Wax is a versatile material that comes in many forms and has a wide variety of uses. From candle making to furniture polishing, wax is found in homes worldwide. With its variable melting points and composition, proper storage is important for maintaining wax in optimal condition. This leads many to wonder – should wax be stored in the fridge?
Quick Answer: Can You Store Wax in the Fridge?
Yes, storing wax in the fridge or another cool location can help prolong its shelf life and preserve its quality. The ideal storage temperature for wax is between 55-75°F. Refrigerators are usually set around 40°F, making them suitable for wax storage. Just ensure wax is tightly sealed and not exposed to humidity.
What Temperature Should Wax Be Stored At?
Wax should be stored between 55-75°F for best results. Temperatures below 55°F may cause wax to become brittle and crack over time. Above 75°F and wax can start to melt, slump, or lose its shape. Storing wax at the proper temperature keeps it malleable enough for use, while preventing melting.
Ideal Wax Storage Temperatures
- Beeswax: 57-68°F
- Paraffin Wax: 55-65°F
- Soy Wax: 57-68°F
- Gel Wax: 60-75°F
The optimal temperature range slightly varies depending on the wax type, but staying between 55-75°F suits most wax varieties. Fluctuating too far above or below this range can negatively impact wax over time.
Can You Store Candles in the Fridge?
Storing finished candles in the refrigerator is not recommended. The cold temperature could cause cracking or frosting on the candle exterior. It can also lead to condensation buildup if the candle is removed from the fridge then burned, which can make candles unsafe to use.
For best results, store candles at room temperature out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources. Keeping candles between 60-72°F will help preserve scent and appearance.
Will Refrigerating Wax Make it Hard?
Yes, storing wax in the refrigerator can make it hard and brittle over time. Wax becomes more solid and rigid at colder temperatures. While a refrigerator provides a consistent climate for wax, the coldness can alter wax’s malleable, creamy texture.
Hardened wax from the fridge may need slight reheating to return it to a workable state for candle making, wax melts, or other projects. It’s best to only refrigerate quantities that will be used up quickly.
Can You Freeze Wax?
Freezing is not recommended for wax storage. The extreme cold temperature inside freezers (typically 0°F or below) will cause wax to harden and become brittle. It is likely to crack, flake, or shatter when frozen.
Freezing can also lead to frost buildup on wax surfaces, providing opportunities for moisture damage. For short term storage, the refrigerator is a better option than the freezer.
How Long Can You Store Wax in the Fridge?
Wax can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 months before quality begins diminishing. To maximize shelf life:
- Store wax in a tightly sealed container to prevent absorption of fridge odors.
- Keep wax in a consistent area of the fridge rather than repeatedly moving it in and out.
- Allow refrigerated wax to fully reach room temperature before use.
With proper precautions, refrigeration can prolong wax life by a few months. For long term storage, consider alternatives like a cool basement or cabinet.
What Happens if Wax Gets Too Cold?
When wax gets too cold, below its recommended storage temperature, several issues can occur:
- Brittleness – Wax can become rigid, grainy, and prone to cracking
- Frost buildup – Freezing causes wax surfaces to sweat and frost over
- Shrinkage – Extreme cold makes wax shrink and pull away from container sides
- Texture changes – Hard, non-malleable wax loses its creamy consistency
- Difficult melting – Very cold wax requires extra reheating to reliquify
While seemingly minor, these changes to wax’s physical properties can cause problems. Brittleness leads to cracking and crumbling, moisture causes meltiness, and shrinkage makes wax difficult to remove from molds. Storing wax at the proper temperature prevents issues.
Can You Store Beeswax in the Fridge?
Yes, beeswax can be stored in the refrigerator successfully. Beeswax has an ideal temperature range of 57-68°F. To store beeswax in the fridge:
- Wrap blocks of beeswax tightly in plastic wrap or seal in airtight bags.
- Monitor fridge temperature to keep beeswax toward mid- to upper-range (nearer to 68°F).
- Limit fridge storage time to 1-2 months.
With proper precautions, the refrigerator can help extend the lifespan of beeswax compared to room temperature storage. Just watch for any signs of brittleness, sweating, or shrinkage.
Can You Store Soy Wax in the Fridge?
Soy wax can also be stored in the refrigerator with similar precautions to beeswax. Soy wax maintains quality between 57-68°F. To refrigerator store soy wax:
- Keep soy wax blocks in tightly sealed bags or containers.
- Aim for stable fridge temperatures around 60-65°F.
- Limit to 1-2 months fridge storage before returning to room temperature.
The low moisture content of soy wax makes it less prone to frosting or sweating than beeswax. But refrigeration can still cause brittleness over time. Monitor soy wax closely and don’t exceed 2 months fridge storage.
Does Refrigeration Extend Wax’s Shelf Life?
Yes, proper refrigeration can extend the shelf life of wax by a few months. Exact timeframes depend on the wax variety:
| Wax Type | Room Temperature Shelf Life | Refrigerated Shelf Life |
|---|---|---|
| Beeswax | 1-2 years | Up to 2 additional years |
| Paraffin Wax | 2-5 years | Up to 1 additional year |
| Soy Wax | 1-2 years | Up to 1 additional year |
The cool stable environment of refrigeration helps slow wax’s gradual oxidation and degradation over time. But optimal storage conditions are still critical for maximizing shelf life.
How Should You Store Wax for Candle Making?
When storing wax for candle making, aim for a temperature between 60-75°F. Here are some good storage solutions:
- A cabinet or closet away from exterior walls in a climate-controlled home.
- An insulated basement or root cellar.
- A mini fridge or wine cooler set to 60-65°F.
- A dry pantry with stable cooler temperature.
Choose an area with consistent temperature and minimal humidity fluctuations. Avoid direct heat sources like appliances or frequently opened doors. Store wax in sealed bags or airtight containers to prevent absorption of odors from surrounding items.
What’s the Best Way to Store Candle Wax Long Term?
For long term wax storage, the ideal method is to keep it in an area with a stable 60-75°F temperature range and low humidity. Top choices include:
- Dedicated wine or beverage cooler – Offers precise temperature control in the ideal wax storage range.
- Interior closet – Interior closets stay cooler and more climate stable than exterior walls.
- Basement – Cool and insulated from heat. Ensure no risk of moisture leaks or flooding.
- Vacuum sealed bags – Prevent wax odor absorption even in imperfect environments.
Avoid attics, garages, and sheds which experience more extreme temperature swings. Inspect wax 1-2 times per year and watch for any changes in appearance, texture, or performance.
Can You Store Old Candle Wax for Reuse?
Leftover candle wax from burned candles can be reused by reliquefying and straining. To store old candle wax for reuse:
- Let melted wax fully harden into a solid block.
- Scrape off any wick debris, impurities, or foreign objects.
- Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry location.
Old wax can be stored this way for 6-12 months before reuse. Store at room temperature, not in the fridge. The small amount of fragrance remaining will dissipate over time. Old wax works best for plain candles or wax melts in simple molds.
What’s the Best Temperature to Store Paraffin Wax?
Paraffin wax maintains quality between 55-65°F. This narrower range is due to paraffin’s higher melting point compared to beeswax or soy. To maximize paraffin’s shelf life:
- Store tightly sealed in a stable 60-65°F environment.
- Avoid temperature fluctuations which cause expansion and contraction.
- Keep paraffin dry, since moisture causes frosting.
Refrigerators often dip slightly too cold for paraffin wax. Unless temperature can be precisely maintained between 60-65°F, room temperature storage is best for preventing paraffin cracks and flaws.
Can You Refrigerate Melted Candle Wax?
It’s not recommended to refrigerate melted, liquid wax. The rapid cooling will cause wax to solidify with poor texture, making it hard to work with for future candle making. Cool liquid wax gradually at room temperature instead.
Solid blocks of unmelted wax can be refrigerated with limited impact. But once melted into liquid form, wax should be allowed to fully reset and harden at room temperature before any refrigeration.
Conclusion
Proper temperature control is crucial for wax storage and longevity. While refrigeration can extend shelf life in some cases, it also brings risks of brittleness, shrinkage, and moisture if temperature is too low or fluctuating. Store wax around 60-75°F based on the type and only refrigerate for short 1-3 month periods. With the right conditions, wax can maintain quality for many years.
