Sometimes we get our hands on a candle that smells so good we either want to hold onto it for a special occasion or never light it at all. I must admit, I'm guilty of that! Many products come with expiration dates or best-by dates but have you ever thought about how long a soy candle lasts? Can it be saved until the perfect moment, or is the best moment right here and now? Candles aren't marked with an expiration date, but they won't fill the air with the same aroma forever. The thought may have never crossed your mind, but I can't keep these tips to myself.
Believe it or not, candles can expire. Ok, maybe not expire; however, it won't always take you to the same place when you close your eyes and inhale its aroma when it's lit. Over time, your candles can lose their color and scent, mainly if they aren't stored properly. Candles are produced by blending fragrance oils with a carrier wax. In most cases, the fragrance oil is the first to fade. So, even though your candle is burning normally without issue, the scent it's producing is likely minimal if you've had it for a while or even a few years. It's not the quality you originally paid for. Imagine saving your candle for so long, and it lets you down and disappoints?
Candles that are in direct sunlight will fade faster than those stored in a container. It's rare, but in some cases, candles can go bad. To get the most enjoyable scent and best results, burn your candle within 12 to 18 months from the date you purchased it. Depending on the manufacturer, they may provide guidance for how long their candles last.
To lengthen the life of your natural soy candle, there are a few rules to follow. To start, you want to keep your candle out of direct sunlight. UV radiation breaks down materials over time, slowly breaking down the scent of the candle. Have you ever left something in the sun and notice that over time it fades color? That's the same thing that can happen to your candle. Even if you light your candle in the sun, make sure you store it in the shade when you're finished. Meredith Bay Candles come with a lid that keeps the fragrance strong, so in the case your candle has a cover, replace it once you put the candle out. If you have a candle that doesn't have a lid, store it in an airtight plastic container to extend its scent life.
While most candles don't truly expire, over time, their scent and color will fade. If you love your natural soy candle, burn it and enjoy it now or sometime in the near future. Don't just look at your soy candles; enjoy the aroma and maximize your burn.
