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 (6 mm) before lighting.
- A long wick can cause uneven burning, dripping, and flaring, increasing the risk of fire.
4. Keep Candles Away from Drafts
- Avoid placing candles near windows, fans, or vents where they could be blown over or cause uneven burning.
- Drafts 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 far 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.