Candle Safety and Storage

Here's What You Need To Know!

With that thought in mind, here are a few rules to follow to make sure that your decorations are both beautiful AND safe!

Think - SAFETY!

ALWAYS read the safety label.Avoid purchasing those which do not display this label.

Keep the wick trimmed. Long wicks will create smoke, and can cause uneven burning. I always take off the entire black part, as well as much of the unburned wick. Keep wicks less than 1/2 inch tall.

The best time to trim the wick is right after the candle is extinguished, while it is still warm. Never trim a cold wick!

Always use a fireproof holder. It should be sturdy, and it should be large enough to catch any wax that drips.

Be sure the room is well ventilated, but not drafty.

Keep the wax pool clear of all debris, including spent parts of the wick, dust and other items (tree needles!).

Be sure that even though your holder itself is sturdy, the object you place that holder on is sturdy and will not shake, vibrate or fall over as well.

Avoid drafts, fans, heat vents and open windows.

Never burn all the way down. It is best to discard containers while there is still at least 1/2 inch of wax unburned in them. Discard all others while there is still at least an inch of wax, if not two left.

Do not move or touch a burning candle - ever. You risk more than just burnt fingers.

For ALL types, wait until the wax pool is cool and solid before moving them. This includes containers!!

If the flame flickers excessively, extinguish and trim the wick. Let it cool at least 1/2 an hour before re-lighting. While it is cooling, check the area for drafts.

A super long flame and/or smoke is a sign that the wick is too long. Extinguish, trim the wick, and wait to cool before re-lighting.

Never, EVER leave a candle burning unattended. Yes, I've said it again!!!

As a general rule, burn one hour per inch in diameter. A taper should burn at least one hour, a 3-inch pillar should burn for 3 hours. Check the label.

Never burn near anything that is combustible! This includes the Christmas tree, curtains, and shelves.

Be aware of placing close to anything that could drop or blow into the flame (curtains, tinsel, etc).

Do NOT use a knife or sharp object to remove drippings from a holder - especially while it is still warm. It is better to freeze it, and chip off the drips with a fingernail.

Always keep a minimum of 3 inches between burning candles, even in a vignette display. Placing them closer can affect the way they burn, cause uneven burning, and even cause them to melt into one another.

Another reason for keeping them 3 inches apart is that the flame heats the air, causing its own draft. This will affect the way each will burn.

Never use scented candles at the dinner table. They will detract from the aroma of the food.

Never use as a night-light!

Keep them in places well out of the reach of children and pets. I have cats, and they are notorious for trying to bat out the flames with their paws. Make sure your pets and children cannot possibly get to them!!!!

Never use water to extingquish a candle!

Do NOT wet your fingers and pinch out the flame, either. Not only can this cause you to be burned, but little eyes tend to watch when you are not expecting it!

Do not blow out - wax can splatter and burn, flames can catch other things on fire.

USE A SNUFFER!!!

Proper Storage

There are only three things needed for proper storage.

If you will be storing tapers, please store them flat to prevent warping.

The only other consideration is that I always wrap mine in waxed paper, then in plastic wrap to preserve the color and scent even more. It is not necessary, but I do it just to be sure.

With proper care and an eye for safety, candles are a wonderful addition to everyone's home both during the holidays and throughout the year!!