Candle Safety 101

Enjoying Your Candles Safely

Candles add warmth, ambience, and a touch of elegance to any space big or small, and our candles even provide a special type of jewelry in them for wearing! Whether you're lighting one to unwind after a long day or setting the mood for a nice evening, it’s essential to keep safety in mind. Here's everything you need to know to enjoy our candles safely.

1. Always Trim the Wick!

Before lighting your candle, trim the wick to about ¼ inch in length. A longer wick can cause a larger flame, which can lead to uneven burning, sooting, and even flaring(when the flames sputter and grow/shrink unexpectedly). Trimming the wick also ensures a cleaner, more controlled burn, prolonging the life of your candle.

2. Place Candles on a Stable, Heat-Resistant Surface

This will prevent the candle from tipping over and protect the surface underneath from heat damage. Avoid placing candles near flammable materials like curtains, bedding, or books.

3. Never Leave a Candle Unattended

This might seem like common sense, but it's worth repeating: never leave a burning candle unattended. If you’re leaving the room, even for a short period, extinguish the candle. It's also a good habit to blow out all candles before going to bed.

4. Keep Candles Out of Reach of Children and Pets

Children and pets are naturally curious, and a flickering flame can be very enticing to watch and/or touch. To prevent accidents, make sure candles are placed out of reach of little hands, paws, and wagging tails! Consider using flameless candles in areas accessible to children and pets, or keep your candles up and out of reach to prevent burns, uncontrolled fires and spilled wax.

5. Avoid Drafts

Keep candles away from drafts, vents, and ceiling fans. Drafts can cause uneven burning, excessive dripping, and increase the risk of flare-ups. If a candle flickers excessively, it’s a sign that it's in a drafty area and should be moved.

6. Use Candle Holders

This one is for those gorgeous candles without containers(we don't supply these yet but this post is about overall safety for candles). Candle holders not only add to the aesthetic of your candle but also serve a practical purpose. They help catch any drips, contain the flame, and provide additional stability. Make sure the holder is the appropriate size for the candle and made of a material that can withstand the heat.

7. Don’t Burn the Candle All the Way Down

It’s tempting to burn your candle until the very last drop of wax, but it’s not safe to do so. Burning a candle all the way down can cause the container to overheat, potentially cracking or shattering. The best way to go about burning a candle is to stop burning it when it reaches about 1/2 inch in height from the bottom of the vessel. Our next candle post will tell you how you can get that chunk of wax out of the vessel so you can use it for other things!

8. Extinguish Candles Carefully

When it's time to put out your candle, do so carefully to avoid splattering hot wax. Use a candle snuffer if possible, or gently blow on the flame, making sure the wick is completely out. DO NOT use water to extinguish a candle, as it can cause the hot wax to splatter and will ruin the wick for further burns.

Side Note: Do not use the vessel lid to put out the flame of the candle. Doing so will cause smoke from the wick to be trapped and then to settle into the melted wax which will alter the scent (and generally not for the better). Let the extinguished wick and wax cool completely before placing the lid onto it to prevent dust from settling onto the candle.

9. Store Candles Properly

Store your candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and with a lid on the vessels if provided. Excessive heat can cause your candles to melt or lose their shape, while sunlight can cause the colors to fade and the scent to diminish.

10. Use Candles as Intended

While our candles are all designed to be lit up, some candles are designed for decorative purposes only and may not be safe to burn. Always check the label and use candles according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If a candle is purely decorative, enjoy its beauty without lighting it.

Final Thoughts

Candles bring joy and tranquility, but safety should always be the top priority. By following these simple guidelines, you can enjoy your candles safely and prolong their life, ensuring that your home remains a warm, inviting, and safe space.