20 Tips For Burning Candles Safely At Home

A flickering light, a soft crackle, and an aromatic fragrance, it’s a soothing combination. Burning your new favorite candle can transport you to a place of tranquility and peace. But, that peace can be disturbed in an instant if an issue or safety concern with your candle arises. It’s not something most of us often think about–but, there is a right and a wrong way to burn a candle. After all, a candle is an open fire and should always be handled with care.

In this article, you’ll find the top tips on how to ensure you are burning your candle safely.

Before You Burn A Candle

1. The surface – ‘stable is key’ – Place your candle vessels on a stable, heat resistant surface that is sturdy, uncluttered, and large enough to catch any melted wax.
2. Remove any wick trimmings or matches left in the soy wax after the candle’s last use. If an extra piece of the wick is in the candle, it may act as another burning point.
3. Always light your candle in a well-ventilated room, away from air conditioning units and fans. It will protect an uneven burning of the candle, black soot marks, or rapid burning – neither of which you want. Also, the unpredictability of the wind through an open window, vent or fan, can quickly turn a relaxing ambiance into a danger zone.
4. Follow the 2ft rule – Keep your candles at least 2ft from anything that can burn. An ideal location is essential for choosing where to light your candle. Keep your candle away from holiday decorations, paper, books, curtains, blinds, flammable liquids, clothing, bedding, and lampshades.
5. Our wooden wicks need a little attention and tending to before each burn. Be sure to gently click off the ash or burnt wood along the top edge of the wick with a wick trimmer. Trim the wick to 1/4 inch before lighting to help prevent the flame from getting too large.
6. Choose a place to light your candle that is far from the reach of children and pets. Especially, if your pets are known for their impressive mobility and tendency to climb around and get into things. If your pet commonly swats at items on shelves or tables, you will want to make sure they do not have the opportunity to do this with a burning candle.

While It’s burning

7. Did you know every candle has a memory? Yep, a memory! and the first burn is critical. When you light your candle for the first time, allow it to burn until all the wax melts across the entire surface. This helps prevent tunneling, divots, valleys, and uneven surfaces that will shorten the life of your candle and ensure your safety too. It’s preferable to check any instructions given by the manufacturer as well.
8. Keep lit candles 3” apart – this will ensure they don’t melt one another or create drafts that will cause the candles to burn improperly.
9. Make sure that the lit candle is kept far out of reach of pets and children. If you burn a candle, don’t leave it unattended. It’s best to supervise kids and pets when lit candles are nearby.
10. While the candle is burning, never move it. You may not know how hot the candle vessel may have become. Apart from being dangerous, it will mess with the even layer of wax, which will create uniformities inside the candle. Allow the candle to cool down before moving it.
11. Never allow the flame to touch the side of the jar as it may become too hot and unsafe.
12. Avoid using candles to find your way around during a power cut, or when fueling equipment. Flashlights are safer sources of light during a power failure.
13. Never use a candle as a night light or while you may fall asleep.

Related: Welcoming Fall With Our Love For Pumpkins: Candles & Decor

Extinguishing Your Candle

14. We know it’s instinctive to blow out a flame when you are done with it – it can even feel a little ritualistic to blow out a candle before heading to bed. Using a candle snuffer ensures candle safety to put out lit candles with care. This helps to avoid the melted wax from any splutter, and it protects its burning quality.
15. Avoid using any water or liquid to put out the flame. The wick will absorb the liquid, and your candle will be ruined, it can cause the hot wax to splatter or shatter your glass vessel.
16. Never leave a candle unattended. Extinguish it when there is about a centimeter of wax left to avoid overheating or damage to surfaces.
17. Snuff out all candles when you leave a room or before going to sleep. Double-check to make sure that the wick is no longer glowing before you leave the room.
18. It’s better to avoid using your candle if the vessel is chipped, cracked, or scratched, as the heat of a burning candle may cause it to crack further.
19. If the flame gets too high or close to the jar, it’s best to snuff it out. Knock off any ash on the wood wick and relight it.
20. To avoid damaging the jar, swap your candle for a new one when a ½” of wax remains.

Related: Creating a Non-Toxic Home and How It Can Improve Your Health

With the holidays approaching, many of us will find ourselves using candles even more– as decor, to set the mood of the season, etc. Which is why it is more important than ever to practice safe candle burning that keeps you and your loved ones safe.

Now, that you have the tips to ensure you’re burning your candles safe, find your new favorite special occasion or everyday candle on Ardor Bin.