Candles continue to grow in popularity and each year brings new fragrances and ways to display them. One thing that has not changed is that candles burn an open flame and this requires a bit of care and attention to candle safety. There is no reason that a candle cannot be a safe and enjoyable addition to your home or office. Just remember the tips in this article and make candle safety a priority.
Perhaps the first and most important decision to make about a candle is where to place it in your home or office. Use good sense to find a place away from anything that might hang over the candle and burn. If the candle is in a jar, place it on a steady surface away from hanging plants, curtains or walling hangings. Keep the wick trimmed to one-quarter inch. This will keep the flame low and also limit the amount of soot that might burn off the candle.
Pillar candles should be treated with care, placed in sturdy candleholders and positioned on a table or counter. Although some people prefer jar candles because they are more self contained, pillar candles can be used safely. However, they are more likely to drip wax and therefore need to be treated with extra attention. Make sure the candle is secure and do not leave pillar candles burning in an area where pets or children might be attracted to them.
Children are fascinated by candles and may show an interest in the flame and the melted wax. Take a few minutes to explain candle safety to any children and review why a candle is not a plaything. Explain that the flame is hot and can burn skin quickly. Children sometimes want to play with the melted wax. Remind them never to poke or dig at the wax with any stick or tool. There is no room for negotiation on this point. Candle safety is easy when a candle is used properly, but fire and hot wax are not toys.
Candles may still tempt younger children even after a warning, so be sure to keep candles out of the reach of children. A candle on a coffee table might be fine in an older couple’s home, but the same candle would be safer on a kitchen counter or a high shelf.
Some people may opt for an electric candle warmer and wick-less wax melts. This may be a great idea in a home with curious small children, but remember that the wax is still very hot in the warmer. Hot wax can burn and curious small children do not always understand the dangers. Keep any electric warmers away from little hands. A wall shelf or windowsill is an excellent place for a candle melt warmer. Follow these easy tips and you will be able to safely enjoy the fragrance and soft light of your favorite candles
