Once you've started stocking and selling your candles, you'll begin to notice a trend of common questions from your customers.
"How long should I burn my candle for?" - We recommend 3-4 hours each time!
"Are your candles vegan?"
"Are your candles non-toxic and eco-friendly?"
"How should I store my candles?"
"When are you going to launch [insert scent name]?"
Most of these have a simple answer: We recommend burning for 3-4 hours maximum each use, and every Vuur candle is made with natural, non-toxic and eco-friendly vegan ingredients.
However, some questions you'll be asked have a more complex answer.
Today, we'll be answering the question of storage.
Knowing how to correctly store your candles is a great way to ensure you are always offering your customers optimal and fresh candles, in good condition.
General Advice for all Types of Candles
- Store in a dry and stable room-temperature area to prevent softening or melting
- Avoid storing in direct sunlight, as certain colours and scents can fade with UV-rays
- Ensure your candles are kept away from the reach of all children, pets or flammable objects
Storing particular types of Candle
In addition to the standard advice above, there are specific ways to store certain types of candles. Everything from the shape to the ingredients used can cause a candle to react differently in storage. Here are some of the main examples:
Candles containing Vanilla and Citrus notes
Certain fragrance oils can impact a candle's appearance and colour. This is particularly a concern with darker fragrance oils, which almost always have the tendency to produce a darker candle.
A common culprit of this is Vanillin, which has a tendency to tint candles yellow - either immediately or overtime. Candles with high concentrates of Vanillin will almost always yellow overtime.
Unfortunately, once the yellowing has occurred, there is no way to reverse it. However, you can slow the process by using a secure lid and storing the candle away from direct sunlight.
Coloured Candles (including Pillar candles)
All candles made with natural waxes run the risk of frosting overtime.
Frosting is a natural occurrence of soy and other natural waxes. It is caused by the wax crystallising, and trying to return to its original, natural state.
While all natural wax candles can frost, coloured candles tend to accentuate the problem as the milky white crystals contrast the colour of the rest of the candle.
For this reason, we recommend storing your coloured candles away from direct sunlight and in a stable, room-temperature area. Fluctuating temperatures and UV-rays can accelerate the process of frosting.
Luckily, frosting is solely an aesthetic issue and does not affect the way your candle burns or smells.
Jarred Scented Candles
Candles in jars or tumblers are great because 1) they last a long time and 2) fragrance, once mixed with wax, rarely spoils.
Jar and tumbler candles are stored best standing upright. Unlike pillar and tapered candles, the glass keeps these candles from melting, and generally just makes them easier to care for.
We recommend safely stacking unused candles in a flat box or area that is away from direct sunlight.
Once you have lit the candle a couple of times, it is important to remember the glass around the rim will be slightly more fragile than normal. Candles that have been used therefore should not be stacked on top of each other, as they may crack/break.
Votive and Tealight Candles
These types of candles are best stored in a box with dividers. This will keep each tealight/votive separated from one another, which will prevent any melting.