I think every loves burning candles for the ambiance and beauty from the flickering flame. And with the lovely scents that are available in hundreds of amazing scents, it is easy to see why candles are a a beautiful addition to any home decor. But there are some dangers with open flames and burning candles that should be addressed. So here are some candle burning safety tips that you need to know.
Candle Burning Safety Tips for Your Home
1. Never leave a candle burning unattended! That includes leaving one burning while running outside to do yard work, to grab the mail or to chat with the neighbors. You should always be in the same room as a lit candle.
2. Keep the wicks properly trimmed to 1/4″ in height. If your wick is damaged, quit using the candle. Always blow it out and check on it again in 5 minutes to make sure it properly extinguished.
3. Do not burn candles around small children or pets. If you must burn one while children and pets are in the room make sure it is up high enough out of their reach and displayed on a proper sturdy surface.
4. Do not burn candles near drafts such as an open window, near a heating or air conditioning vents. Keep candles away from drapery and other fabrics in your home that may catch on fire.
5. Always burn them in proper containers and/or on candle plates. You can find all kinds of proper holders out in the retail marketplace. Do not construct your own unless you know what you are doing.
6. Never lay down or sit in a comfortable chair while burning them. You may doze off if you are too comfortable which is unsafe and a fire hazard. Make sure you are fully awake, not tired or on any medication that may make you drowsy.
These top tips will keep you safe while burning candles in your home. What other safety tips do you have that you use while burning candles?
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I think it is so important to make sure candles don’t become a problem – especially when they are so nice to use. I feel like I would use them more, but I am afraid the kids are going to knock them over or something – so I tend not to use candles very often. (After they are in bed or away)
I never burned candles when I had pets or when the kids were young. I was just too afraid that a candle would be knocked over. , These are all great tips to keep in mind when I do burn candles.
Great tips and suggestions. When I burn my candles, I normally burn them on my stove just in case something happens. Its not nearly as flammable as the kitchen counter.
I LOVE candles so much and I think I passed all of the great tips above. I need to keep in mind the draft tip but I am like the fire marshal in the house I am always double checking things. Thank you for posting things like this I really enjoy reading your posts.
Have a great rest of the holiday weekend.
God Bless our Troops.
Good, responsible tips. Burning candles is a pleasure. A fun way to make your home smell nice and feel warm and cozy. They are also a responsibility. I am careful when using matches, too. After blowing them out, I set them on the glass candle lid to cool and make sure they are completely out before throwing away. I don’t want to light the trash on fire, and, even ones that are just hot, can sear through your trash bags making holes.
These are good tips – all of them, and one I think ppl might not think is to keep the wick trimmed. It is so easy to start fire, candles seem so safe and fun. I have candles and am always trying to be careful. I saw how quickly a fire spreads – in seconds it will jump several feet and be all across a room – make sure you know where your fire extinguisher is and that you know how to use it.
These are all wonderful tips. I did fall asleep once while burning a candle only to wake up and find that it had burned a hole through the side with wax pouring out everywhere! It was still lit and it scared me to death! I try to only burn jar candles or tea lites now.
I never burned candles when I had cats since I was worried they’d manage to set their tails on fire.
LOL Sarah! I think the same thing! My cats are obsessive and one of them has to be everywhere I am. He has a long furry tail and I can just see him catching that thing on fire. Scary!
I do love burning candles, especially the scented ones. Always good to be ever so careful with fire in the home.
Great tips – I am always nervous about burning candles in my bedroom. It doesn’t really look pretty, but I use a metal baking dish with high sides to keep the candle in, and don’t burn them for more than 10 minutes at a time. I get nervous because sometimes my mom leaves small candles burning overnight, sitting on the stove. I wish she wouldn’t do that, it’s really very dangerous!