Candle Safety 101

Candles make any room feel warm and give off a soft light. But, you have to keep in mind that each candle is an open flame. Knowing about candle fire safety and fire safety is very important to stop anything bad from happening and to keep your home safe. No matter if you use candles for a good mood, a special event, or your own quiet time, always practice good fire safety habits. This way, you can enjoy candles and also feel safe at the same time.

1. Never leave a burning candle unattended.

This is the main rule you need to remember when you have the candles burning. You should always blow out the candles before you leave the room or before you go to sleep.

2. Trim the wick.

Before you light a candle, make sure to trim the wick down to about 1/4 inch. This will help keep the flame at a good size. A short wick also stops too much soot from showing up. You can use a wick trimmer, and it is good for getting to the wick in all kinds of candle containers. This works with both cloth and wooden wicks.

3. Keep it clear.

Make sure you put your candle on a surface that can handle heat. Keep it away from things that can catch fire. These things can be curtains, bedding, papers, plants, or any kind of fabric.

4. Burn in 3–4 hour intervals.

This helps your candle burn evenly. It can also help lower the chance of the container getting too hot.

5. Mind the wax pool.

Be sure to keep the candle wax pool clear of things like matches or wick trimmings. If debris builds up in the wax pool, the bits can act as extra wicks. This can cause a fire hazard or make the candle flame go up too high. Always check your candle wax for these things to keep it safe.

6. Use a snuffer.

Blowing out a candle can cause the hot wax to splatter and go all over the place. A candle snuffer is the best and safest way to put out the flame. It helps to stop the wax from flying around. A candle snuffer also looks good when you use it. You can use a candle snuffer every time you want to put out your candle. This way, you will not get hot wax on your hands or on your things.

Safe Candle Use in Different House Areas

When you use lit candles in the house, you need to think about safety first. This is very important, especially when you use candles as a part of how you decorate. In the living room, it is best to place your candles on strong surfaces. Keep candles away from things that can catch on fire like curtains or soft chairs. Use candle holders that are deep to catch any wax drips and stop spills.

In the kitchen, do not keep candles near the stove or close to the spot where you cook your food. Make sure candles stay out of reach of pets and kids. In bedrooms, you should always keep candles away from mattresses and bedding. In the bathroom, never put candles close to mirrors or towels because this can cause fires.

When you watch where you keep lit candles and use these tips, you get to enjoy the warm light and help keep your home safe. Candle holders can be a big help to stop any accidents. They also make the area feel special.

Candle Safety with Pets and Children

When you use candles at home, you need to keep the safety of your kids and pets in mind first. A child or an animal may like the light or want to smell a nice candle scent. They might try to touch an open flame or go close to it. To keep them safe, always keep real candles out of the reach of children. Put candles up high or put them in holders that little hands or paws can't get into. A good idea is to use flameless candles instead. A flameless candle can still make your home feel nice, but it does not have an open flame. This will be safer if you have young kids or pets.

It is good to always check the area around a burning candle. Take away anything near it that could catch fire. Do not walk away from a burning candle, even for a few seconds. If you are using a candle with a wick, trim the tip of the wick before lighting it because this can make things safer. By taking these small steps, you help keep everyone in the house safe while enjoying the good feel that candles give.

FAQs

How should candles be stored to ensure safety?

Candles need to be kept in a cool and dry spot. Keep them out of direct sunlight. This helps to stop them from melting or losing color. Also, store candles standing up, not laying down. It is best to keep them inside their boxes or containers if you still have them. This way, they are less likely to tip over. Doing this will help keep your candles safe and last longer. Proper storage will also keep the people and things around you safe.

Why should you never burn a candle for more than four hours?

Burning a candle for more than four hours can be risky. When the wax gets too hot, it starts to soften and might not stay stable. This can make the candle tip over or spill. Also, if you let it burn for a long time, the wick could get too long. A long wick may make a big flame that can set things nearby on fire or cause soot and smoke in the air. To keep things safe and to help your candle last longer, be sure to stick to the burn time suggested. After four hours, put out the flame and let the candle cool down all the way before you light it again.

At In Mourning, we put care into making our Mourning Light vegan candles. We want you to use them carefully. Please handle these candles with safety in mind. Let their flame help you feel calm, and take time to enjoy all the unique scents we have to offer.