The Do's and Don'ts of Candle Safety, According to an Expert

There's no denying the boost in ambiance that a good candle offers. From the warm glow to the fragrant aroma, a thoughtfully curated candle can completely change the feel of your space. However, an open flame is inherently dangerous, no matter how small, and candles should be used safely to avoid a fire or injury. We spoke to candle expert Justin Ruff, founder of Justin Ruff Candle Co., about the dos and don'ts of candle safety. Read on for the top 10 tips everyone should know before lighting candles at home.

Justin recommends always trimming your wick to about 1/4 inch before lighting. "Not doing this can affect the overall performance of your candle," he explains, contributing to issues like weaker scent throw, uneven burning and soot. "Untrimmed wicks also create larger/hotter flames that can shatter the candle glass and cause flames to spread."

Once trimmed, he recommends disposing of the trimmings rather than leaving them in the candle, where they can create a fire hazard.

While they can make for a beautiful vignette, floral arrangements and candles just aren't a good combo. Play it safe and keep this decorative duo adequately separated.

Don't want to worry about an open flame? Justin recommends placing your candle on a candle warmer instead. "Candle lamp warmers are a great, safer alternative. They use a light bulb that melts the wax instead of an open flame," he notes. "You still get a great scent throw, and in some cases a longer-lasting candle."

Placing a candle near an open window, fan or even a blowing vent can lead to trouble. Not only can the breeze blow the flame toward flammable objects, but it can also cause the flame to grow or flicker unpredictably, making the candle more dangerous.

Alongside candle warmers, Justin lists reed diffusers as another handy alternative for fragrance without an open flame. "Reed diffusers are another excellent option for people looking for a more subtle fragrance to scent entryways or bathrooms," he offers. "They are low-maintenance, stylish and will typically last four to six months."

We know, we know. Who pays attention to the time limits printed on candles? Well, Justin says it's a good idea. "Never burn your candle for more than four hours at a time," he warns. "I know sometimes the scent is so good you want to smell it all day, but safety comes first! If you burn for more than four hours at a time, you risk the jar overheating, potentially cracking and producing a larger, unstable flame that produces soot."

Justin says you should never move a lit candle, as the jars can get surprisingly hot. Instead, blow it out and let the wax harden before relocating it.

A candle may have a small flame, but that flame can generate impressive heat. Because of this, Justin says you should always burn candles only on heat-resistant surfaces. He specifically warns against placing candles on or near curtains, carpets and plastic.

In addition to being heat-resistant, surfaces holding candles must always be stable. When in doubt, choose a sturdy coffee table, countertop or other solid piece of furniture.