5 Candle Safety Tips You Need to Know About

Candles are a great way to add a touch of ambiance to any room. They’re romantic and calming and make any space feel more inviting. However, as with any open flame, there are some safety risks to be aware of. Follow these five tips to keep yourself and your home safe the next time you light a candle.

1. Keep candles away from flammable materials. This includes items like curtains, carpets, paper, wood furniture, and anything else that could easily catch fire. A good rule of thumb is to keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that could burn.
2. Never leave a burning candle unattended. If you have to leave the room for even a short amount of time, blow the candle out first. It’s not worth the risk of leaving it lit and coming back to find a fire has started in your absence.
3. Trim the wick before each use. Once a candle has been lit, the heat from the flame will cause the wick to get longer. If you don’t trim it down before relighting, the flame will be too big and could start dripping wax, which increases the risk of a fire.
4. Don’t burn a candle all the way down to the bottom. As a general rule, you should stop using a candle when there’s about ½ inch of wax left at the bottom of the jar or holder. If you continue burning after that point, there’s a chance the heat from the flame could crack the glass or start melting/charring the holder itself, which could cause serious injuries if you try to move it while it’s hot.
5. Extinguish candles properly. The best way to put out a candle is by using a snuffer - a long-handled tool designed specifically for this purpose (you can find them at most stores that sell candles). This helps prevent hot wax from splattering onto your skin or clothes when you blow out the flame.

By following these simple tips, you can enjoy your candles guilt-free, knowing that you’re taking measures to keep yourself safe!