Tips How to Burn Candles Safely
We burn candles to light up our houses, to have that special dinner that bit more exceptional and to fill up our homes with gorgeous fragrances.
To get delight from our candles also means that we must use them sensibly, candle safety is of the essence.
Caution should be taken when using candles and here are some straightforward fire safety tips when burning candles:
- Always pay attention to the labels and words of advice with the candle and candle holder
- Use an suitable non-flammable holder.
- Never leave blazing candles unattended
- Be sure the candle is erect in the holder prior to lighting and in a holder that cannot go over easily.
- Always place candles well away from flammable items such as curtains and furniture.
- Keep candles away from clothes and hair.
- To avoid damage to surfaces always place candles and candle holders on a surface that will not be damaged by heat e.g. ceramic tiles or plates. Table mats are NOT suitable.
- Do not move candles when lit or when wax is still liquid.
- Always read and follow manufacturer's instructions supplied with candles and candle holders.
- Remove all packaging before use.
- Burn out of reach of children and pets.
- Extinguish candles with a candle snuffer. Do not blow them out. Never use water to snuff out a candle.
- Ensure candles are placed at the least 10cm / 4 inches apart and provide clearance above the candle for the heat to dissipate.
- Candles should be burned away from other sources of heat such as television sets and away from direct sunlight.
- Candles should be burned in an area free from draughts.
- Trim wick to 1cm / 1/2 inches before lighting and relighting. If the candle smokes, put out and trim the wick.
- When using these candles, ensure there is a tight fit at the base of the candle holder.
- Candles with a diameter of over 5cm / 2 inches should be burned on a spiked holder or flat dish.
- Pillar candles over 6cm / 2 1/2 inches should be burned for at least 4 hours at a time.
- Allow wax to solidify before relighting.
- Ensure candles are positioned securely in an upright position.
- Extinguish candle before flame reaches within 2cm /1 inch of the holder.
- Remove base label before burning.
- These candles liquefy in use. Burn in suitable flat based holder to contain molten wax.
- Never let the flame come into contact with the container.
- Do not move the candle when lit.
- To maintain an even burn make sure the wick remains in the centre of the container.
- Do not allow foreign objects e.g. match heads to fall into the wax pool.
- If enlarged or second flame occurs extinguish candle immediately.
- Clean out holder before using a new candle.
- Place holders on a surface that will not be damaged by heat.
- Do not burn on a television or other warm place.
Tealights and Nightlights
Tealights
- Tealights are ideal for lanterns or for holders which have holes in them as the tealight case will hold the wax as it melts.
- Place Tealight holders on a surface that will not be damaged by heat.
- Do not burn on a television or other warm place.
Nightlights
- Nightlights are suitable for lighting uses. Do not use in food warmers or vaporisers.
- Place Nightlight holders on a surface that will not be damaged by heat.
- Do not burn on a television or other warm place.
- Do not use in oil burners or lanterns where there is less than 8cm/ 3 inches of space above the flame.
Oil Burners
- Make sure that oil burners are well ventilated.
- There must be at least 8cm/ 3 inches of space above the flame within the holder. Only use metal cupped unscented Tealights.
- Do not allow aromatic oils to come into contact with skin. When using aromatic oils in a burner always use with water.
- Do not use water with Wax Scenters.
Outdoor Candles
Citronella Candles
- Citronella candles are burnt outside in summer to deter insects. They are not recommended for indoor use.
Torch Candles
- Position upright in soft earth away from overhanging trees and branches.
- Do not use on a patio or near decorative stone ornaments, due to possible wax spillage.
- Light the top of Torch candles.
Glass, Tin & Ceramic Wax Filled Items
- Place on a surface that will not be damaged by heat. Do not use if the container is cracked, chipped, or scratched.
- Never let the flame come into contact with container. Do not move candle when lit.
- Extinguish candle when lit. Extinguish the candle before replacing the lid.
- Discontinue use when 1/2cm / 1/4 inch of wax remains.
- Do not place lid on base of container whilst burning.
Floating Candles
- Floating candles should only be used in suitable water filled bowls.
Novelty Candles
- Novelty candles are designed to be decorative. Place on a large holder as irregularly shaped novelty candles may drip profusely.
Flower Rings
- Flower rings are for decoration only. They may be flammable. Remove flower rings before lighting candles.
