7 Candle Safety Blunders You're Likely Committing

Essential Safety Tips for Burning Candles in Your Home

Candles have a unique ability to transform any space into a warm and inviting environment. Whether you're looking to create a cozy atmosphere or simply enjoy the pleasant scents, burning candles can enhance your living experience. However, it's important to remember that with an open flame comes the need for proper safety measures. From regular maintenance to placement and burn time, there are several key precautions that should be taken to ensure both your safety and the longevity of your candles.

Julie Maskulka, founder and CEO of Anecdote Candles, has shared her top safety tips for candle enthusiasts. Her advice covers everything from trimming wicks to choosing the right size for your space, helping you make the most of your candles while minimizing risks.

Never Leave Burning Candles Unattended

One of the most critical rules when burning candles is to never leave them unattended. This applies even if you’re just stepping away for a moment. “You should always burn candles in an area where you can monitor activity and enjoy the scent,” Maskulka emphasizes. Leaving a candle burning without supervision increases the risk of accidents, especially when you're not present to notice if it goes out or becomes a fire hazard.

Avoid Drafts When Lighting Candles

The location of your candle plays a significant role in its performance and safety. “Avoid drafty rooms, such as those with open windows or near heating and cooling vents,” Maskulka advises. Drafts can cause uneven burning, reduce the effectiveness of the fragrance, and even blow out the flame, leading to wax spills and soot buildup on nearby surfaces.

Trim Wicks Regularly

Trimming the wick of a candle is a simple yet crucial step in ensuring a clean and safe burn. “Always trim the wick each time you light the candle, and even during the burn session if needed,” Maskulka recommends. A trimmed wick allows the candle to burn more evenly and slowly, potentially extending its life by up to 20%. She compares this routine task to flossing—something people often neglect but that has a big impact on overall results.

Burn Candles for 3-4 Hours at a Time

Finding the right balance in how long you burn a candle is essential. Burning it for too long can lead to overheating and potential fire hazards, while burning it for too short a time can result in a mushrooming effect. “It’s best to burn them for 3–4 hours at a time, allowing the wax to melt all the way to the edge for an even burn,” Maskulka explains. This helps maintain the candle’s quality and ensures the fragrance is released properly.

Choose the Right Candle Size for Your Space

The size of the candle you choose can significantly affect how well it fills a room with its scent. “Select a candle that’s proportionate to the size of the room,” Maskulka suggests. Larger candles tend to have a stronger scent throw, which means they can fill bigger spaces effectively. For smaller areas like bathrooms, travel tins are ideal, while jars work well for average-sized rooms, and tumblers are perfect for larger spaces.

Place Candles on Heat-Safe Surfaces

To protect your furniture and prevent heat damage, it's important to place candles on heat-resistant surfaces. “Never place candles directly on wood tables or shelves,” Maskulka warns. Instead, use a metal trivet or another heat-safe material to create a barrier between the candle and the surface underneath.

Be Extra Cautious in Bathrooms

Bathrooms are a common place to light candles, especially during a relaxing bath. However, they also require extra attention. “Bathrooms are a cautionary place—many times people forget they left a candle there,” Maskulka notes. Additionally, items like hair spray or other flammable products may be nearby. She also warns that burning a candle near a mirror can cause uneven burning due to heat reflection, and the container could become dangerously hot.