When you open up the cupboard in search of a snack, all it takes is a quick glance at the package to tell whether the product is expired.
Even cosmetics and personal care products usually come with a “best by” date. But what about home fragrance solutions like scented candles? How do you know if your candle is expired?
In this guide, we’ll discuss how long scented candles last and how to tell whether yours is still safe to use. You’ll also receive some handy tips to get the most out of your candles.
How Long Do Candles Last?
Scented candles don’t suddenly turn toxic if they’ve been sitting on the shelf too long. If you come across an old candle while doing your spring cleaning, it’s probably still safe to burn. That said, candles lose some of their efficacy over time.
The lifespan of a candle depends largely on its ingredients. Candles made with synthetic fragrance and low-grade paraffin wax could last indefinitely in the right storage conditions but it’s generally best to use a scented candle within a year or two after purchase. Natural materials like soy wax, beeswax, and coconut wax don’t necessarily go bad after that time period, but the fragrance could fade, and they might not burn as evenly.
It may also depend on the type of candle. Beeswax candles, for instance, have a tendency to “bloom” over time. They take on a frosty white appearance but they’re still safe to use. Poured candles in ceramic or glass containers with lids are going to be better protected in storage than pillar candles or tapers.
How to Make Your Candles Last
The secret to making your favorite fragranced candle last is two-fold. First, make sure you’re investing in a high-quality candle. Scented candles made with cheap, synthetic ingredients tend not to burn evenly and won’t last as long as a premium product. All LAFCO candles are made with sustainable soy wax, pure essential oil-based fragrance, and 100% cotton wicks.
Second, learn how to burn your candle properly to extend its lifespan. The first time you burn your candle, don’t extinguish it until the wax has melted all the way across the surface. This helps prevent tunneling issues which will only get worse each subsequent time you use your candle.
It’s also a good idea to trim the wick to about ¼ inch above the wax before you next light it. If your wick is too long, the flame gets too hot which can lead to an uneven burn and negatively impact the lifespan of your candle. Make your life easy with a combination candle wick trimmer and snuffer so each time you extinguish your candle, you’re also trimming the wick to prepare it for next time.
Enjoy Long-Lasting Fragrance with LAFCO Candles
Every LAFCO candle is crafted with solid soy wax and premium essential oil-based fragrance then poured into a handblown glass vessel. With sizes ranging from the 1.9-ounce votive to the large 86-ounce four-wick candle, you can extend your fragrance experience as long as you like.
Treat yourself to the best LAFCO has to offer with a candle from the Absolute Collection or the new Source & Story Collection. Try out one of these fragrances:
- Orange Blossom – Sweet floral notes play off the distinctive scent of bitter orange in this unique fragrance blend. The candle is presented in an art glass vessel in marbled orange and yellow tones that flare with warmth when lit.
- Lavender Flower – Perfect for spring, this fragrance blends the aromatic scent of herbal lavender and rosemary with sweet vanilla and a touch of floral musk. Hints of violet color the artisanal glass vessel and reflect the fragrance within.
- Timur Pepper – Built on a base of earthy patchouli, resinous amber, and rich vetiver, this complex fragrance features hints of sparkling citrus interwoven with spicy notes of pepper. Available in the 15.5-ounce Signature size, this candle offers a burn time up to 90 hours.
- Andean Myrtle – At once vibrant and grounded, this earthy fragrance blend is a tribute to ancient Incan civilizations. It presents with fresh top notes of mandarin and lime then gives way to an herbal heart of myrtle Inca and schinus molle.
To ensure you get to enjoy your scented candle to the fullest, put some thought into your fragrance choice. Use the LAFCO Fragrance Finder to be paired with the perfect scent solution or sample three options with the Discovery Trio.
Shop the entire collection of LAFCO fragranced candles here.