Candle safety is essential to prevent fires and accidents in the home. Here are some key tips to keep in mind:
1. Never leave candles unattended
- Always extinguish candles when leaving the room or going to sleep.
- If you need to step away, even for just a few minutes, blow out the candle to avoid accidental fires – it's really easy to relight it.
2. Place candles on stable, heat-resistant surfaces
- Use candle holders that are sturdy and won't tip over easily.
- Keep candles away from flammable items like curtains, furniture, books and paper.
3. Trim the wick
- Keep the candle wick trimmed to about 1/4 inch (6mm) before lighting.
- A long wick can cause uneven burning, dripping and flaring, increasing the risk of fire.
4. Keep candles away from draughts
- Avoid placing candles near windows, fans or vents where they could be blown over or burn unevenly.
- Draughts can also lead to an unstable flame, which can be dangerous.
5. Use candles with care around children and pets
- Never place candles within reach of children or pets, as they can accidentally knock them over.
6. Extinguish candles properly
- Use a candle snuffer or gently blow them out, taking care not to splatter hot wax.
- Never use water to extinguish candles, as this can cause hot wax to splatter or the container to crack.
7. Maintain a safe distance
- Ensure there's at least 1 foot of space around a candle, keeping flammable objects and surfaces well away from the open flame.
8. Don't burn a candle all the way down
- Leave about 1/2 inch of wax in the container, or 2 inches in pillar candles, to prevent overheating or breaking the holder.
By following these tips, you can safely enjoy candles while minimising the risk of fire or injury.
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