You’re Probably Burning Candles Wrong—Here’s How to Do it Safely

Wrong You’re Probably Burning Candles You’re Probably Burning Candles Here’s How to Do it Safely Here’s How to Do it Safely

“Before lighting each candle, always remember to trim the wick down to ¼ inch,” advises Tram Nguyen, founder of Living Good Candle Co. “This step is crucial, as longer wicks can create smoke and reduce the burning time.” “Before lighting each candle, always remember to trim the wick down to ¼ inch,” advises Tram Nguyen, founder of Living Good Candle Co. “This step is crucial, as longer wicks can create smoke and reduce the burning time.” DO trim the wick before lighting the candle. DO trim the wick before lighting the candle.

A draft can lead to uneven burning, sooting, excessive dripping, or putting out the flame altogether. A draft can lead to uneven burning, sooting, excessive dripping, or putting out the flame altogether. DON’T place the candle where air is flowing. DON’T place the candle where air is flowing.

The safest and most effective way to light a candle is with a specialized candle lighter —not a match or cigarette lighter. The safest and most effective way to light a candle is with a specialized candle lighter —not a match or cigarette lighter. DO opt for a candle lighter. DO opt for a candle lighter.

Stop burning a candle when half an inch of wax remains in the container or 2 inches remains if using a pillar candle. Stop burning a candle when half an inch of wax remains in the container or 2 inches remains if using a pillar candle. DON’T burn the candle all the way down. DON’T burn the candle all the way down.

“Make sure to put your candle in a clear spot on a flat surface like a table, with no fabric nearby in case a flicker sparks off of a wick,” recommends Lora Bovie, owner of Clean Earth Candles. “Make sure to put your candle in a clear spot on a flat surface like a table, with no fabric nearby in case a flicker sparks off of a wick,” recommends Lora Bovie, owner of Clean Earth Candles. DO choose a safe location for lit candles. DO choose a safe location for lit candles.

Be sure to only light candles in well-ventilated areas to prevent this from happening. Be sure to only light candles in well-ventilated areas to prevent this from happening. DON’T keep burning a candle that is flickering or smoking. DON’T keep burning a candle that is flickering or smoking.

Dating back to the 17th century, this tool consists of a small cone at the end of a handle that puts out a flame by cutting off oxygen to it. Dating back to the 17th century, this tool consists of a small cone at the end of a handle that puts out a flame by cutting off oxygen to it. DO use a candle snuffer to extinguish the flame. DO use a candle snuffer to extinguish the flame. *BobVila.com and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

Safe candles do not contain paraffin, phthalates, parabens, synthetic dyes, or lead wicks. Safe candles do not contain paraffin, phthalates, parabens, synthetic dyes, or lead wicks. DON’T buy candles loaded with chemicals. DON’T buy candles loaded with chemicals.

Depending on the type of surface the wax dripped on, there are a number of options to remove it , such as using boiling water, ice, vinegar, or an iron. Depending on the type of surface the wax dripped on, there are a number of options to remove it , such as using boiling water, ice, vinegar, or an iron. DO follow instructions for removing wax drippings. DO follow instructions for removing wax drippings.

Never fall asleep while bedroom candles are burning since bedding and mattresses can easily catch fire. Never fall asleep while bedroom candles are burning since bedding and mattresses can easily catch fire. DON’T forget about key safety rules to avoid a fire. DON’T forget about key safety rules to avoid a fire.

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