Creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your home is easy with candles. However, it's important to remember that candles are an open flame, and proper safety precautions should be taken to ensure the best and safest burn. Follow these six steps for a perfect candle burn experience every time:
Trim the wick to 1/4" before every burn. This helps to prevent the flame from becoming too large, which can cause the candle to smoke and produce soot. It also helps the candle burn more evenly.
Keep candles away from children and pets. Children and pets can easily knock over a burning candle, which can be a fire hazard. Keep candles in a place that is out of reach and sight of children and pets.
Never leave a burning candle unattended. This is especially important when you're not at home or when you're going to bed. Unattended candles can easily be knocked over, causing a fire.
When burning the first time, allow the melt pool to reach the edges of the candle before extinguishing. This is known as "candle memory" and will help to prevent tunneling. Tunneling is when the candle burns down the middle, leaving the edges untouched.
Do not burn candles for longer than 4 hours at a time. Burning a candle for too long can cause the candle to overheat and produce soot. It can also cause the glass container to become too hot to touch.
Keep candles away from things that can catch fire. This includes curtains, bedding, and other flammable materials. It's also important to keep candles away from air currents, as they can cause the flame to flicker and potentially blow out.
By following these six simple steps, you'll be able to safely and properly burn your candles to create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your home. Remember to always use caution when burning candles and to keep an eye on them at all times.