The short answer: Candles don’t spoil the same way as food, but their fragrance can weaken after a few months, making them less potent—especially if they’re made with essential oils.
Candles don’t come with an expiration date stamped on the bottom, so you’d think they’re good to go indefinitely, right? Well, not exactly.
While candles don’t “go bad” the way milk does (thankfully, no candle curdling here), they may lose some of their magic over time. So, how does that happen?
If you’ve ever wondered whether that three-year-old candle in your cabinet is still worth lighting, we’ve got the answer (and more). Read on to learn how long candles actually last, how to know when they’re past their prime, and how to store them to maximize the fragrance you love.
Do Candles Expire?
Kind of. Candles don’t exactly “expire,” but they can stop performing at their best. The wax itself is pretty stable and won’t rot or mold, but the scent? That’s where things can get a little dicey.
Most high-quality candles, especially ones made with essential oils (like ours at Havilah & Co. 😉), start to lose their fragrance potency after a few months. Why? Essential oils are natural and can separate from the wax over time. This process isn’t dangerous, but it does mean that your once-vibrant candle may not fill the room like it used to.
At Havilah & Co., we’re all about clean-burning candles with no funky phthalates or parabens, so we recommend enjoying them within 3-4 months to get the best experience. After that, the scent may gradually fade, like a favorite song played one too many times.
4 Signs Your Candle Is Past It’s Prime
Not sure if your candle is still in its glory days? Here are a few telltale signs:
1. Weakened Fragrance
If the scent is more "barely there" than "hello, aroma," it might be time to light it up for one final hurrah—or retire it.
2. Sweating Wax
See beads of liquid on the surface of your candle? That’s the fragrance oil separating from the wax, which can happen with age or improper storage. It’s not harmful, but it’s a sign your candle has been through a lot.
3. Discoloration
A slight change in color is normal over time, especially for natural candles without synthetic dyes. But if your candle looks like it spent a summer vacation in the sun, it’s probably not its freshest self.
4. Crumbly Texture
Wax that’s dried out or cracked is a sure sign your candle has lost some of its pizzazz. It may still burn, but don’t expect a smooth, even melt.
Is It Safe to Burn an Old Candle?
Good news: even if your candle is a little past its prime, it’s generally safe to burn. The worst that can happen is a less-than-stellar scent throw or an uneven burn. However, there are a couple of exceptions:
- If the wick is damaged (bent, brittle, or frayed), it may not burn properly or could pose a safety risk.
- If the wax smells… off (like crayons instead of coconuts), it’s best to pass.
When in doubt, do a quick test burn. Light the candle and see how it performs. If it’s still bringing the cozy vibes, you’re good to go!
5 Tips to Store Candles to Maximize Their Fragrance Life
Want your candles to last as long as possible? A little TLC goes a long way. Here’s how to keep them fresh.
1. Keep Them Cool
Heat is a candle’s worst enemy. Store your candles in a cool, dry place to prevent the wax and oils from separating.
2. Avoid Direct Sunlight
Sunlight can cause discoloration and make your candle sweat (and not in the "hot yoga" kind of way).
3. Seal It Up
If your candle comes with a lid, use it! Keeping the wax covered helps lock in the fragrance and keep dust out.
4. Store Upright
Always store candles upright to prevent warping or wick damage. Nobody wants a wonky candle.
5. Burn It Right
Trim the wick to 1/4 inch (about the thickness of your pinky finger) before each use and allow the wax to melt evenly across the surface during each burn. This prevents tunneling and helps your candle last longer.
Light Up Your Space—and Make a Difference
Candles are one of life’s simplest joys, and with the right care, they can bring light (literally) and lovely aromas into your home for as long as possible. While they may not come with a use-by date, treating them well ensures you’ll get the most out of their fragrance and ambiance.
At Havilah & Co., we believe in creating candles worth savoring—and now you know how to savor them to the fullest. On top of elevating your ambiance, you’ll bring meaningful change to the world. For each candle we sell, we donate 50% of our profits to help entrepreneurs in underserved communities achieve their dreams.
So go ahead, light that candle, and let it burn bright.
