‘Tis the season for spring cleaning! A popular trend across the nation symbolizing a fresh start; it’s the perfect time to open some windows, let the fresh air in, and de-clutter! Spring cleaning in the Midwest also means that yard sales are well on their way and a common occurrence at most of the sales I attend, is old, battered, and dusty candles. I get it, sometimes we really like a scent in the store among the rest of them but when we get home and light it, it’s just not what you were expecting and into the back of the linen closet it goes. So how do you keep your candles from wilting away? And what’s the best way to clean a dusty candle to make it sale ready? Let’s go over some tips and tricks to keep your candles as fresh as can be! First off, it is highly recommended to keep your candles in a cool, dry area both while storing them and while using them. This allows for your wax to hold and the fragrances to stay strong. If you leave your candles in the sunlight, it will cause them to melt, limiting their fragrance lifetime! This goes for your waxes, as well!
Secondly, and probably the most obvious, do not store your candles somewhere where a flame could be ignited easily. Out of reach of children and pets and away from flammable objects goes along with this one. It’s that simple!
Now to clean that dusty wax off a forgotten about favorite, grab a pair of old pantyhose and roll your candle around in them or wipe gently to remove any dust or debris. It’s an easy and cost effective trick to bring life back to your oldies! Whatever you do, avoid the rubbing alcohol and cotton ball technique as alcohol is highly flammable and if not carefully done and watched over, could send your candle into a burst of quick flames.
If you’re feeling creative and hate looking at messes in the closet, grab some small storage containers, print some fancy labels, and store your candles neatly within and up out of sight.Do you have tips and tricks of your own? Be sure to comment and share your thoughts with the rest of us at Bitter Creek!
-Brittany