Candle Care Tips
Candles can add a warm and cozy atmosphere to any space, but it's important to follow proper safety guidelines when using them. Here are some tips to help you burn your candles safely
Step 1
Before Burning
- Trim the wick to about 1/4 inch before lighting the candle. This will help prevent the flame from getting too large, which can cause the candle to burn too hot and potentially create a fire hazard. To trim the wick, use a pair of scissors or a wick trimmer. If the wick is too long, it can cause the flame to flicker and create a large amount of soot, which can be harmful to inhale.
- Place the candle on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from drafts, flammable materials, and anything that could be knocked over. This will help prevent the candle from tipping over or being knocked over, which could cause a fire.
- Follow any specific instructions provided by the candle manufacturer, as they may have recommendations for how to burn their candles safely. For example, they may recommend burning the candle for a specific length of time or trimming the wick to a particular length.
Step 2
While Burning
- Never leave a burning candle unattended. If you need to leave the room or go to bed, make sure to extinguish the candle first.
- Keep the flame away from drafts, vents, ceiling fans, and anything flammable. The flame should be at least a few inches away from these sources, as they can cause the flame to flicker or blow out, which can be dangerous.
- Do not allow the candle to burn down to the bottom of the jar or container. Extinguish the candle when it has burned to within 1/2 inch of the container's base or any decorative material that may be attached to the candle. If the candle burns down too far, it can become a fire hazard or cause the jar to break.
- Do not burn a candle for more than four hours at a time. This will help prevent the candle from overheating and becoming a fire hazard. It's a good idea to set a timer or reminder to help you remember to extinguish the candle after it has been burning for four hours.
- Keep an eye on the candle while it is burning. If the flame becomes too large or starts to flicker excessively, blow out the candle and trim the wick before relighting it. A large or flickering flame can be a sign that the candle is burning too hot, which can be dangerous.
Step 3
When Extinguishing
- Use a candle snuffer or a spoon to gently extinguish the flame. Do not blow out the candle, as this can cause the hot wax to splatter and potentially start a fire. To extinguish the flame, hold the snuffer or spoon close to the flame and gently press down until the flame is no longer visible.
- If the candle has a wooden wick, make sure to extinguish it completely by gently pressing down on the top of the wick with a tool. Wooden wicks can be more difficult to extinguish than traditional wicks, so it's important to make sure the flame is completely out to avoid any accidents.
- Allow the candle to cool completely before handling it or re-lighting it. The wax and jar of the candle will be hot after burning, so it's important to allow them to cool down before touching them or relighting the candle.