Candle Safety Tips: How to Burn Candles Safely at Home

Candles make a home feel warm, and a few habits keep it that way. Here are the candle safety tips worth knowing by heart.

Never leave a flame unattended

Blow out candles before you leave a room, go to sleep, or step out of the house. It's the single most important rule.

Choose a safe spot

Set candles on a flat, stable, heat-resistant surface.

Keep them at least 12 inches from anything that can burn: curtains, bedding, books, paper, and holiday decor.

Keep them out of reach of children and pets, and away from spots where they could be knocked over.

Keep them out of drafts, vents, and ceiling fans, which can push flames toward nearby objects.

Burn smart

Trim the wick to about 1/4 inch before each burn.

Burn for no more than four hours at a time, then let the candle cool before relighting.

Keep the wax pool free of matches, wick trimmings, and debris.

Stop burning when about 1/2 inch of wax remains, so the container doesn't overheat.

If a candle smokes, flickers wildly, or the flame gets too tall, blow it out, let it cool, trim the wick, and check for drafts.

Handle with care

Don't move a lit candle or one with melted wax. Wait until the wax has fully set.

Jars can get hot. Let them cool before touching.

Never use water to put out a candle. It can make hot wax splatter. Use a snuffer or blow gently.

Keep a few spaces candle-free

Skip candles in bedrooms while you sleep, anywhere oxygen is used, and in tight spaces where they could tip.

Consider flameless options

In places where a flame isn't practical, wax melts with a warmer or battery candles give you scent and glow without the fire.

A candle burned well is a candle enjoyed longer. Light it, watch it, and put it out when you go.