When using any candle, you need to be sure to follow strict candle safety guidelines to avoid risks associated with the open flame. Taking care of your candles will also ensure they last longer and keep performing as they should.
Here are 10 candle safety tips to follow when using your candles:
1. Always burn your candles on heat resistant surfaces in an area that you intend to stay in. You should always have your candles in your line of sight and not leave them unattended for long periods. This will help avoid fires from accidentally starting.
2. Never burn candles near a draft, fan, or air conditioning duct as this is not safe and may cause the flame to catch onto other objects nearby.
3. Do not burn candles near flammable materials such as curtains, paper, towels, decorations etc.
4. Always keep candles away and out of reach from children and pets as they may be unaware of the dangers.
5. Pillar candles and candle jars will gradually get hotter as the candle burns. It is advisable not to move a burning candle as this can cause injury and is a fire hazard. Instead, blow the candle out, wait 10 minutes for it to cool, wait for the wax to solidify, and then proceed to move it.
6. Take care when extinguishing your candles. Blow them out carefully and DO NOT use water or the candle jar lid to extinguish the candle. Only use the candle jar lid to extinguish the flame if directed to on the product's packaging.
7. Burning candles for long periods can cause the jar to overheat and break. Avoid burning candles for longer than 4 hours. This time frame will vary based on the size of the candle. See the manufacturer’s directions on the packaging if unsure.
8. Your candle wick should be trimmed before use and never be too long as the flame may become uncontrollable. Do not trim the wick too much as a short wick will create smoke and uneven burning. Approximately 6-10mm should prevent mushrooming.
9. Do not allow the flame to burn against the side of the candles glass jar as this may cause the jar to blacken and break.
10. Do not burn the candle to the very bottom of the jar as this can cause the jar to break and start a fire.