Scented candles are perfect for creating a warm and pleasant atmosphere in your home. However, to enjoy their soothing light and delicate scents in complete safety, it is essential to follow certain recommendations. Here are our tips for optimal and safe use of your scented candles.
1. Prepare your candle before each use
To ensure an even burn and extend the life of your candle, be sure to trim the wick before each lighting. The ideal wick length is approximately 5 millimeters . A wick that is too long can produce too large a flame, resulting in uneven burning, smoke, and overheating of the container.
2. Respect an appropriate burning time
When using the candle for the first time, let it burn long enough for the entire surface of the wax to melt. This will prevent the formation of a tunnel, a hollow in the center of the candle that reduces its lifespan. As a general rule, it is recommended to leave a candle burning for 1 to 3 hours at a time, but never for more than 4 hours.
3. Position the candle correctly
Always place your candle on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from drafts. Drafts, fans or open windows can cause a flickering flame, uneven burning or even hot wax splashing. Also, be sure to keep the candle away from flammable objects such as curtains, textiles or papers.
4. Never leave a candle unattended
This is the golden rule of safety with scented candles. Never leave a burning candle unattended, especially if you leave the room or go to sleep. Also keep candles out of reach of children and pets.
5. How to properly extinguish a candle
To safely extinguish a candle, use a candle snuffer or gently dip the wick into the melted wax using a candle snuffer. This prevents smoking and prepares the wick for the next use. Blowing directly on the flame can cause hot wax to splatter.
6. Ventilate the room after use
Even candles made with vegetable waxes and cotton wicks give off a slight smoke when burning. To preserve indoor air quality, remember to ventilate the room after use, especially if you have burned several candles at the same time.
7. Dispose of the candle safely
When the wax is almost completely melted and there is less than 1 centimeter left at the bottom of the container, it is time to stop using it. Continuing to burn the candle at this point can cause the container to overheat, especially if it is made of glass. Recycle or reuse the container if possible, especially for storing items or accessories.