7 Essential Safety Guidelines for Home Candle Burning
Embrace the cozy atmosphere of your home with the enchanting glow of a lit candle. But remember, with an open flame comes responsibilities. Keep your space safe and your experience delightful by adhering to these crucial candle care tips. Julie Maskulka, founder and CEO of Anecdote Candles, lends her expertise on maintaining candles, maximizing their lifespan, and minimizing fire hazards.
Unwavering Attention
Safety should always be your top concern when it comes to candle burning. Always keep a watchful eye on your candles. "You should always burn candles in an area where you can monitor activity and enjoy the scent," Maskulka advises. If your candles are burning in an area out of sight, forgetfulness might result in leaving them unattended when you go to bed or leave your house.
Location, Location, Location
Choosing the right location for your candle is vital for two reasons: avoiding fire hazards and extending the life of your candle while fully enjoying its scent.
"Avoid drafty rooms (open windows, or around heating and cooling vents), as they can cause uneven heating or poor performance," Maskulka suggests. Drafts can not only absorb the scent but also blow candles out and scatter hot wax and soot on nearby surfaces.
Keep Those Wicks in Check
Trimming wicks might seem like an insignificant, time-consuming task, but it's a crucial step often overlooked by many. "Always trim the wick, each and every time, and even throughout the burn session if necessary," Maskulka advises. Regularly trimmed wicks ensure your candle burns clean, evenly, and slowly, extending its lifespan up to 20% longer.
Perfect Burn Time
Burning candles for too long or too short can both lead to unwanted consequences. Find the sweet spot by dedicating 3-4 hours for each burn session. "It’s best to burn them for 3–4 hours at a time—and allow the wax to melt all the way to the edge for an even burn," Maskulka shares.
Matching Candle to Space
Select a candle that befits the size of your room. "Choose the size of candle appropriate to the size of the room, as the larger the candle, the further the scent throw," Maskulka recommends. A tiny candle might fail to fill the room with its scent, while a large one could quickly overpower the space.
Heat-Resistant Surfaces
To safeguard your coffee table, kitchen countertop, and other surfaces from permanent heat damage, ensure you place candles on a heat-safe surface, such as a metal trivet. Never place candles directly on non-heat-resistant surfaces, as they can generate heat, leading to surface damage or safety issues.
Be Mindful in the Bathroom
Bathrooms can be a potential danger zone for candles. They are frequently forgotten, and flammables like hairspray might be nearby. Be extra cautious when placing candles in bathrooms and be aware that the heat can reflect off mirrors, causing uneven burns or extremely hot containers.
By adhering to these tips, you ensure safe, pleasant candle experiences for you and your loved ones, making the most of the delightful fragrances they provide.
After thoroughly enjoying your candle's soothing scent, don't forget to redecorate your home with a fresh look. BHG (Better Homes and Gardens) provides decorating advice to help you create a harmonious atmosphere. To complement your beautifully lit candles, consider updating your home decor, focusing on areas like wall colors, furniture arrangement, and accessorizing with bouquets or plants.
Keep your house clean and orderly to enhance the overall aesthetic of your home. Housekeeping is essential in maintaining a cozy environment, so regular sweeping, dusting, and vacuuming are necessary tasks. Additionally, consider decluttering unused items to create a more spacious and inviting atmosphere for your candles to shine.
