although it should still burn properly, its appearance may not be as appealing.
3. Broken Wick
A deteriorated, brittle, or broken Candle wick may indicate a candle's end of life, but it doesn't necessarily mean it's completely unacceptable; a broken wick can affect the candle's ability to burn correctly.
4. Uneven Burn
Uneven burning in a candle may indicate deterioration or inappropriate burning, but it's not a reliable indicator of spoilage. It may indicate issues with the wick, wax, or the original burning method, but it doesn't necessarily indicate harmful use.
How Long Do Different Candles Last?
Candles typically burn well for 1 to 2 years post-purchase, but their lifespan and burn duration vary significantly. Natural soy or coconut wax candles have a shorter shelf life than paraffin candles. Here, we explain how long do candles last with different waxes.
1. Soy Candles
Soy is a natural, often organic substance. Candles of soy wax, like other natural things in your pantry, can expire. These normally last between one and two years if not burned.
2. Beeswax Candles
Beeswax candles, which are 100% pure and can last for years, may appear "bloomed" and frosty white upon removal. Although this may detract from their appearance, it doesn't necessarily indicate the candle's expiration.
3. Paraffin Candles
Most paraffin wax candles can survive indefinitely if stored properly. While paraffin candle wax, for example, is a low-grade petroleum wax commonly used in low-cost candles, it is incredibly stable.
4. Coconut Candles
Coconut wax, like soy wax, is a naturally occurring (and typically organic) ingredient. A candle made with coconut wax will perform optimally, as it can last 1 to 2 years after purchasing.
5. Palm Wax Candles
Palm wax candles have a long burn time, similar to soy wax but longer than paraffin candles; they vary based on size, shape, and manufacturer's recommendations, and are renowned for their clean burn and aroma retention.
Easy Tips to Make Your Candles Last Longer
It's uncertain how long a candle lasts, but to maximise your candle's lifespan, store it in cool & dark areas, cover it in jars, avoid direct sunlight, trim the wick before use, and avoid burning for too long at once.
1. Store in Cool, Dark Places
Place candles in a cool, dark location away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Avoid regions with significant humidity, dampness, or extreme temperature variations. The optimal temperature range is 50–80°F (10–27°C).
2. Keep Them Covered in Jars
To preserve the scent of your candle, cover it with a lid or wrap and store it in an airtight container. Original packaging or attractive lids help prolong the life of aroma oils by reducing air exposure.
3. Avoid Direct Sunlight
Display candles away from direct sunlight and strong lighting, and store them in a closed cabinet or closet when not in use. Sunlight is harmful to candles with essential oils, natural scents, and plant-based or organic waxes.
4. Trim Wick Before Use
Regular wick trimming of candles prevents debris buildup, prolonging candle lifespan by 25% and reducing smoke and soot. Inadequate trimming can lead to longer burning times and increased smoke production.
5. Don’t Burn For Long At Once
Burning candles for too long can shorten their lifespan, as the wax melts quickly, causing a higher flame and more soot. To prolong the life of candles, they should be burned for shorter, controlled periods, usually 2-4 hours.
Reuse Your Old Candles With These DIY Tricks
You can reuse your old candles by following the DIY tips, such as adding a few drops of essential oil, cleaning the surface, rewicking the candle, re-pouring, fixing tunnelling, and seeing how long candles last.
1. Add A Few Drops of Essential Oil.
To enhance the aroma of old candle wax, add essential oils, but ensure safety and use them in appropriate amounts for a pleasant scent.
2. Clean The Surface
Old candles can be reused by melting and cleaning the wax, removing foreign material like dust or wick residue, and ensuring the same quality as a new candle.
3. Rewick Candle
Old candle wax can be melted down and reused for new candles by rewicking, removing debris, and pouring it into a new container with a fresh wick.
4. Re-Pour
Old candle wax can be melted down and used to create new candles by melting it, filtering it, and pouring it into a new container with a new wick.
5. Fix Tunneling
Reusing old candles by fixing tunnelled wax involves melting it, heating it, and reusing it with a new wick, resulting in a more even burn.
Conclusion
Candles can hardly expire, but they can change over time. Proper maintenance determines how long a candle lasts. Properly stored candles offer illumination indefinitely, but their aroma, appearance, and burning properties may change. When a neglected candle is found, light it with realistic expectations, as even an old candle can still generate ambience with its glow, showcasing that some treasures are truly timeless.
