Keep the Flame Alive: How to Store Your Candles Properly.

At Straight Arrow Farms, we craft candles designed to bring warmth, ambiance, and captivating fragrances into your home, complete with the soothing crackle of our signature wood wicks. But just like any treasured item, our candles require a little TLC to maintain their quality and ensure a long burn life. Proper storage is key to preventing your Straight Arrow Farms candles from losing their scent, cracking, or even melting. So, if you want to keep your candles burning brightly and crackling merrily, follow these simple tips:

Cool, Dark, and Consistent: The ideal environment for candle storage is a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations. Think of it like storing fine wine! Direct sunlight can cause the wax to discolor, fade the fragrance, and even melt. Similarly, extreme heat can warp the candle container and cause the wax to soften or sweat. A cool, dark cupboard, drawer, or even a dedicated candle storage box is perfect for your Straight Arrow Farms candles.

Mind the Container: The container your candle comes in plays a role in its storage. Candles in glass jars are generally more resilient, while those in metal tins can be susceptible to rust if exposed to humidity. If your Straight Arrow Farms candle comes with a lid, keep it on when not in use. This helps to prevent dust from settling on the wax and also keeps the fragrance from dissipating, ensuring your candle is ready to fill your home with its delightful aroma.

Fragrance Preservation: One of the biggest concerns with candle storage is fragrance loss. Over time, especially if exposed to air, the scent of your Straight Arrow Farms candle can weaken. Keeping the lid on, as mentioned above, is crucial. You can also consider wrapping each candle individually in tissue paper or placing them in airtight containers, especially if you have a large collection. This helps to lock in the fragrance and prevent scent transfer between different candles.

Position Matters: Store your Straight Arrow Farms candles upright. Storing them on their sides could cause the wax to shift, especially in warmer temperatures, leading to an uneven burn and potentially affecting the performance of the wood wick. This is particularly important for candles with intricate designs or embedded decorations.

Avoid Extreme Temperatures: We've touched on this already, but it's worth reiterating. Avoid storing candles in places that experience significant temperature swings, such as attics, garages, or near windows. These fluctuations can cause the wax to expand and contract, potentially leading to cracks or separation from the container.

Candle Sweating: A Word on Humidity

Sometimes, you might notice small beads of oil on the surface of your candle. This is often referred to as "candle sweating" and is typically caused by changes in humidity and temperature due to the use of our natural coconut soy wax, without paraffin to stabilize the wax/fragrance this is just an issue that can occur occasionally. When the air is humid, the wax can absorb moisture, and when the temperature fluctuates, this moisture can be released, appearing as small droplets. This can also occur during shipping, as candles are often exposed to varying temperatures and humidity levels in transit. While not aesthetically pleasing, candle sweating generally doesn't affect the candle's burn quality or fragrance significantly, nor will it impact the crackling performance of our wood wicks. To minimize sweating, try to store your Straight Arrow Farms candles in a less humid environment and avoid drastic temperature changes. You can gently blot away any excess oil with a paper towel.

By following these simple storage tips, you can ensure that your Straight Arrow Farms candles remain fragrant, beautiful, and ready to fill your home with their delightful glow and the soothing crackle of our wood wicks for months to come. So, light a Straight Arrow Farms candle, relax, and enjoy the ambiance!