Candles add warmth, comfort, and ambiance to any space, but to enjoy them safely, it’s essential to handle them with care. At Fumesy, we’re passionate about creating a cozy and safe candle experience for our customers. Here are five common candle safety mistakes and practical tips to help you avoid them.
Leaving Candles Unattended 🔍
Leaving a burning candle unattended is one of the most common mistakes. Whether you’re briefly leaving the room or stepping out of the house, never leave a candle burning unattended. A small flame can quickly ignite nearby materials, leading to potentially serious accidents.
How to Avoid: Always extinguish your candle before leaving the room. If you’re someone who loves having a candle burning, try setting a reminder on your phone or placing the candle in a spot where you can see it. Never leave a candle burning overnight or when you’re not home.
Placing Candles Near Flammable Objects 🚫🔥
Candles should always be kept away from anything flammable, like curtains, papers, bedding, or even holiday decorations. The heat from a candle can ignite nearby items more easily than you might think.
How to Avoid: Place candles at least 12 inches away from any flammable items. For added safety, opt for sturdy candle holders that can contain any hot wax or accidental spills. Be mindful of the environment around your candle and always keep an eye on potential fire hazards.
Burning Candles for Too Long ⏲️
Burning a candle for an extended period can cause the wick to “mushroom” and lead to soot production, or even cause the candle container to overheat and break.
How to Avoid: Stick to a burn time of 3–4 hours at a stretch. Extinguish the candle, allow it to cool, and trim the wick to 1/4 inch before relighting. Regular wick trimming not only prevents excessive soot but also ensures a clean, even burn.
Ignoring Proper Ventilation 🌬️
While the scent of candles can enhance a room, inadequate ventilation can lead to a buildup of soot and even make it hard to breathe, especially in smaller spaces. Poor ventilation can also dull the candle’s fragrance over time.
How to Avoid: Always burn candles in a well-ventilated area. Open a window if you’re burning candles in a small room, and avoid confined spaces without airflow. This will not only help you enjoy the scent better but will also keep the air in your home cleaner.
Improper Candle Extinguishing ❌💨
Blowing out a candle may seem harmless, but it can cause hot wax to splatter or leave a lingering smoky smell in the room. Improper extinguishing can also lead to a smoking wick or make the candle harder to relight.
How to Avoid: Use a candle snuffer to extinguish the flame safely. A snuffer cuts off the oxygen supply and reduces the chance of wax splattering or smoke lingering. If you don’t have a snuffer, carefully dip the wick into the melted wax to extinguish it, then straighten it for the next burn.
At Fumesy, we believe that a safe candle experience is a more enjoyable one. By avoiding these common candle safety mistakes, you can savor the glow and fragrance of your candles without worry. We also take safety a step further by ensuring that every Fumesy candle is crafted with eco-friendly materials and clean-burning waxes, so you can enjoy your candles responsibly.
For additional candle care and safety resources, check out our friends at the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) for more tips on fire safety in the home.
Do you have any candle safety tips or questions? Share them in the comments below! We’d love to hear how you safely enjoy your Fumesy candles.
