Candles, oh, how we love them! They're not just about lighting up the room anymore, they are also about setting the mood, creating an ambience, and even showcasing our style. But, let's face it, they can also be a fire hazard if not handled properly. In this guide, we'll walk you through five expert tips to safely display and burn your decorative candles.
From choosing the right candle holders to understanding the best practices for burning candles, we've got you covered. After all, we want you to enjoy the warm, flickering glow of your favourite candles without causing any safety concerns. So, let's dive in and learn about creating a cosy, inviting, and, most importantly, safe environment with our beloved candles.
The Art of Burning Decorative Candles Safely: 5 Expert Tips
1. Keep Candles Away from Flammable Materials
One of the most critical safety measures when displaying and burning decorative candles is to ensure they are placed away from flammable materials. Curtains, bedding, paper, and fabrics are just a few examples of household items that could pose a fire risk.Always leave a clear space of at least 30 centimetres around lit candles to minimise the risk of fire. Additionally, choose a sturdy, heat-resistant surface to place your candle on, such as a ceramic, glass, or metal plate, which can help prevent heat damage to your furniture or countertops.
2. Use Appropriate Candle Holders and Accessories
When displaying and burning your decorative candles, using the proper candle holders and accessories is crucial for safety and proper candle care. A candle holder should be large enough to securely hold the candle in place and provide a stable base to prevent the candle from tipping over.If possible, choose a holder with a drip-catching design to avoid spilt wax on your furniture or other surfaces. Candle accessories such as snuffers and wick trimmers are also essential for safe candle usage. Snuffers can help extinguish flames without harmful smoke, while wick trimmers enable precise trimming to maintain an even, steady burn.
3. Burn Candles Responsibly: The Three-Hour Rule
To safely burn your decorative candles, adhere to the "three-hour rule." This guideline recommends burning your candles for no more than three hours at a time, with a subsequent cooling period of at least two hours before the next lighting. This practice helps prevent the candle from burning too low, which could cause the container or holder to overheat and potentially damage surfaces beneath it.Additionally, continuous burning beyond the three-hour limit may lead to excessive wax build-up on the candle's sides or "tunnelling," which can impact the overall lifespan of your candle.
4. Monitor Children and Pets Around Lit Candles
Children and pets are naturally curious—this can make lit candles a point of interest around your home. When displaying and burning candles, always keep an eye out for kids and pets, ensuring they are not able to touch the candles and that they remain a safe distance away.Never leave lit candles unattended, and ensure they are extinguished before leaving the room or going to sleep. Educate children about the potential hazards of lit candles and create an environment where they understand the importance of keeping a safe distance from flames.
5. Practice Proper Candle Maintenance
To fully enjoy the benefits of your decorative candles and ensure their safe use, regular candle maintenance is essential. Start by trimming the wick to 6 millimetres before each lighting, which prevents excessively large flames and excess smoke. Monitor the candle's burn pool, ensuring that it reaches the outer edges of the container or holder before extinguishing; this prevents the wax from tunnelling and forming a well around the wick.If your candle begins to smoke or flicker, extinguish the flame and allow it to cool before checking for drafts, debris or an excessively long wick. Once the issue is resolved, you can safely relight your candle.
6. Store Candles Properly
Proper candle storage helps maintain the integrity and appearance of your decorative candles while ensuring they are safe and ready for use. Candles should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.Excessive heat can cause candles to warp or melt, while harsh sunlight can fade their colours. Keep your candles upright and separated to prevent damage, and consider placing them in their original packaging, a protective box, or wrapping them in tissue paper for added care.
7. Be Aware of the Indoor Environment and Airflow
Burning decorative candles in areas of strong airflow or excessive drafts can lead to uneven burning and an increased risk of accidents. Avoid placing lit candles near open windows, doors, or air vents, where they may be exposed to gusts that can cause the flame to flicker or the wax to burn unevenly. If your lit candles are repeatedly affected by drafts, consider relocating them to a safer area within your home, away from the source of the airflow.
By following these expert tips on safely displaying and burning your decorative candles, you can enjoy the beauty, warmth, and allure of your handcrafted treasures from LMJ Candles without compromising your safety. Proper candle care and usage ensure the longevity of your investment and well-being of your home environment, helping you make the most of your exquisite decorative candles at every opportunity.
Safely Enjoy the Charm of LMJ Candles
Remember, displaying and burning candles safely isn't just about following rules, it's about creating a serene and secure environment where you can relax and unwind. By keeping these pointers in mind, you're not only ensuring the safety of your home, but you're also enhancing your candle-burning experience.
Elevate your home and embrace the warmth, charm, and allure of our scented pillar candles. Dive into a world of enchanting scents and exquisite designs, confident in your ability to safely enjoy your exceptional candles.
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