Candle Safety

Candle Safety Guide

Candles add warmth, ambience, and fragrance to any space, but they also come with potential risks if not used properly. This guide will help you understand the hazards associated with candles and how to mitigate them for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Fire Hazards

Risk:

• Unattended candles can cause house fires if they come into contact with flammable materials like curtains, paper, or furniture.

• Tipping over a burning candle can ignite nearby objects.

Mitigation:

• Never leave a burning candle unattended. Always extinguish it before leaving the room.

• Keep candles away from flammable objects. Maintain at least a 12-inch clearance from drapes, books, and decorations.

• Use sturdy, heat-resistant candle holders. This prevents tipping and protects surfaces from heat.

• Keep candles on a level surface. Avoid placing them on uneven or soft surfaces where they could fall.

Burns & Hot Wax Accidents

Risk:

• Hot wax can cause burns if spilled or touched.

• A candle jar or holder can become extremely hot, leading to accidental burns.

Mitigation:

• Never move a burning candle. Allow the wax to cool before handling.

• Keep candles out of reach of children and pets.

• Use a snuffer instead of blowing out candles. Blowing can sometimes splatter hot wax.

Carbon Monoxide & Indoor Air Pollution

Risk:

• Poorly ventilated rooms can accumulate soot and carbon monoxide from candles, especially paraffin-based ones.

• Some candles may emit toxic fumes if made from certain materials.

Mitigation:

• Ensure proper ventilation. Avoid burning multiple candles in a small, enclosed space.

• Use high-quality, non-toxic candles. Opt for soy, beeswax, or coconut wax candles with lead-free cotton or wood wicks.

• Trim the wick to ¼ inch before each burn. This reduces smoke and soot buildup.

Candle Jar Explosions & Glass Breakage

Risk:

• Overheating can cause glass candle jars to crack or explode.

• Burning a candle all the way to the bottom can cause the glass to overheat and shatter.

Mitigation:

• Stop burning a candle when ½ inch of wax remains. This prevents overheating and potential breakage.

• Use heat-resistant candle jars. Choose high-quality, thick glass containers.

• Avoid extreme temperature changes. Never place a hot candle in a cold area (e.g., near an open window in winter).

Pet & Child Safety Concerns

Risk:

• Pets or children may knock over candles or get burned.

• Some scented candles contain essential oils that can be toxic to animals.

Mitigation:

• Keep candles out of reach of pets and children. Use high shelves or enclosed holders.

• Use flameless LED candles for safer ambience if you want absolute safety.

• Check candle ingredients if you have pets. Avoid candles with essential oils that are harmful to animals (e.g., tea tree, eucalyptus, or citrus oils).

Best Practices for Candle Safety

✅ Trim the wick to ¼ inch before lighting.

✅ Place candles on a heat-resistant surface.

✅ Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything flammable.

✅ Use candle holders with a wide base to prevent tipping.

✅ Extinguish candles before they burn all the way down.

✅ Keep candles out of drafty areas to prevent uneven burning or excessive flickering.

✅ Never sleep with a candle burning.