Winter Candle Care: Keep Your Scents Fresh Through the Colder Months

Winter brings cosy nights and the perfect excuse to light a candle, but the colder months can affect how your candles perform. Temperature fluctuations, lower humidity, and changes in how we use our homes all play a role in candle care during winter. Here's what you need to know to keep your candles burning beautifully all season long.

Storage Matters in Cold Weather

Candles are sensitive to temperature swings. If you're storing candles in an unheated room, garage, or near a window, they can become too firm and difficult to light. Ideally, keep your candles in a cool, stable environment—around 18–21°C is perfect. Avoid placing them directly on cold windowsills or in draughty areas where temperature dips dramatically at night.

If a candle has hardened from cold storage, let it sit at room temperature for a few hours before lighting. This allows the wax to soften naturally and ensures an even burn.

Manage Moisture and Condensation

Winter humidity can vary wildly, especially if you're heating your home. Condensation on the outside of a candle jar is harmless, but it's worth wiping it away to keep the glass clear and the label pristine. Store candles away from bathrooms or kitchens where steam is common, as excess moisture can affect the wick and wax surface.

Wick Performance in Winter

Colder air can make wicks burn differently. If your candle seems to be tunnelling (burning down the middle and leaving wax on the sides), it may be because the room is too cold for the wax to melt evenly. Try moving the candle to a warmer spot, or ensure you're giving it a full melt pool on the first burn—this sets the candle up for success throughout its life.

Keep your wick trimmed to about 5mm before each light. This prevents excessive smoking and helps the candle burn more evenly, especially in cooler conditions.

Maximise Burn Time

Winter is when we tend to burn candles longer and more frequently. To get the most from your candle, allow at least 3–4 hours for the wax to melt fully across the top before blowing it out. Shorter burns can lead to tunnelling and wasted wax. If you're burning your candle in a large, cold room, it may take longer to reach a full melt pool—be patient.

Protect from Direct Heat Sources

While it's tempting to place a candle near a heater or fireplace for extra warmth, keep them at least a metre away from direct heat sources. Radiators and heaters can cause uneven melting, discolour the jar, or even pose a safety risk. Let your candle provide ambient warmth and fragrance on its own.

With a little extra attention during the colder months, your candles will burn cleanly, smell wonderful, and last longer. Enjoy the glow.