As the weather warms up, you may notice your favourite fragrances behaving a little differently around your home. The good news is that this is completely normal and comes down to a little bit of fragrance science.
Fragrance is made up of hundreds of aroma molecules, each with different weights and evaporation rates. When temperatures rise, these molecules become more active and move into the air more quickly, which is why fragrances can often seem stronger during warmer weather.
However, summer also brings open windows, patio doors and increased airflow, which can affect how fragrance travels around your home.
Here are my top tips for getting the very best from your fragrances this summer.
Keep Products Out Of Direct Sunlight
Sunlight doesn't just warm your home; it also exposes products to UV light.
Over time, UV exposure can affect the appearance of wax melts and may impact some delicate fragrance ingredients.
To keep your products looking and performing their best, store wax melts, room sprays and fragrance oils in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Open Windows Can Affect Scent Throw
One of the most common questions we receive in summer is:
"Why doesn't my fragrance seem to last as long?"
The answer is often airflow.
During the warmer months we naturally open windows and doors more often, allowing fragrance molecules to escape outside rather than circulating around the room.
This doesn't mean your fragrance is weaker; it simply means it has more places to travel.
If possible, place your burner away from direct drafts and enjoy fragrances in areas where the scent has a chance to build and linger.
Match The Product To The Moment
Different fragrance products work in different ways.
Wax melts are ideal for creating a beautiful background fragrance throughout the day, gently filling your home with scent over several hours.
Room sprays provide an instant burst of fragrance and are perfect for:
✨ Guests arriving unexpectedly
✨ Freshening a room before entertaining
✨ Giving your home a quick fragrance boost
✨ Refreshing a space after cleaning
During summer, I often find myself reaching for a room spray before friends and family visit. It's one of the quickest ways to make your home feel welcoming and beautifully fragranced.
Choose Seasonal Fragrances
Just as we naturally swap jumpers for lighter clothing, many people find their fragrance preferences change with the seasons too.
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy:
☀️ Fresh and aquatic fragrances
🍋 Citrus and zesty blends
🌸 Light florals
🍍 Fruity summer scents
These fragrance families often feel brighter, fresher and more uplifting when paired with sunshine and warmer temperatures.
Don't Leave Products In Hot Cars
Every year we hear from customers who accidentally leave their fragrance goodies in the car.
On warm days, temperatures inside vehicles can become much higher than the temperature outside, which can soften or melt wax products.
Always bring your fragrances indoors as soon as possible to keep them in perfect condition.
The Science Behind Summer Scent Throw
You may actually notice some fragrances smelling stronger during warm weather.
This is because heat increases the rate at which fragrance molecules move into the air. The more molecules that reach your nose, the stronger a fragrance appears.
This is one reason why a scent can feel different in July compared to January, even though the fragrance itself hasn't changed.
My Final Summer Tip
Don't be afraid to experiment with fragrances you wouldn't normally choose.
A scent that feels too fresh in winter may become your favourite fragrance during a warm summer evening with the windows open and the garden in bloom.
After all, fragrance isn't just about how something smells. It's about creating an atmosphere, a feeling and a memory.
Happy melting!
Jo
Head of Science
