When summer hits hard, your candles can suffer from warped wax, lost scent, or full-on melt mode. But a little prep goes a long way. Whether you're burning, storing, or gifting, here's how to keep your candles (and your refills) cool, clean, and long-lasting, even during a heatwave.
Why Heat Affects Candles More Than You Think
Soy wax has a relatively low melting point, which makes it a dream to burn but also means it's sensitive to summer temperatures. When things heat up, your candle might:
- "Sweat" on the surface (that's natural fragrance oil rising to the top)
- Soften or warp, especially if left in the sun
- Lose scent over time
- Crack or discolor if exposed to dramatic temperature swings
At ReCandle Co., we use a specialized soy wax blend that's harder and more heat-resistant than typical soy wax. This formulation not only pops out cleanly when you're ready to swap refills, but it also holds up better in hot weather compared to traditional container wax. Pair that with our heat-resistant ceramic vessels, and you've got a candle system that's built to handle a little summer sizzle.
Understanding Wax Melting Points
Standard soy wax melts around 120-125°F. While this is ideal for burning, it means candles can soften in cars, mailboxes, or sunny windowsills during summer. Our harder soy blend has a higher melting point, giving you more peace of mind during hot months.
Smart Storage Tips to Beat the Heat
Candles don't love direct sunlight or hot closets, humid garages, or the backseat of your car. Here's how to store them safely (and beautifully) during warmer months:
Stay Cool, Dark, and Dry
Think linen closets, interior drawers, or shaded shelves away from windows, vents, or anything that radiates heat. Consistent, moderate temperatures preserve both wax integrity and fragrance quality. Learn more in our guide on how to store candles to preserve fragrance.
Don't Refrigerate
Sudden temperature changes can cause cracking or fragrance loss. If you need a temporary chill, wrap the candle in cloth and place it in a sealed bag in the fridge, but only briefly. Room temperature or slightly cooler is ideal.
Keep Refills in Their Boxes or Cloth Wraps
Our zero-waste refills come in protective paper packaging that helps them breathe while staying safe from dings or scent fade.
Use Your Vessel as Decor
If you're storing refills separately, your empty ceramic vessel still earns a spot on the shelf. It's pretty enough to display even when not in use. For styling ideas, check out our guide on how to style candles in every room.
How to Care for Refillable Candles in Summer
Refillable candles are extra easy to manage in hot weather, especially with a little care.
- Store refills flat and separate from any direct light. If you're not burning them right away, a small drawer or labeled bin works great.
- Notice a little sweating? That's okay. Gently wipe the surface with a paper towel before lighting. The scent is still intact.
- Swap spent refills indoors. Extreme heat can make the wax softer, so it's best to do your candle swap in a cool area. Learn how to refill candles properly.
- Keep your wick trimmed. A short wick (about ¼ inch) burns cleaner and helps avoid smoky residue, which can get messier in the heat. See our guide on how to trim candle wicks.
And remember, our cotton wicks are clean-burning and free from metals, better for you and your summer air quality. Read more about why non-toxic candles matter.
Burning Candles Safely in Hot Weather
Summer doesn't mean you need to stop burning candles, but a few adjustments help ensure safe, optimal performance:
Avoid Direct Sunlight While Burning
Don't place burning candles in direct sunlight or near heat sources. The added heat can cause uneven burning or overheating of the wax and vessel.
Watch for Increased Melt Pool Size
In warmer ambient temperatures, wax may melt faster and create a larger melt pool. This is normal but means you should monitor burn time more closely. Learn about burning candles evenly.
Ensure Proper Ventilation
If you're using air conditioning, make sure candles aren't directly in the airflow, which can cause uneven burning and reduced scent throw.
Never Leave Candles in Hot Cars
Even for a short errand, don't leave candles in vehicles during summer. Interior car temperatures can exceed 150°F, which will definitely melt your candles. For complete guidance, review our candle safety tips.
Shipping, Gifting, and Traveling with Candles in the Heat
If you're sending candles or taking them on the road, summer adds a few extra considerations:
Order Early and Track Delivery
Avoid weekend delivery windows when packages might sit in hot trucks or on porches longer. Our harder soy wax formulation helps, but it's still best to minimize heat exposure.
Open Boxes Right Away
If your candle refill arrives warm or slightly softened, let it cool fully before handling or inserting it into your vessel. The wax will firm back up at room temperature.
Pack for the Journey
If you're gifting or traveling with candles, wrap the refill in soft cloth, place it in a rigid container, and avoid leaving it in the car for extended periods. For more gifting tips, see our sustainable candle gift guide.
Ceramic Wins Again
Unlike glass jars, which can crack with repeated heat exposure, our handmade ceramic vessels are kiln-fired and safe up to 2,000ºF. They're built to last through the hottest days. Compare materials in our glass vs ceramic candle vessel guide.
Seasonal Candle Strategy: Burn Now, Save Some for Later
Your candle lineup can shift with the seasons, just like your wardrobe.
Summer Scent Rotation
Summer scents like White Eucalyptus or Blood Orange are perfect for breezy, uplifting vibes. Fresh, citrus, and light herbal notes feel more appropriate in warm weather.
Save Cozy Scents for Fall
Save scents like Amber Noir, Pumpkin Chai, or Caribbean Teakwood for cooler months when you're craving warmth. Check out our seasonal styling guide.
Stock Up with Intention
Our candle subscription makes it easy to rotate scents seasonally, and you can adjust delivery timing as needed.
Label and Organize Your Backups
A small drawer or storage box with labeled refills helps keep things fresh (and fun to rediscover later). Organization prevents forgotten candles from aging unnecessarily.
What to Do If Your Candle Gets Too Hot
Despite best efforts, sometimes candles get exposed to heat. Here's how to handle it:
If the Surface is Oily or Sweaty
Wipe gently with a paper towel. This is just fragrance oil that has risen to the surface due to heat. The candle is still perfectly safe to burn.
If the Wax Has Softened But Not Melted
Move it to a cool, dark place and let it firm up naturally. Don't refrigerate unless absolutely necessary, as rapid temperature changes can cause other issues.
If the Wax Has Partially Melted
Let it cool and solidify completely. The candle may have an uneven top surface, but it will still burn fine. You can even out the surface on the first burn by letting the wax pool fully.
If the Wax Has Completely Melted
If a refill has melted in shipping or storage, contact us. While our harder wax formulation makes this rare, we stand behind our products.
Outdoor Candles and Summer Entertaining
Want to use candles for outdoor summer gatherings? A few tips:
- Wait until evening when temperatures drop and direct sun is gone
- Use windproof holders or place candles in protected areas away from breezes
- Bring candles inside when you're done to prevent overnight heat exposure or moisture from dew
- Consider citronella-free alternatives for pest control, as our clean scents are more pleasant for guests. Learn about outdoor candles for patios.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can soy wax candles melt in the heat?
Yes, if left in direct sunlight or very hot conditions, soy wax can soften or melt. However, our specialized harder soy wax blend is more heat-resistant than typical soy wax. Store candles in cool, shaded areas to prevent this.
What is candle "sweating," and is it bad?
It's just natural oils separating in heat. Wipe the surface gently before lighting—it won't impact performance. This is completely normal and doesn't indicate a quality issue.
Is it safe to light candles in a heatwave?
Absolutely, just avoid placing them near fans, open windows, or anything flammable. And always trim your wick. Follow our candle safety tips for best practices.
How long can I store wax refills?
Up to 12 months if stored in a cool, dark place. Keep them wrapped or boxed to protect the scent. Our harder wax formulation also helps maintain quality during storage.
Should I refrigerate my candles?
Only as a short-term solution. Prolonged cold can cause cracking or fragrance loss. A shaded drawer is your best bet for long-term storage.
Will hot weather affect candle burn time?
Not significantly, though ambient heat may cause slightly faster melting during burns. The total burn time (40-45 hours per refill) remains consistent when candles are properly cared for.
Can I still order candles during summer?
Yes! We ship year-round. Our harder soy wax blend handles shipping better than typical soy wax, and we use protective packaging. Just open packages promptly and let any warm candles cool before use.
Hot Weather Doesn't Have to Melt Your Vibe
With a little care, your favorite candles will stay fresh, fragrant, and flame-ready, no matter how high the temps climb. And with refillable candles and zero-waste refills, you can keep the sustainability going all season long.
Our specialized harder soy wax blend gives you extra confidence during hot months, while our durable ceramic vessels stand up to heat far better than traditional glass jars. It's thoughtful design that works as hard as you do to keep your candle ritual going year-round.
Ready for summer scents? Explore our collection of fresh, light candle refills perfect for warm weather.
