Candle Care and Safety
They’re pretty and smell good, but open-flame candles are a fire hazard IF guidelines and procedures are not followed; respect the candle.
FIRST BURNING: The first time you light a new candle, be sure to let it burn until the wax pool has reached all sides of the container. This could take about 4 hours depending on the circumference of the candle. A rule of thumb is to allow one hour for every one inch of diameter. This procedure stops the candle from tunneling. For an even burn, always allow candle to melt entirely across the top.
LIGHTING: Use long matches, or a long reach lighter to light the wick. Be sure to keep long hair pulled back, and loose clothing away from the flame.
POWER OUTAGES: If the power is out, use a flashlight or other battery-powered light, not candles.
STAY AWAKE: Never burn a candle when there’s a slightest chance of falling asleep.
SAFE SURFACE: Place the candle on an appropriate flat and heat-resistant surface. Ensure the surface is stable, level, and there is ample clearance above.
DRAFTS: Keep away from drafts and vibrations. Do not burn a candle near A/C vents, ceiling fans, oscillating fans, or open windows. Drafts are a candles worst enemy, and often overlooked. Your candle will burn better and longer if you keep it away from all drafts.
ADDING MORE SCENTS AND OILS: Never add additional essential oils or fragrance oils to any candle. The wax has a limit to how much oil can be mixed with it. When this limit is exceeded, the wax becomes more flammable and very dangerous.
WICK MAINTENANCE: Trim cotton wicks to ¼” before you light, each time. Keep wick centered as best as possible. Wooden wicks should be trimmed to 1/8″ – 3/16″ each time before lighting.
MULTIPLE WICK CANDLES: Always light all of the wicks. Burn all the wicks simultaneously for the entire burn.
WATCH THE CANDLE: Keep an eye on the candle for any unusual activity. You might notice the flame is very small or flickering excessively. These are clues that you need to take action on. Typically, trimming the wick will tame the flame. There could be a draft causing the disturbance in the flame as well.
PROPER CONTAINER: Always burn your candle in a suitable candleholder with a safe and heat resistant surface large enough to contain any drips or melted wax.
DEBRIS REMOVAL: Remove wick trimmings, matches, and other debris before each lighting. Never use a sharp object to remove debris from the wax.
PACKAGING: Remove all packaging and discard prior to lighting.
DUST COVERS: Some candles come with a dust cover, remove it before lighting the candle. If you want to keep the dust cover, wait until the candle has completely cooled and then place the dust cover over the candle.
SMOKING AND SOOT: Typically, soot and smoke can be eliminated by trimming the wick. If the candle is nearing the end of its life, it could be starving for oxygen because the wick is near the bottom of the container and that can make it more difficult for the flame to receive the oxygen required to burn clean.
IT’S VERY HOT: Never move or touch a hot candle.
LEAVE SOME SPACE: Always leave at least 4 inches between multiple burning candles. Ensure there is at least 12″ of space between the candle and any other flammable object (drapes, towels, clothing, etc.).
STOP USING: It is extremely important to never burn a candle when there is 1/2″ or less of wax remaining. It is a fire hazard. The container should be re-purposed or recycled. For pillar candles do not burn if 2″ or less of wax remains. Continuing to burn a candle with a minimal amount of wax could cause the glass to crack, or shatter, or explode due to excessive heat.
EXTINGUISH THE FLAME: Do not use the lid to extinguish the flame. Always use a candle snuffer or a wick dipper. Blowing the flame out is not recommended. Never use water. Ensure the flame is completely out. Don’t touch or move the candle for at least two hours.
PROPER STORAGE: Keep your candle in a cool, dark area, preferably between 50 F (10 C) to 85 F (29 C), and away from direct sunlight. Keep a lid or dust cover on the candle to prevent dust and other debris from collecting on the wax.
