The candles don’t have any expiry date, but they may lose their originality in a certain time. All the scented candles will lose their scent over time. To clear the concept, you must understand that wax never goes bad; it is chemically stable, but other ingredients used with wax are not. These other ingredients can go bad. For example, its scent may fade after a period of time, but the candle will always light. Do candles expire like food? Not really, but their smell and quality can get weaker over time. If you love scented candles, then you must store them in a place where direct sunlight does not come, as UV rays may ruin their fragrance and color over time.
Do Candles Expire?
It’s a tough question because the answer could be either way. To make it simple, let’s take a two-way answer. Yes, the candle may expire if you love its scent and aromatic odour spreads throughout the room while burning. As time passes, the scent of candles may fade, and the fragrance of candles will not be as strong as it should be. This could be an indication to change the candles due to their expiry.
But if we look at the other aspect of the expiry of candles, a different theory may come out. Candles are mostly made of paraffin, which is an organic compound made of long-chain aliphatic hydrocarbons. These hydrocarbons can be used for a long period of time. Paraffins can be used without any significant degradation for a long period of time. So, in theory, the longevity of a candle mainly depends upon its physical and chemical composition. It can be lit up when used, even after years have passed. But this will not give the same scented odour as it used to give when the candle was new.
Signs Your Candles Have Lost Their Original Quality
If your candle has lost its original content, then it may show some significant signs as the candle has passed its prime, the charm of its fragrance fades, and the color of the candle may vanish. Here are some of the signs that show the expiry of the candle is near:-
1. Degradation of scent and its aroma:
The smell of a candle vanishes after some time due to its degradation or due to the passage of time. If the scent is less potent or the aroma is not as per the standard, then it’s time to purchase a new candle for you.
2. Faded Color
The color of the candle may fade over time; however, the chemical properties of the candle will not change over the passage of time, but due to the change in color, its originality may be reduced.
3. Uneven texture and strange odours
The physical texture of the candle will change due to changes in surrounding temperature and normal weather phenomena. This will lead to a strange smell after lighting it.
4. Uneven and poor burning
If a candle is burning unevenly and poor black smoke is coming out of it then it could be the result of incomplete combustion, which mainly happens when the candle is old and is used after a long period of time.
How Long Do Candles Last?
Candles can be stored for years, and they can still work fine. But the originality of its scent and burning capability may reduce over time. Candles made from paraffin can be used for several years, and it is seen that candles made in ancient times are still intact today. But the average lifespan of scented candles is 3-4 years. After that, the fragrance of candles reduces its charm over a certain period.
How to prevent Candles from losing their Charm?
Keep the Candles in a tightly packed container, or do not open the sealed pack if you are not going to use them. If the candle comes in contact with air, then it may lose its freshness and longevity. Due to its hydrocarbon structure and low reactivity, it can be used for a long period of time. Always keep the candles away from direct contact of sunlight as UV rays from the sunlight can damage the candles.
Conclusion
So the question is Do Candles Expire? Yes, the scent of the candles does expire due to their long-term exposure to air, light, and heat, causing the fragrance oil to degrade. The aroma may vanish, or the color can fade over the period of time.
Candles made from paraffin are not going to expire even if used after a long period of time, but if it is made from all-natural wax like soy or palm wax, then you are recommended to use them within a year after opening them from their original packaging. If the packaging is unopened, then the candles may not expire due to their protection from direct contact of sunlight.
So we can say that candles generally do not have any expiry date, but they can go bad over time. Air exposure gradually allows the candle fragrance to dissipate This is why many candles come with lids to preserve the scent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Do Candles expire? Is it true?
Technically, candles don’t expire as they can be used for a long period of time. The wax used in candles is made from paraffin, which usually doesn’t degrade significantly over time.
Q2. Can the Scent of Candles Get Lost?
Yes, after opening the package of candles, the scent of candles may vanish or fade over the period of time.
Q3. How long does a candle last?
Typically, a normal candle can be used up to 3 to 4 years after the manufacturing date if you want to feel its aroma.
Q5. Can I use expired Candles
Yes, it is not harmful to use any expired candles, but the scent and fragrance of expired candles may fade or disappear completely. Additionally, the wax may develop a dull appearance.
Q6. Can I keep the candles in the refrigerator?
No, keeping candles in the refrigerator may enhance the moisture content in them, which could disrupt combustion, leading to a poor burning performance and weakened fragrance throw.