Living and working in Florida teaches you a few things quickly. Keep water nearby. Do not trust a cloudless sky to stay that way. And never treat your car like a candle cabinet.
Florida heat and humidity can be tough on handmade candles, especially when they are left in direct sun, a garage, a screened porch or a parked vehicle. The good news is that candle storage does not need to be complicated. A little common sense goes a long way.
Can candles melt in a hot car?
Yes. Different waxes soften at different temperatures, but the inside of a parked vehicle can heat up quickly. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes that a vehicle’s interior temperature can rise almost 20 degrees in the first 10 minutes—even when outside temperatures feel relatively mild.
That is a serious safety warning for people and pets, and it also explains why a candle can arrive back from errands looking softer, shifted or sweaty. If you pick up a candle locally, bring it inside when you get home. If you are making several stops, keep the candle upright in the air-conditioned cabin rather than leaving it in the trunk, and never leave it where it can tip.
The best place to store candles in Florida
Choose a cool, dry indoor shelf or cabinet away from direct sunlight. The National Candle Association recommends storing candles in a cool, dark, dry place with the lid on. We follow the same simple rule in our own space.
- Keep them upright. This protects the wax surface and helps the wick stay centered.
- Use the lid when the candle is cool. It keeps out dust and helps protect the fragrance.
- Avoid windowsills. Direct Florida sun can warm the vessel and fade colors or labels.
- Skip garages, sheds and lanais. These spaces often follow the outdoor temperature and humidity.
- Do not freeze or refrigerate a candle. Sudden temperature changes and condensation are not helpful to the wax, wick or vessel.
What if the top looks wet or uneven?
Natural wax candles can respond to temperature changes. You may notice tiny beads of fragrance oil, a slightly uneven top, frosting on soy wax or a small shift in color. Those changes can be cosmetic rather than a sign that the candle is ruined.
If a candle feels soft, keep it upright and let it return to normal room temperature on its own. Do not light it while the wax is unusually warm or liquid, and check that the vessel and wick still look sound before burning.
Humidity matters, too
Humidity is less likely to melt wax, but it can affect paper labels, lids and exposed wicks. Store candles away from bathrooms, damp storage rooms and open windows. If your home is air-conditioned, an interior closet or cabinet is usually just fine.
One last Florida shipping note
When a candle delivery is expected, bring the package inside as soon as you reasonably can. A covered porch is better than direct sun, but it can still become extremely warm. Once inside, open the box, set the candle upright and allow it to settle before use.
We hand-pour our candles in small batches, and we want the candle you receive to look and perform the way it did when it left our hands. Store it in the same kind of place you would want to sit on a Florida afternoon: cool, shaded and comfortable.
Browse our soy candles and beeswax candles, then give your favorite a safe home between burns.
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