Candle Mold Maintenance: Tips for Longevity

Candle making is an art that combines creativity, fragrance, and ambiance. But behind every perfect candle is a well-maintained tool. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional, maintaining your candle molds is essential for producing high-quality candles and saving money on replacements.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best practices for cleaning, storing, and protecting your molds.

Key Takeaways

• Silicone vs. Polycarbonate: They require different cleaning methods. Never boil polycarbonate!
• Heat Kills: Storing molds in direct sunlight or near ovens will warp them permanently.
• Storage Matters: Never stack heavy silicone molds; they will lose their shape.
• Wick Holes: Keep the wick hole clean to prevent leaks in future pours.

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1. Cleaning Techniques by Material

Not all molds are created equal. Using the wrong cleaning method can ruin a professional mold.

For Silicone Molds (Shop Collection)

Silicone is durable but porous. It can hold onto fragrance oils if not cleaned properly.

• Routine Clean: Wash with warm water and mild dish soap. Use your fingers or a soft sponge.
• Deep Clean: If the mold feels sticky (from fragrance oil), soak it in a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and warm water for 15 minutes to cut the grease.
• Boiling Method: You can boil silicone to remove stubborn wax, but only for 2-3 minutes.

For Polycarbonate & Plastic Molds (Shop Collection)

These are rigid and prone to scratching.

• No Abrasives: Never use a scrubbing sponge or brush. It will leave microscopic scratches that will show up on every future candle.
• Heat Gun Trick: To clean residue, turn the mold upside down on a paper towel. Use a Heat Gun on low to melt the wax out. Wipe clean with a soft microfiber cloth.
• Warning: Never boil polycarbonate molds. They can warp or cloud over.

For Metal Molds

Metal is tough but can rust.

• Oven Method: Place upside down on a foil-lined tray in a warm oven (175°F) for 10 minutes. Wipe clean.
• Dry Immediately: Never let metal molds air dry; water causes rust spots. Dry them by hand immediately after washing.

2. Storage Recommendations

How you store your molds is just as important as how you clean them.

Avoid the "Stack Attack"

Silicone Molds: Never stack heavy molds on top of each other. Over weeks, the weight will warp the bottom mold, making your future candles look lopsided. Store them flat, side-by-side.

Polycarbonate Molds: These can be stacked, but place a sheet of tissue paper between them to prevent scratching the glossy interior surface.

Environment Control

• No Sunlight: UV rays break down silicone, making it brittle and prone to tearing. Keep them in a dark cabinet or opaque bin.
• Cool Temp: Store in a climate-controlled room. A hot garage can warp plastic molds in summer.

3. Avoiding Common Pitfalls

The "Knife" Mistake

Never use a knife or metal tool to pry wax out of a mold.

• Silicone: You will slice the mold, causing a leak next time.
• Plastic: You will scratch the surface, ruining the glossy finish.

Instead, if a candle is stuck, put the mold in the freezer for 15 minutes. The wax will shrink and pop out easily.

Overheating the Pour

Pouring wax too hot (over 250°F) can "cook" silicone over time, making it dry and brittle. Always pour at the recommended temperature for your wax (usually 160°F - 185°F). (See our Wax Guide for specifics).

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)