Do you love to buy scented candles based on the season? Or do you always stock up on HLC’s Pride Candle to put out each June? If you like to have a stash of candles for any reason (or season) then you may ask yourself “do candles expire?” The short answer is yes, but not in the way you may be thinking. Here’s everything you need to know.

How long do candles last?

The lifespan of a candle depends on many different things, but one of the main contributing factors is what the candle is made of. For example, a candle with synthetic oils and ingredients can be stored for years and still work fine, while candles made with natural wax and essential oils will not last as long.

Regardless of the candle ingredients, you will get the best scent and burn from your candle if you use it within 12 to 16 months. If you’re planning to store a candle longer than that, be sure that you’re doing so properly to ensure the best possible burn.

How do you know if a candle has gone bad?

If you light a candle and you notice that the scent isn't quite as strong as you remembered, it's possible that it has expired. If your go-to candle typically has a strong throw but now seems dull, that unfortunately means that it may have been stored for too long. 

A candle that has been unused for too long will smell more like wax than the intended scent. If the wick also is struggling to hold a flame, that could be a sign that the candle has expired. Lastly, if you notice the wax has an odd or new color to it, this shows the storage may have been exposed to UV rays and that the candle isn’t fit for a flame.

Can I use an expired candle?

The repercussions of using an expired candle will not be as severe as drinking expired milk, but here at Hotel Lobby Candle, we still advise against it. As we often say, safety comes first when it comes to an open flame, and knowing that the wax and wick are not at peak performance, it’s best to start fresh with a new candle.