A soy candle doesn't go bad sitting on a shelf, but bad storage can still fade its scent and warp its wax well before you ever light it. Here's what actually keeps a candle in the shape it was made in.
Does an Unburned Candle Actually Expire?
Not in the way food does — but scent throw does fade over time, faster with poor storage than good. If you're wondering how long an unopened candle holds its scent before you light it, we go deeper on that here.
Between Burns, Specifically
Let it cool completely before covering it — trapping heat under a lid can affect how the wax sets. And give the wick a trim before it goes back into storage, not just before the next burn; it keeps the exposed cotton from collecting dust that can smoke on the next light. For the full first-burn and wick-trimming routine, see our burning guide.
