How to Store and Care for Candles in Hot Weather

When temperatures rise, certain items require extra care, including candles. While handmade candles are built to last, summer heat can affect their shape, scent, and overall performance if not stored thoughtfully.

Whether you’re buying in bulk, gifting to guests, or simply rotating seasonal favorites, understanding how to handle your candles in warmer months can preserve their look, fragrance, and function. But where do most people go wrong? And what simple habits can prevent those softening jars or sun-faded labels?

Let’s explore the practical side of summer candle care because even the best wax needs a little help when the air gets sticky.

Why Heat Affects Candles Differently

Not all candles respond the same way to heat. Soy blend wax, which is used in all Himalayan Handmade Candles, melts at a lower temperature than paraffin. That makes it more sustainable and cleaner to burn, but also more sensitive to direct sunlight, warm storage spaces, and high humidity.

Have you ever noticed your candle sweating? That’s the natural oils surfacing. A warped label? That’s adhesive softening. A softened wick? That’s residual heat working its way through layers of wax.

The good news? Most of these issues are preventable with minimal effort.

Tip 1: Store in a Cool, Dark Place

Sunlight might bring out the best in a room, but not in your candles. Leaving them on a windowsill or next to a hot appliance risks fading their color, distorting their shape, and dulling their fragrance.

Instead, place unused candles in a drawer, cabinet, or shelf that stays cool throughout the day. Linen closets, interior kitchen cabinets, or shaded bookcases work well. Avoid areas that trap heat, like attics or glass-doored display units.

Think of your candles like chocolate: they don’t belong anywhere that could cause softening just from the room temperature.

Tip 2: Avoid Sudden Temperature Swings

Going from an air-conditioned car to an outdoor wedding table, back into a cool house again? These abrupt temperature shifts can lead to surface cracks, scent disruption, or uneven wax texture.

Whenever possible, allow candles to adjust gradually. For instance, if you’re using them for an event, move them into the staging area hours beforehand. Letting them “settle” can protect the integrity of both vessel and wax.

During travel, wrap candles in soft cotton cloth or bubble wrap and store them away from windows or heating vents. Short trips are fine, but don’t leave them in a hot vehicle for more than a few minutes.

Tip 3: Keep Lids On or Cover the Surface

Dust, heat, and ambient air can all impact a candle’s fragrance. To retain scent strength, cover your candle with a proper lid or use a breathable cloth for those without a cover.

If the surface of your candle feels oily or glossy in warm weather, gently blot it with a paper towel before relighting. This will prevent flame flicker and help the wick burn cleanly.

Even if a candle seems fine visually, heat may still affect its top notes. Storing candles with the lid on helps hold the fragrance until you’re ready to burn it again.

Tip 4: Store Upright and Flat

Sounds obvious, but placing candles on a slant or uneven surface can lead to uneven melting, especially in summer, when the wax is softer to begin with.

Always store candles upright and flat. If stacking them (for example, during a move), separate each candle with a cardboard divider or soft cloth to prevent scratching of the vessels.

Avoid stacking anything on top of taper or pillar candles, which are more likely to warp.

Tip 5: Trim Wicks Before Each Burn

Humidity doesn’t only affect wax. It can also impact wick texture. A frayed or overlong wick may result in excessive smoke or tunneling when relit.

Keep a wick trimmer handy, or use clean scissors, and reduce the length to about ¼ inch before every burn. A crisp, even wick supports longer, cleaner flames and maximizes fragrance throw.

Lighting a candle that’s been stored all summer? Give it a fresh trim and a gentle wipe before use.

Tip 6: Rotate Candles Based on Season

Just as you rotate clothes or décor, consider rotating your candle collection. Candles stored longer than six months without burning may lose scent strength over time, especially in fluctuating temperatures.

In summer, bring forward candles with citrus, green, herbal, or fresh aquatic notes. Store away winter candles with heavier bases like amber, clove, or cinnamon until temperatures cool again.

Label boxes or baskets with the scent type and ideal season. That way, you’ll always know what to reach for when the mood strikes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Want to avoid accidental candle damage this summer? Keep an eye out for these frequent missteps:

Mistake	Why It Matters
Storing in direct sunlight	Causes fading, melting, and scent loss
Leaving candles in hot vehicles	Leads to wax softening and warping
Placing near vents or radiators	Encourages uneven melting and wick damage
Not covering the candle top	Can weaken scent and collect dust
Forgetting to rotate older stock	May result in scent fade over time

A Note on Gifting in Warm Weather

If you’re gifting handmade candles during the summer months, especially by mail, consider timing and packaging carefully. Ship early in the week to avoid weekend delays. Add insulation like tissue, kraft paper, or biodegradable packing peanuts to protect against impact and heat.

Whenever possible, include a note for the recipient with care instructions. A quick line like, “Keep in a cool spot before lighting,” can go a long way.

Your Summer Candle, Still at Its Best

Handmade candles are built with care. They deserve the same in return. By storing them thoughtfully and taking small seasonal precautions, you protect both the craftsmanship and your own experience when lighting them again.

Warm weather doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. It simply invites a few adjustments, gentle changes that let you enjoy your favorite scents, shapes, and vessels all season long.

The flame may be small, but the details surrounding it matter.