How Do You Keep Candles From Melting In The Heat?

Why Candles Melt in Heat

The reason candles melt in hot temperatures is due to their wax composition and melting point. Wax is made up of long hydrocarbon molecules that are held together by intermolecular forces. When heat is applied, it causes the wax molecules to start moving faster and vibrate more, weakening the intermolecular bonds holding them together (Candles.org).

The faster kinetic motion from the heat eventually causes the bonds between the hydrocarbon molecules to break completely. This allows the molecules to move freely and the wax transitions from a solid to a liquid state. The melting point of wax varies based on its composition, but higher temperatures will cause any candle wax to melt more quickly as the molecules gain energy (Thoughtco.com).

Paraffin wax, a common candlemaking material, has a relatively low melting point between 115-130°F. If the ambient temperature approaches or exceeds this range, paraffin candles are likely to get soft, start sagging, or melt rapidly. Beeswax has a higher melting point around 140-150°F, while soy wax melts at around 125-135°F. But when the external temperature is hot enough, all of these waxes will liquefy (Chemistryviews.org).

The key takeaway is that heat provides energy to break the intermolecular bonds in candle wax. The hotter it gets, the faster these bonds break and the quicker the wax melts from a solid to a molten state.

Storing Candles Properly

Proper storage is crucial for preserving candles and preventing them from melting prematurely. As a general rule, candles should be stored in a cool, dry location away from direct sources of heat.

Ideal storage temperatures are between 50-70°F. Temperatures consistently over 70°F will accelerate melting and cause candles to lose their shape faster. Places like basements and storage closets inside the home provide cooler, more stable temperatures for candle storage. Attics, garages, and areas near appliances like ovens tend to get much hotter, so these spots should be avoided.

Humidity can also be an enemy to candles, so low moisture environments work best. Excessive humidity can cause labels to peel and damage wax. Make sure candles are not stored in damp basements or attics.

Keep candles away from heating vents, appliances, fireplaces, and direct sunlight. Ultraviolet light and heat from the sun degrade wax over time. Store candles in their original packaging or a box with padding to prevent jostling and maintain shape.

With proper storage conditions and precautions, candles can maintain their scent and appearance for extended periods until you are ready to enjoy their ambiance.

Using Containers and Holders

The type of container or holder you use for a candle makes a big difference in preventing excess melting. Ceramic, glass, and metal holders retain less ambient heat than plastic holders or containers. This keeps the candle insulated from additional external warmth.

Elevating candles off tabletops or other surfaces also promotes air circulation and cooling. Place candles on a small plate or stand to lift them up and prevent the pooled wax from spreading out onto the furniture. Tea light candles and votives are short enough that setting them on a glass or ceramic coaster is sufficient.

When extinguishing the candle, it’s best to use a snuffer instead of blowing out the flame. Blowing out candles makes wax droplets spatter out, leading to quicker melting and more waste.

Selecting the Right Wax

The type of wax used in candle making can impact how prone candles are to melting in heat. Beeswax and soy wax have higher melting points than paraffin wax, so they may fare better in high temperatures. Gel wax, which is a mineral oil-based candle wax, has a very low melting point and is not recommended for use in hot environments.

It’s important to research the melting point of any candle wax before purchase. According to CandleFairy, paraffin wax melts at approximately 130 to 145°F, while beeswax melts at 143 to 148°F. Soy wax has a melting point range of 115 to 125°F. In comparison, gel wax melts at a much lower 80 to 85°F. Opting for wax with a higher melting temperature can help candles maintain their shape rather than turning into a puddle of wax.

When purchasing candle wax, check specifications to determine the exact melting point. Select a type of wax suitable for your climate and room conditions to find candles less prone to melting issues.

Wick Precautions

Using a properly sized wick is essential to prevent excess melting when burning candles in heat. Oversized wicks accelerate the melting rate because they allow for larger flames that generate more heat. According to research, wick selection had no significant impact on flame length or width external to its impact on burning rates (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0010218023000135).

To prevent accelerated melting, use a wick that’s appropriate for the diameter of the candle. Consult a candle wick sizing chart to choose the right thickness. Before lighting, always trim the wick to 1⁄4 inch to keep the flame size contained. With the proper wick precautions, you can help regulate melting when burning candles in hot environments.

Avoid Direct Sunlight

Direct sunlight can significantly increase the melting rate of candles. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun magnify the effects of ambient heat. When exposed to UV light, the molecules in wax can become excited and generate additional heat, accelerating the melting process.

To help candles maintain their shape, avoid placing them directly in sunny areas. Keep candles out of windowsills and off patios where they will be exposed to prolonged sunlight. Instead, display candles in locations with indirect or minimal light.

Use curtains, shades, or blinds on windows to block sunlight streaming into rooms. You can also place candles behind UV-blocking glass to filter out damaging rays. Limiting sunlight exposure will slow melting and extend the life of your candles (source: https://armatagecandlecompany.com/blog/uv-inhibitors/). With some simple precautions, you can create cooler conditions for candles and prevent messy melting accidents.

Regulating Room Temperature

Proper room temperature is crucial to keeping candles from overheating and melting quickly. The ideal room temperature for burning candles is 65-75°F (18-24°C). Any hotter and the wax may start to rapidly melt. Don’t exceed 75°F if possible, especially in hot climates.

Use air conditioning, fans, and proper ventilation to help regulate room temperature and circulate cooler air. Avoid placing candles directly next to heat sources like vents, radiators, stoves, or fireplaces. The excess heat can cause the wax to melt unevenly and the candle to burn inconsistently. Make sure to allow at least 1-2 feet of clearance.

You can monitor the temperature near candles using a thermometer. Try to maintain an ambient temperature on the cooler end of the ideal range. The lower the temperature, the slower the wax will melt and the longer your candle will burn.

With some cooling adjustments, you can create the ideal conditions for candles to burn slowly and minimize melting, even during hot summer weather. Proper temperature control helps candles last longer and perform optimally.

Limit Burn Time

One of the most effective ways to prevent candles from melting in the heat is to limit the amount of time they are allowed to burn. According to the National Candle Association, candles should not be burned continuously for more than 4 hours at a time [1]. After 4 hours of burning, the candle should be extinguished and allowed to cool and solidify for at least 2 hours before being relit. This pause allows the melted wax to resolidify and the wick to restabilize.

It is also recommended to extinguish candle flames before going to bed or leaving home. Never leave a burning candle unattended – it only takes a moment for a candle to get knocked over by a pet or gust of wind and start a fire [2]. For safety, blow out candle flames before retiring for the evening. Candles should not be left to burn overnight.

By limiting burn times to 2-4 hour increments and extinguishing flames before leaving candles unattended, you can help prevent excessive melting and potential hazards.

Freeze Candles Before Use

One trick to help candles withstand heat is to place them in the freezer 1-2 hours before burning. The cold temperature causes the wax to harden, creating a reservoir of already-melted wax that absorbs additional heat as the candle burns (Freezing Candles Before Use, 2023).

When a candle is lit, the flame melts the wax to fuel the burn. If a candle starts off frozen, it takes longer for the heat to penetrate and melt the solid wax. This buffer zone helps regulate the melt rate, slowing how quickly the candle consumes its wax. The result is a candle that retains its shape longer without tunneling (i.e. where wax melts unevenly) (Extend the Life of Your Candles with This Simple Trick, 2023).

The freezer method works best for jar candles, pillars, and other rigid shapes. Just place the candle in a freezer bag or wrap in plastic wrap before freezing. Votives and other small candles can be frozen as-is. Freezing candles for 1-2 hours prior to use can extend burn time by up to 50% (Freezing Candles Before Use, 2023).

DIY Candle Coolers

One simple DIY way to help keep candles cool in summer heat is by using terracotta pots or trays. Terracotta is an absorbent and porous material that naturally dissipates heat. Simply place the candle in a terracotta container slightly larger than the candle itself. As the terracotta absorbs excess heat from the candle, it will help regulate the temperature and slow down melting.

Decorative metal trays can also be used in the same way. Trays made of tin, iron, or copper will conduct heat away from the candle, distributing it over a larger surface area for cooling. The tray can then be placed on a heat-resistant surface to allow airflow underneath. This allows more passive cooling. Just make sure the tray is large enough to contain any melted wax and prevent it from spilling over.

Both terracotta and metal trays work as candle coolers because they effectively dissipate and absorb ambient heat around the candle. This helps maintain a more optimal temperature for slower and safer burning.