How to Use Candles - Safely | A Nearly Complete Guide

According to the Merseyside fire and rescue service website, (which I found after a quick Google search), "the increased use of candles and associated products in recent years has been reflected by the increase in the number of house fires and accidents started by these products." This makes sense - more candles being used, more fires are being caused by them.

The website also says: "Candles are no longer used just as functional products or for the odd dinner party. They have become part of everyday life, used for relaxing and enhancing the look and atmosphere of a room." Anyone reading this will most probably definitely have at least one candle in their house - they are very useful and have many purposes. They can be used in power cuts when the electricity is off as a source of light (and heat), as an alternative source of light and heat, and as an item of decoration to lighten the mood, create the mood, or enhance the atmosphere of a room. In short, they are used extensively, all over the place. "It is almost impossible to pick up a glossy magazine without the photographs of room makeovers including candles as decoration." Many people use candles to relax, along with music and a luxurious bath in the bathroom, candles adorn birthday cakes, they are used extensively in religious communities, circles, ceremonies and places of worship, as well as using them to keep time in some cases.

The problem is that many people do not pay enough attention to the dangers and devastation the candle can create, even though we use them extensively. Yes, this probably sounds very serious, sinister and perhaps sad, but if everyone took a little more care when using candles, and used a bit of common sense, then I am sure that less fires would start as a result of a candle [being left unattended, falling over, setting fire to something else e.t.c].

The Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service website (see link above) lists the main reasons for fires started by candles as:

Increasing use of candles along with lack of common sense and the correct following of safety guidelines;
Candles left unattended;
People falling asleep without extinguishing candles;
Candles not being used with appropriate holders, or on inappropriate surfaces;
Candles being positioned too close to flammable materials (such as furnishing and clothing.

Hence, there are several hazards that surround candles:

The candle can be a major cause of dangerous fires, affecting everything from clothes, possessions, and objects round the home, as well as the home itself, and other buildings where candles are used.
The liquid wax is hot and can cause skin burns, but the amount and temperature are generally rather limited and the burns are seldom serious.
Glass candle holders are sometimes cracked by thermal shock from the candle flame, particularly when the candle burns down to the end.

So, what can you do to avoid serious fires, burns and other hazards when using candles? Well, the following is a list of safety advice, warnings and tips that should help you avoid these hazards and stay safe when using and around candles.

1. Use common sense.

NEVER leave a candle unattended, even for a short amount of time. Although you have probably heard this millions of times, it really does make a difference.

Place candles in or on a heat resistant surface, such as a china plate, or even better, buy or place candles in glass/plastic jars - not only do they protect the candle flame from other surfaces, objects and materials, the transparent glass/plastic allows your room to be flooded with light, you can see the candle easily, and should the glass/plastic jar fall over, the flame is contained.

Place candles away from other objects and possessions, especially flammable items. This will make sure that items cannot catch fire!! (Very very obvious).

Make sure that candles are not placed near edges of tables, shelves e.t.c as they could easily fall off or be knocked off.

Keep burning candles, unlighted candles and matches out of the reach of small children, pets and unsafe situations.

Follow the safety instructions that should be provided with the candles.

If a candle has been burning for a long time, the surface it is on, or touching, as well as the candle itself, and the wax that it is burning, will be(come) very HOT. Make sure you do not touch the candle or the wax when putting out the candle - use a snuffer (see below).

Use caution when moving near to a candle, being especially aware of clothes, long sleeves that hang down and hair, as these can easily dangle into the candle flame and catch fire.

2. Take precautions.

If you have small candles around the home, such as tea lights or small pillar candles,
make sure that you have a jug of water placed in an easy to reach location, in case of emergencies.
If you have larger or many [smaller or larger] candles, you may want to fill a bucket with water. (Obviously, try not to knock it over, so keep it away from small children pets, e.t.c).

Educate (young) children, and (other family members!!) about the dangers of candles, the dangers of leaving a candle unattended, the dangers of matches, and how to take sufficient safety precautions. Then, lead by example.

Use a snuffer to put out the candle instead of blowing on the flame. A snuffer is usually a small metal cup on the end of a long handle. When placed over the flame the oxygen supply is cut off, hence the flame is put out. Snuffers are available at most candle supply sources.

3. Maintain your candle!! (Ooo, you dirty minded lot!)
100 candles offers some tips on candle maintenance:

Do not light misshapen or damaged candles as they will not burn properly and might present a safety hazard.

Discontinue candle use when 1/2 inch of wax remains.

Burn candle for at least one hour for every inch of its diameter the first time you light it. This will allow the pool of wax to extend to the outside rim and prevent your candle from forming a “canyon” in its centre. (For example, burn a 3-inch diameter candle at least 3 hours. This method is called setting the “Memory” of your candle. Each time you re-light your candle, it will “remember” to burn out to the rim.)

Trim the wick(s) to 1/4 inch before lighting. A trimmed wick will ensure a clean, smoke-free burn. It will also stop carbon build-up at the tip of the wick and will extend the life of your candle.

Do not let wick trimmings, matches or any foreign matter collect inside the wax pool. This might prevent a clean burn or the flammable material might present a fire hazard.

And, also some other general tips on candles and candle safety:

Remember to remove the labels on your candles before you light them.

Never allow candle flame to touch any glass surface. This includes the tops or sides of Jar candles or Vases’, as they will get HOT. (Note: Sides, bottom and tops of containers may become hot while candle is burning. Handle with care. Extinguish candle in container before replacing lid.)

Special Notes:.

Even “Non-Drip” candles may drip under certain circumstances. Ie. Being placed in a drafty area. If candle appears ready to drip, extinguish candle and allow to cool for approximately one half hour before re-lighting. If candle drips, try moving to another location or check air movement that may be causing the draft.

Candles need oxygen. If you burn a candle in a small, confined area it will smoke. So consider the size of your room when you arrange your candles.

Extinguishing Tips:

1. Use a snuffer. The most effective way to extinguish the flame of a candle is to use a candle snuffer. The snuffer helps prevent the wax from spraying and keeps the wick centered as well.
2. If you don’t have a snuffer, here’s an effective way to extinguish a candle: Position your forefinger between the candle and your mouth, aligning it with the flame. When you blow at the candle, the “air” will circle around your finger and hit the flame from both sides, rather than approaching it directly. It’s a clever trick, try it!

Storing Tips For Your Candles:

1. Store your candles away from direct sun light as they can fade.
2. Store in a dry, cool and dark place.
3. Tapers and other candlesticks should be stored flat to prevent warping.

Cleaning Tips For Your Candles:

1. Put used votive cups, vases or other containers in the freezer for about 20 minutes. Left over wax will fall out very easily.
2. You can keep your candles smooth and silky-looking by gently rubbing them with ordinary nylon stockings. This will remove scratches and will also rub off the “bloom” that forms on a beeswax candle.
3. Before you slip a votive candle into a votive cup or holder, drop a teaspoon of water into the cup. This way when you want to remove the votive candle to replace it with another, the candle should slide out easily. Plus, you won’t have to struggle or run the risk of damaging the holder.

The 10 variables that affect the degree to which we can smell candles when they are burning:

1. The specific fragrance. Some scents are stronger by nature than others.
2. The size of the room. A smaller room will contain the fragrant vapour in higher concentration, creating a stronger impression.
3. Air flow and quality. Since fragrant vapour is carried in the air, factors such as humidity, air conditioning, a fan, an open window, e.t.c. may affect it’s movement.
4. The size of the wax pool. The greater the surface area of liquid wax, the more fragrance may release into the air.
5. The size of the flame. A large flame will burn more of the fragrant vapour before it can escape into the air. (Keep the wick trimmed to 1/4 inch).
6. The temperature at which a fragrance vaporizes. Some vaporize more readily, permeating the air to a greater extent.
7. Other sources of fragrance. Our fragrance perceptions are easily confused by multiple scents.
8. Other burning candles. Their flames may burn off the fragrant vapours.
9. Length of exposure. Our noses desensitize to fragrances over time. Leaving and re-entering the room will help you smell again.
10. The person smelling the fragrance. The sense of smell varies from person to person, much like eyesight, hearing or taste.

[[Other Helpful Tips:

By placing your candle in the freezer for at least 1 hour before you burn will help the candle burn longer and release more of the fragrance into the room.

To sample a scented candle, breathe the fragrance in from the bottom of the candle rather than the top or side. Undisturbed by circulating air, the aroma will be intensely concentrated there, more so than on any other part of the candle.]]