Maybe you are a candle maker who has made a lot of candles to sell later? Or you've found some really nice candles for your home at a good price and wanted to stock up. Surely you still have a few candles in a drawer waiting for a power cut? But can candles go bad or expire?
The short answer: Yes.
The long answer: It's a bit complicated.
Candles don't have a fixed expiration date like food, but they do go “bad” over time. At some point, they may no longer light or burn properly. The lifespan of a candle can vary greatly depending on its components such as wax, wick, fragrance and dye and, of course, their quality. For example, a kerosene candle with synthetic oils can last for years, while a candle made from vegetable wax and essential oils is best used within a few months. Most candles, whether scented or not, can last up to three years if stored properly. But over time, you will notice that their color and scent will change slightly. It is usually recommended to light candles during their typical lifespan of 12 to 18 months.
How can you tell if a candle has expired?
You can tell if your candle is going bad by looking at the color of the candle: Does it look faded? Has it turned yellow, green or brown? These can be signs that your candle is no longer in tip-top condition. Also pay attention to the scent. If the scent has weakened, changed or disappeared completely, your candle may be past its best. But can you still light it? Possibly. You can consider your candle to be expired based on three factors: Burning behavior, fragrance strength and aesthetics. If the color has changed slightly, but the overall appearance is fine, the fragrance has not become rancid or barely perceptible or has separated from the wax, you can probably still light the candle. Sometimes, however, an expired candle has changed so much that you can no longer really light it: This is the case when the burning performance has been compromised.
Can you use an expired candle?
Most old candles can still be used, but they no longer offer the luxurious experience that was promised at the time of purchase. Candles that have been stored for more than 2 years may no longer give off a gentle fragrance and may not glow as beautifully in color. If you can light your candle as usual, you can probably continue to use it. If it still burns well, you can continue to use the candle, even if you no longer have the best visual or aromatic experience. However, the changes in the fragrance oil, and to some extent the wax, can cause the wick to clog. To find out if this is the case, light your candle and watch the flame. Is it incredibly small, does it stutter, or does it keep going out? These signs indicate that your candle is no longer burning properly, which means it's time to dispose of it or use the glass to make new candles. It is therefore important to use candles within their recommended lifespan and to ensure that they are made from high quality materials that are suitable for use.
We hope these tips are helpful! Do you have any further questions? Send us an email at support@distrebution.com or send us a DM on Instagram!
