Candle Care

Using a candle carefully helps create a calm atmosphere while reducing the risk of fire, burns, or damage to your home. Keep a lit candle within sight from the moment it is lighted until it has been fully extinguished. Never leave it burning when you leave the room, go to sleep, or become distracted by another activity. Place candles where children and pets cannot reach or knock them over, and keep them well away from curtains, bedding, books, paper, furniture, and other materials that can catch fire.
Choose a firm, level, heat-resistant surface for the candle. Avoid placing it near open windows, fans, air vents, or other sources of moving air, since drafts can make the flame flicker and burn unevenly. Keep candles away from stoves, heaters, and other appliances that generate heat. If you are using more than one candle, leave at least eight inches between them so their heat does not build up or affect nearby containers.
Before lighting a candle, remove packaging, paper labels, dust covers, and any decorative pieces that are not intended to remain in place during use. Check that the container is clean and undamaged, then set it on a stable surface where it cannot be easily disturbed. Keep the wax free of matches, wick fragments, dust, and other debris. Foreign objects in the melted wax can interfere with burning or create a safety hazard.
Trim the wick to about one-quarter of an inch before each use. A shorter wick helps maintain a controlled flame and can reduce smoking and soot. If the flame becomes unusually large or dark smoke appears, extinguish the candle safely and let the wax cool completely. Once it is cool, remove the blackened portion of the wick before lighting it again. Never trim a wick while the candle is burning or while the wax is hot.
For a more even burn, allow the wax to melt across the surface during each session. This may take a few hours, depending on the candle’s size and the surrounding conditions. Avoid burning a candle for longer than the product’s recommended period. Letting the wax melt evenly can help prevent a deep tunnel from forming around the wick and supports a consistent release of fragrance. Do not continue to burn a candle once only a small layer of wax remains at the bottom. The container may become excessively hot when the wax is nearly gone.
Glass vessels retain heat during and after use. Do not move, lift, or handle a warm container, even if the flame has already been put out. Wait until the wax has hardened and the vessel has cooled to room temperature. Avoid placing a warm container on a cold surface, and do not expose it to a sudden change in temperature. Rapid heating or cooling can weaken glass and may cause it to crack.
When it is time to extinguish a candle, use a candle snuffer if one is available. Blowing directly on the flame may scatter hot wax, create smoke, or disturb the wick. After the candle is out, allow the wick to cool briefly. If it has shifted to one side, gently move it back to the center while the wax is still soft, taking care not to touch hot wax. A centered wick is better positioned for the next use.
Always follow any additional instructions supplied with the candle, since container materials and product designs can differ. Do not burn a candle if its vessel is cracked, chipped, or otherwise damaged. Keep matches, lighters, and fuel away from children, and store unused candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat.
Simple precautions make it easier to enjoy a candle while protecting your household. A stable location, a trimmed wick, careful supervision, and enough space around the flame all contribute to safer use. Make extinguishing the candle part of your routine whenever you leave the room or finish using it. With attention before, during, and after each burn, you can enjoy its warm glow and fragrance more safely.