Candles are a popular home décor item. They can bring you relaxation and comfort. They are a great way to add scent and warm light to a room. However, the careless use of candles can quickly turn them into serious fire hazards. Whether used for a special occasion or to create the atmosphere you like in your home, understanding how to enjoy candles safely is incredibly important.
Here are thirteen important candle safety tips for homeowners:
Candle Safety Tip #1: Use a suitable holder
It is crucial to keep candles upright and use heat-resistant holders. The candle holder should be sturdy and big enough to contain any drips.
Candle Safety Tip #2: Trim the wick
Long wicks can cause flares, uneven burning and dripping. The optimal wick length is ¼”. You can use scissors or purchase a tool specifically designed for this called a wick trimmer.
Candle Safety Tip #3: Invest in quality candles
People often say you get what you pay for. This is also good advice when it comes to natural candles Canada. Don’t buy cheap candles. Not only will they not last as long as a quality candle, but they also often aren’t produced with safety in mind. For example, a multi-wick candle that is too narrow can turn into a fire hazard when it burns too fast and creates an unsafe flame.
Candle Safety Tip #4: Never leave unattended
No matter what precautions you take, a burning candle is an open flame and a fire hazard. You should remain close to any candles you are burning. It is easy to forget you have a candle in the next room if you get distracted. You should extinguish the flame if you leave the room, even for a short time.
Candle Safety Tip #5: Make sure the area is safe
Only place a candle or candle holder on a flat, uncluttered surface. Always make sure there is nothing flammable near the candle. Your mattress and bedding, curtains, books and magazines, and hair are all examples of things that could potentially be dangerous and catch on fire.
Burning more than one candle close together is also not recommended as the flames could flare together and become unsafe.
Candle Safety Tip #6: Keep away from kids and pets
Kids and pets are unpredictable. Clothes, fur, and hair can catch fire in the briefest instant. To be sure nothing will knock the candle over, always be sure burning candles are far out of reach. Never put a candle near a sleeping baby.
Candle Safety Tip #7: Avoid placing near vents or windows
All it takes is a bit of a breeze for a candle to start a fire unintentionally. Keep candles away from air vents and open windows or entryways. You should also avoid positioning burning candles near drafty places in your home. It doesn’t take much for an air current to blow the flame and potentially set fire to curtains or other flammable items.
Candle Safety Tip #8: Don’t touch while burning
Trying to move a candle while it is lit increases your risk of being injured. Candles in a jar will be hot while they are burning. Candles that do not come in a container can drip hot wax on your skin. Always extinguish the flame and allow the candle to cool before moving it.
Candle Safety Tip #9: Never use a candle as a nightlight
Falling asleep with a candle burning is extremely dangerous. You could knock over the candle, or debris could fall into the flame, causing a flare-up.
Candle Safety Tip #10: Never use a candle as a flashlight
Though it may seem like a good idea to use a candle if you’ve lost electricity, it is much safer to choose a battery-operated flashlight. If you absolutely must use a candle to provide light, don’t walk with it and never use one to check the pilot lights of gas equipment in your home.
Candle Safety Tip #11: Follow manufacturer’s recommendations
Every candle will come with different instructions, so it is essential to read them. Most manufacturers recommend not burning the candle longer than 4 hours and letting it cool at least 2 hours before relighting.
Candle Safety Tip #12: Extinguish appropriately
Using water to put out a candle is not a good idea. Water can cause the wax to splatter and increases the risk of broken glass. It is all right to blow out a candle carefully, but you may not like the plume of black smoke that can accompany this method.
The proper way to extinguish a candle is to suffocate the flame with a snuffer or put the lid on if it has one.
Candle Safety Tip #13: Always have a working smoke detector
Every house needs a smoke detector on each floor. Adding an extra smoke detector to a room you often burn candles in is not a bad idea. Be sure to check the batteries regularly.
Candles can create a lovely ambience in your home. You can use them to relax or have a spiritual significance. Many people use candles to celebrate significant life events like birthdays. Whatever you are using them for, candle safety should never be ignored. Following simple safety guidelines can prevent your candles from becoming fire hazards.
