Candle Safety 101: Because We Love Our Flames, But Not the Drama

 Alright, friends, let’s talk candles. We all love them—the cozy vibes, the scents that take us somewhere magical, and the way they just make everything feel right. But, like any good relationship, there are a few ground rules to keep things burning bright without the unnecessary drama (aka, accidental fire hazards). So grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and let’s chat candle safety like the responsible candle lovers we are.

1. Trim That Wick,

 Listen, I know we’re all about embracing our natural beauty, but your candle wick? She needs a little grooming. Keeping your wick trimmed to about ¼ inch prevents those big, smoky flames that can make your candle burn unevenly or get a little too wild. A quick trim before each burn keeps everything clean and smooth—like a fresh haircut for your candle.

2. Burn Baby, Burn—

But Not Forever I get it, the vibes are immaculate, and you don’t want to blow that candle out just yet. But here’s the thing: burning for more than four hours at a time can lead to overheating, excessive soot, and a sad little memory of what used to be your favorite candle. Give your flame a break, and she’ll love you back with a longer, cleaner burn. 

3. No Drafty Drama

Placing your candle near an open window, fan, or in a high-traffic area where it gets bumped? Bad idea. Not only does this cause uneven burning, but it also increases the risk of accidents. We’re here for smooth, steady flames, not wobbly, unpredictable ones. 

4. Keep It Clean

Ever notice that weird debris hanging out in your wax? Those little bits of wick trimmings or matches can mess with the burn and even cause flare-ups. So, let’s keep it classy—only clean, smooth wax in your candles, please. 

5. Respect the Melt Pool

The first burn of your candle is like setting the tone for the whole relationship. Let the wax melt evenly across the top before blowing it out, usually about 2-3 hours. This prevents that dreaded tunneling effect where the wax builds up on the sides and wastes all that precious fragrance. 

6. Don’t Ghost Your Candle

Never, and I mean never, leave a candle unattended. It might seem harmless, but all it takes is one accidental nudge, an over-curious pet, or a draft to turn things messy. If you’re leaving the room, blow it out—she’ll be waiting when you get back. 

7. The 3-Foot Rule

Your candle needs personal space, just like you. Keep it at least three feet away from anything flammable—curtains, books, dried flowers, or that cute little stack of magazines. We love ambiance, not unexpected fireworks. 

8. Snuff, Don’t Huff

Blowing out your candle like it’s your birthday? Cute, but not the best move. It can send soot flying and leave a smoky smell behind. Instead, use a snuffer or gently dip the wick into the melted wax with a wick dipper (or a butter knife if you’re feeling resourceful) and then lift it back up. This keeps the wick primed for the next burn. 

At the end of the day, candles are meant to bring comfort, not chaos. A little love and care go a long way in making sure your favorite scents last and your space stays safe. So, here’s to cozy nights, dreamy scents, and candles that burn bright—safely, of course!