How Do You Keep Candles Cool When Shipping?

Shipping candles can be tricky business. Candles are very sensitive to temperature changes and can easily melt, warp, or lose their shape if they get too warm during transit. This is especially true during hot summer months when package delivery trucks and mailboxes can reach very high temperatures. Proper packaging and some strategic planning is essential to make sure your beautiful candles arrive intact to customers.

In this article, we’ll discuss some of the main factors that can impact candle shipments and explore tips to keep your candles cool and undamaged, even when shipping in hot climates. With the right combination of packaging techniques and awareness of weather conditions, you can successfully get your candles to their destination without melting down.

Why Candle Temperature Matters

Candle wax has a low melting point, usually between 120-150°F depending on the wax composition (Candles.org). When shipping candles long distances, especially during summer months, there is a risk of the candles becoming too hot and deforming or melting entirely. According to a study published on the effects of heat transfer on a burning candle, the wax can reach temperatures exceeding 185°F at the hottest point of the flame (Koppenhoefer, 2005).

Allowing candles to get too hot can cause the wax to slump or bend out of shape. The wicks may also shift or fall over. Essentially, the structural integrity of the candle is compromised. Even if the candle wax doesn’t fully melt and leak, an overheated candle will end up misshapen and bent when it arrives. This not only looks bad, but can lead to issues like poor burn performance, tunneling, and uneven burning.

Clearly, temperature control is essential when shipping candles any distance. The goal is to keep the wax from softening and the candle structures intact until they reach the final destination.

Room Temperature Storage

Before shipping candles, it is recommended to store them at around 70°F to ensure the wax stays solid and does not melt in transit. According to the Harlem Candle Company, candles should be kept in a place with an even temperature below 80°F. If candles are exposed to excess heat, the wax may soften and lose its shape.

The ideal storage temperature range is 50-85°F according to Better Homes and Gardens, but cooler temperatures around 70°F are preferable. Storing candles around 70°F minimizes the risk of wax melting during shipping. Maintaining proper room temperature before packaging candles helps keep the wax solidified and protects the candle’s structure.

Insulated Shipping Containers

One of the most effective ways to keep candles cool during shipping is to use insulated shipping containers or packaging. These are specifically designed to maintain a stable, cool temperature inside the box or container. There are a few main types of insulated shipping packaging for candles:

Candle shipping boxes – These are corrugated cardboard boxes lined with 1-2 inches of insulation on all sides. The insulation is typically made from recycled denim or cotton fibers. Candle shipping boxes have a sturdy outer layer and come in various sizes to fit different candle jars or tins. They can help protect candles from temperature fluctuations during shipping (source).

Vacuum insulated panels (VIPs) – These are lightweight rigid panels that are filled with compressed insulation inside an air-tight envelope. The vacuum insulation minimizes heat transfer very effectively. VIPs come in sheets that can be used to line boxes or shaped into custom packaging (source).

Insulated poly bags – Also called bubble mailers or padded envelopes, these are plastic bags lined with insulating bubble wrap or foam sheets. They come in many sizes and can accommodate several candle jars or tins (source).

The right insulated shipping packaging helps maintain a cool, stable temperature to prevent candle wax from melting, shifting, or losing its scent during transit.

Gel Packs

One of the best ways to help keep candles cool when shipping is to use gel packs inside the box. Gel packs contain a gel substance that can be frozen and will then keep the interior environment of the box at cooler temperatures as they slowly thaw. According to Fillmore Container, frozen gel packs can “help to buffer the heat” and prevent candles from melting in transit. Be sure the gel packs are sealed in a plastic bag or pouch so that as they melt, the gel doesn’t leak out into the box. The cooling properties of the frozen gel packs create a chilled barrier that protects the candles.

Avoid Direct Sunlight

One of the biggest threats to candle integrity during shipping is exposure to direct sunlight. The heat from the sun can raise the temperature inside a shipping box to over 100°F within just an hour (https://fourtruffles.com/blogs/wellness-journal/does-summer-weather-affect-your-candles). This extreme heat can cause candles to lose their shape, slump, or become discolored. Fragrances and dyes may also degrade when exposed to UV rays from sunlight.

To prevent damage, do not leave candle packages sitting in direct sunlight, such as on a loading dock or the back seat of a hot vehicle. According to Sixth Spice Candles, leaving candles in a hot environment for any length of time will likely cause some degree of damage, with the extent depending on factors like wax type and fragrance notes (https://www.sixthspice.com/en-us/blogs/news/opps-i-left-my-candles-in-the-car-will-they-melt).

Plan shipping routes and schedules to avoid leaving packages in sunny areas or non-climate controlled spaces. Select expedited shipping methods to minimize time spent in transit. Alert carriers to the fragile nature of the candles so they can take extra precautions as well.

Monitor Weather Conditions

One of the most important things when shipping candles is to monitor the weather and avoid shipping during extremely hot conditions. As pointed out on Reddit, candles should ideally be shipped when high temperatures are below 85 degrees Fahrenheit (https://www.reddit.com/r/candlemaking/comments/htklsq/shipping_candles_in_summer/). When shipping in summer, aim to send candles early in the week, such as on Mondays and Tuesdays, to avoid packages sitting in hot warehouses or delivery trucks over the weekend.

Check the weather forecast at both your location and the destination to make sure there are no heat waves or excessive heat expected. Avoid shipping candles if the forecast shows several days in a row over 90 degrees F. The inside of shipping containers and trucks can reach 20-30 degrees hotter than the outside air temperature, so even days in the mid 80s can be problematic.

If you must ship during hotter weather, take extra precautions like more insulation or expedited shipping. But whenever possible, wait for a cool spell or ship in the spring or fall instead of peak summer.

Add Protection Inside Box

To prevent candles from shifting or breaking during shipping, it’s important to add protective materials inside the box. Two common and effective options are bubble wrap and crumpled paper.

Bubble wrap is ideal for wrapping around candles to create a cushy barrier. Make sure to use bubble wrap that is approximately 1-2 inches larger than the candle diameter to allow for plenty of padding. Wrap the bubble wrap around each candle, sealing it with tape. The bubbles provide cushioning to absorb shocks and prevent the candles from knocking against each other or the box walls.

For an eco-friendly option, crumpled paper can work just as well. Newspaper, tissue paper, or kraft paper can be crumpled into balls and stuffed into the box around the wrapped candles. The crumpled paper acts as a shock absorber and keeps the candles snug and immobile.

No matter which type of protective material you choose, be sure to completely surround each candle and fill any empty space in the box. This will keep the candles from shifting during transit and lower the chance of damage. With plenty of cushioning inside the box, your candles are more likely to arrive safely at their destination. As one source suggests, “Too much movement could crack the glass or damage the wax”[1].

Shipping Speed

One of the best ways to keep candles cool during shipping is to use expedited shipping services that deliver overnight or within one to two days. The faster candles can reach their destination, the less exposure they will have to potentially warm conditions during transit. Popular overnight and expedited shipping options include FedEx Express, UPS Next Day Air, and USPS Priority Mail Express. These faster shipping methods do come at a higher cost than standard ground shipping, but help minimize the risks of candles melting, losing fragrance, or becoming damaged in shipping.

Overnight and expedited shipping also give you more control over the transit time and temperature exposure. With standard shipping that may take 3-7 days, the packages are subject to more variable weather and climate conditions as they make stops along the delivery route. Spending less time in transit means less opportunity for temperature fluctuations. So for shipping candles, particularly in warmer months, upgrading to the fastest shipping speed available can provide important protection.

Summary

To summarize, there are several key tips to keep in mind when shipping candles to prevent them from melting or becoming damaged:

Use insulation such as bubble wrap or foam to protect candles during shipping. Wrap each candle individually before packing in a box. Place packing material between candles and the sides of the box.

Avoid shipping candles during hot summer months if possible. Choose faster shipping methods and monitor weather forecasts. Alert customers to remove candles from mailboxes quickly.

Pack candles in small boxes rather than large ones to minimize empty space. Line boxes with cushioning material. Place gel packs inside to regulate temperature.

Keep boxes out of direct sunlight and extreme heat during transit. Consider shipping candles overnight or 2-day to reduce time in transit.

With proper insulation, packing techniques, and shipping speed choice, candles can be shipped successfully without melting or losing their shape.