Introduction
Tallow candles are becoming increasingly popular both for their quality and value. Made from animal fat, tallow candles provide a pleasant aroma, long-lasting burns, and attractive visuals. They can hold up against most weather conditions without melting or dripping. Plus, there’s virtually no smoke released when burning these type of candles. They also come at an affordable price compared to other candle types; making them an easy “go-to” for many households.
Unfortunately, tallow candles have a short shelf life; meaning they spoil before you know it! Improper storage, varying temperatures, and past due dates cause these candles to begin decomposing in noticeable ways. When tallow spoils it will develop an off odor, discoloration/staining around the wax, and structural instability such as weeping or softening of the wax itself. If left in such condition they may be a fire hazard if lighted as well as aesthetically unpleasant when displayed. This is why proper attention must be paid when handling tallow candles so that their performance doesn’t corrode over time.
The key to avoiding your beloved tallow candle from spoiling relies solely on how careful you handle it during its lifespan”prior to getting lit and even after being used multiple times! Keep your candle sealed in its original packaging whenever not lit for longer periods of time; this keeps away foreign materials from contaminating it prematurely. Ensure that temperature extremes don’t come into contact with your candle; high levels of heat can cause the wax to separate while cold could cause breaking/cracking throughout your candle’s surface area (rendering it unusable). Pay close attention to any due dates indicated on the package itself as expired items should be discarded immediately as they were not meant to last beyond a certain period! With proper handling and care you should be able to get full use out of your tallow candle without having to deal with any impurities or damages along the way!
What Causes Tallow Candles to Spoil?
The most common cause of tallow candles spoiling is moisture and humidity. This can come from the environment, such as high levels of humidity near a lake or ocean, through condensation created by venting warm air into a cooler environment, or even by placing the candle jar too close to running water. Heat can also accelerate spoilage, causing tallow to become rancid. Exposure to direct sunlight will also hasten spoilage due to the intense heat and rays which can cause oxidation which breaks down the tallow’s fatty acids much faster than normal. Poorly sealed containers will allow dust particles and other contaminants to enter and speed up spoilage while poor ventilation can also create moisture depending on the conditions of your home. Finally, carelessness when handling tallow candles can damage the wax layer, causing it to flake off or melt away quickly.
Types of Tallow Candles and How they Differ in Terms of Spoilage
Tallow candles can come in two main forms: moulded or dipped. Moulded tallow candles are those that have a solid form and shape, made by pouring liquid tallow into a specialised candle mould. Dipped tallow candles, aka ‘tapers’, are made by repeatedly dipping a wick into melted fat or wax.
Both types of tallow candles are susceptible to spoilage; however, they differ in how it occurs. Due to the nature of each form of candle, the two types suffer from different issues when it comes to spoiling.
Moulded tallow candles can spoil when they become wet, due to moisture in the air or spilled liquids dripping onto them. This makes them susceptible to “sweat”, which produces an unattractive white coating on the surface of the candle over time. While not necessarily dangerous, this can create an unsightly effect and affect the quality of light they produce while burning.
Conversely, dipped tallow candles can be more fragile than their moulded counterparts and prone to damage if mishandled – rendering them useless if broke before being used. As well as this, high humidity levels can cause problems for taper-style tallows as molten fat tends to oxidize faster thus producing unwanted textures and bumps on their smooth surfaces over time – making them unfit for use as decorations or for providing light around the house.
Signs of Spoilage
Tallow candles, while more sustainable and cost-effective than traditional wax candles, can still spoil over time. Examining the tallow candles regularly will help to determine if they are spoiling and need to be discarded. Some of the most common signs that tallow candles are going bad include:
1. An unpleasant odor-spoiled tallow candles can produce a rancid, pungent smell that is similar to off meat or old butter. If this odor is present then the candle should be thrown away as it most likely will not light properly or for long.
2. Discoloration of the candle’s surface- some color fading is normal however; if the candle starts to darken or turn yellow quickly then throwing it away may be a good option in order to prevent any smoke from burning.
3. Signs of separation or crystallization- these typically appear as small white spots on or near the wick of the candle and indicate that an oil separation has taken place which impairs its functionality and overall performance when lit.
4. Being brittle enough so that it breaks easily- just like regular wax candles, tallow candles should remain somewhat malleable and won’t break easily when touched by hand, if this changes then chances are that it’s time to replace them with new ones.
Tips for Prolonging the Shelf Life of Tallow Candles
1. Store tallow candles away from heat, light and moisture – Heat, light and moisture are all enemies of tallow candles. Be sure to store them in a cool, dark location like a pantry, closet or cupboard. Avoid placing candles near windows or under direct overhead lighting as this will cause them to prematurely age.
2. Protect the wax from dust and dirt – Keep candles sealed in airtight containers or plastic wrap to prevent dust or dirt from collecting on the surface of the wax. To minimize the risk of spills, choose a container that is slightly larger than the candle itself so that it can contain any melted wax during storage.
3. Keep candle wicks trimmed – Trimmed wicks will help ensure that your candles burn slower and more evenly, meaning you’ll get significantly extended use out of them. It’s important to remember not to cut wicks too short as they are necessary for burning the candle safely.
4. Remove excess wax buildup – Excess wax can build up on the sides of your candles over time if you don’t let them melt all the way down before putting them away. Periodically inspect your tallow candles for excessive melting and gently scrape away any accumulations with a scaled knife or spoon prior storing them away until their next use.
5. Consider adding scent – In addition to visual appeal, scented tallow candles add an extra layer of protection against premature aging by releasing added fragrances when burning which masks musty odors over time; so consider adding your favorite scent like lavender or chamomile to give your homemade creations longer lasting freshness!
Remedies for Cleaning Up Spoiled Tallow Candles
If your tallow candles have become spoiled, there are a few remedies to help fix the problem.
First, try to gently scrape off any soot or other debris that has built up on the wick or wax. You can use fine sandpaper to do this in a pinch. If you’re able to remove some of the excess material, the process of burning a tallow candle should go much smoother.
If the overflow of soot still isn’t going away, try melting down the candle and straining it through cheesecloth or a kitchen strainer. This will help get rid of any impurities that have built up in the wax over time and allow you to create a new batch of candles without having to start from scratch.
Finally, gently trimming down the wick periodically when not in use will ensure it doesn’t become clogged with residue and hinder the natural burning process of your tallow candles. Trimming it down before each burn will maximize their longevity and prevent future spoiling problems from occurring.
Final Thoughts
It is important to make sure your tallow candles last longer. There are many ways to do this, such as only burning the candle for an hour at a time, keeping the wick trimmed to reduce smoke, and storing in a cool, dark place away from any source of heat. You should also avoid using scented oils or additives around the candle as these can reduce its lifespan. Additionally, it is important to ensure that your tallow candles do not come into contact with water which can cause them to burn unevenly and spoil too quickly. Finally, pay attention to the smell and look of the tallow wax ” when it starts to look discolored or has an odd odor then it is time to discard it before it becomes unsafe for use. With these tips, you can make sure your tallow candles last a long time!
Welcome to my candle making blog! In this blog, I will be sharing my tips and tricks for making candles. I will also be sharing some of my favorite recipes.
