Candle Care

CANDLE WITH CARE:

• On average, a candle fire in the home is reported to a US Fire Department every 30 minutes.
• Roughly two fifth’s of  home candle fires started in the bedroom.
• More than half of all candle fires start when things that can burn are too close to the candle.
• Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn, such as in front of open windows where curtains may be blown towards them from a breeze.
• Never burn candles in areas where children or pets are,
• Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep.
• Use candle holders that are sturdy, and won’t tip over easily, as well as place candle holders on sturdy, uncluttered surfaces.
• Light candles carefully. Keep your hair and any loose clothing away from the flame.
• Don’t burn a candle all the way down — put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container.
• Never burn a candle if oxygen is used in the home.
• As your candle starts to burn down and melt make sure your wick stays centered and does not contact the side of the container to prevent the jar from possibly cracking.
• Read and follow all warning label instructions on carefully.
• Trim the wick to 1/8 inch each time before burning to prevent smoking and mushrooming.
• Keep the wax pool free of wick trimmings, matches and debris at all times.
• Always burn candles in a well-ventilated room.
• Never touch or move any candle when the wax is hot and melted.
• Burn your candle the first time until it is melted completely across the top (ie: for 3” diameter burn for 3 hours, 4” burn for 4 hours, etc.) This will help prevent your candle from tunneling (burning down in the center).
• To dispose of unwanted wax, carefully pour the wax in a trash can or something similar while the wax is still warm.  Please do not pour wax (even soy wax) down the drain because IT WILL CLOG YOUR SINK!  Some hazardous waste centers will take petroleum based wax for disposal.
• Extinguish your candle with a wick dipper if it smokes, flickers repeatedly, or the flame becomes larger that 1" high. Cool for one hour, trim the wick and re-light.
• Prevent possible heat damage to the counter/surface by discontinuing use when 1/2 inches of the wax remains in the container to ensure safety.
• Do not burn candles for more than 3 to 4 hours at a time, extinguish carefully before replacing any lid.
• Keep candle containers clean. Wax and soot can build up around the top of containers and become flammable!  Tip: Best time to wipe containers clean is after the candle flame has been  extinguished, and the wax has cooled enough so the container is slightly warm to the touch.
• If candles are used in decorations or centerpieces, be sure to extinguish flame once the candle has burned down significantly to avoid the flame from coming into contact with the decorations.
• Candles will fade if left in the direct light for an extended period of time.  Never put candles in a window or directly expose to bright outdoor light or indoor spotlights.
• Always store candles in a cool, dark, dry place, preferably covered so dust does not settle on the surface.  Tapers should be stored flat to prevent warping.
• Remove old wax from candle containers by running very hot water over them and wiping the wax from the container.
• Before a party, light and extinguish the candles, they’ll light more quickly and easily later.
• Taper candles that are refrigerated before using will burn more slowly and evenly.
• For floating candles—use warm water with a dash of white vinegar in the container to prevent a ‘ring’ on the holder/container.