Can Wax Melts Expire? Everything You Need to Know
Wax melts are a delightful way to infuse your home with fragrance, but like many products, they can change over time. Here’s everything you need to know about the shelf life of wax melts and how to store them properly to maintain their quality.
Do Wax Melts Expire?
Technically, wax melts don’t have a strict expiration date, but their effectiveness can diminish over time. Here’s what happens:
Loss of Scent Strength: The primary indicator that a wax melt is past its prime is a reduction in scent strength. Over time, the fragrance oils in the wax can evaporate or degrade, leading to a weaker scent throw. Expect this process to begin after the 2-year mark. Some scents may become sweeter and muskier while the brighter fruity notes fade, fastest. The wax may still be potent below the surface, so pop that cube in a warmer and let it reveal itself!
Texture and Appearance Changes: Wax melts can change in texture and appearance as they age, especially soy wax. They might become harder or develop a frosty, whitish appearance, known as “bloom.” While this doesn’t necessarily affect performance, it can be a sign that the wax is aging.
Again, ugly wax melts can still work perfectly fine. Pop them in a warmer!
Color Fading: Exposure to light and air can cause the color of wax melts to fade. This is primarily an aesthetic change and doesn’t affect the scent, but it can indicate that the wax has been exposed to conditions that may also degrade its fragrance. Do not store near a window.
Factors That Affect Shelf Life
Several factors can influence how long your wax melts remain effective:
Ingredients: The type of wax and fragrance oils used can impact longevity. Soy wax and high-quality fragrance oils tend to have a longer shelf life compared to paraffin wax and lower-quality scents. Our customers tend to keep their wax for 5+ years and still experience a fantastic aroma throw!
Storage Conditions: Proper storage is key to maintaining the quality of your wax melts. Exposure to heat, light, and air can accelerate the degradation of fragrance oils.
Packaging: Wax melts stored in airtight containers or well-sealed packaging tend to last longer. If the packaging is not airtight, the fragrance oils can evaporate more quickly.
Tips for Extending the Life of Your Wax Melts
Store in a Cool, Dark Place: To prevent your wax melts from degrading, store them in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. A closet or drawer is ideal.
Use Airtight Containers: Keep your wax melts in airtight containers to protect them from air exposure. This helps retain the fragrance oils and prevents the wax from drying out.
Avoid Temperature Fluctuations: Try to store your wax melts in an environment with stable temperatures. Extreme fluctuations can cause the wax to expand and contract, leading to texture changes and potential scent loss.
How Long Do Wax Melts Last?
On average, wax melts can maintain their optimal scent for about 1 to 2 years if stored properly. However, this can vary based on the factors mentioned above. Even if your wax melts are older, they are still safe to use, though you might notice a reduced fragrance intensity.
Conclusion
While wax melts don’t have a definitive expiration date, their fragrance and appearance can change over time. By storing them properly and being mindful of their ingredients and packaging, you can extend their shelf life and continue to enjoy their delightful scents. At Bewilderment, we use high-quality soy wax blends and premium fragrance oils to ensure our wax melts remain effective and enjoyable for as long as possible. Happy melting!
