Candle Safety
Candle safety
Simple rules.
Every time.
Candles are beautiful — and safe when used correctly. These are the basics every candle owner should know, whether it's your first candle or your fiftieth.
It takes a minute to read and it's worth it.
The core rules
Never leave unattended
Always keep a burning candle in sight. Extinguish it before leaving the room or going to sleep — no exceptions.
Keep clear space around it
Maintain at least 12 inches between your candle and anything that can burn — curtains, paper, fabric, books, or décor.
Trim the wick first
Always trim your wick to ¼ inch before lighting. A long wick creates a larger flame, excess smoke, and uneven burning.
Burn for 4 hours max
Never burn longer than 4 consecutive hours. Extended burning overheats the vessel and degrades the wick. Let it cool fully before relighting.
No water to extinguish
Never use water to put out a candle. It can cause hot wax to splatter. Use a snuffer or lid — or gently press the wick into the melt pool.
Stable, flat surface only
Place candles on a heat-resistant, flat surface. Never on furniture edges, near vents or fans, or anywhere they can be knocked over.
Important
Stop burning when ½ inch of wax remains
Continuing to burn past this point can overheat the base of your vessel, which may cause cracking or damage — especially in cement vessels. At ½ inch, it's time to repurpose the vessel and order your next one.
Extra care in these situations
Homes with children
Keep candles out of reach and sight of children. Never place on low tables or shelves. Teach children that candles are not to be touched.
Homes with pets
Pets can knock candles over with tails or curiosity. Place candles where pets cannot access them — and never leave a lit candle in a room with an unsupervised animal.
Small or enclosed spaces
Always burn in a well-ventilated room. Avoid burning in bathrooms or very small spaces with poor air circulation — it concentrates fragrance and reduces air quality.
Want the full guide?
Read our Candle Care Guide
Beyond safety — six steps to a longer burn, a fuller scent, and getting every last bit out of your candle.