Burning candles provides a relaxing experience.
However, it is crucial to ensure candle safety while doing so.
Remember that candles are open flames.
Learn more from this guide about the correct way to burn candles at home.
So, Is It Safe to Have Candles Burning with Windows and Doors Closed?
Yes. It is safe to burn candles with windows and doors closed. In fact, this is advised when you are using scented candles and want to keep the fragrance in. Please monitor your candle and keep it away from flammable materials.
If you are worried about a lack of oxygen and carbon monoxide, don’t be. You will be safe for some time since many homes are not completely airtight. But, at the same time, we recommend having a carbon monoxide detector and your smoke detector to help monitor everything.
See Also: Should You Place Candles on Window Sills?
How Does a Candle Work?
To understand how to light a candle safely, you should understand how it works. Candles generate heat and light through combustion.
Although it may look like the only thing on fire is the wick, this part only supports the flame.
It is the wax that is burning. However, since the wick is absorbent, it draws wax upwards to the flame, where it ignites and vaporizes.
When this happens, vapor, heat and light is produced. This is the reason why a candle wick lasts for a long.
Once the wax is all used up, the candle is no longer effective as there is no fuel or fire.
See Also: Is It Safe to Burn Incense in the Bathroom?
Six Things To Know Before Burning a Candle For The First Time
1. Trim The Wick
Some people recommend ¼ an inch, while others recommend 1/8 an inch.
Either of the two will work. A trimmed wick ensures even burning and releases color and fragrance appropriately. Candle wicks should be thin to burn the wax evenly.
2. Four Hour Limit
If it is the first time burning the candle, allow all the wax to melt or liquidify across the surface and up to the container’s sides.
Always ensure that you burn your candles for not more than 4 hours each time you light them. And allow at least two hours before relighting once you cool them.
This way, there will be an even liquefied color pool on the entire surface of the candle. Plus, the candle will burn way longer and last for a long time.
3. Keep Area Clean
Place your candle on a stable, debris free and heat-resistant surface to reduce potential damage to the surface and prevent the containers from cracking.
Speaking of containers, do not use those with a narrow mouth opening. These types usually limit the airflow and increase flicker.
4. Keep Away Flammable Materials
Remove any flammable materials from the vicinity. That includes curtains, drapes, carpets, paper, books, clothing, furniture, hair, decorations, etc.
Please do not light candles near these items, as it could lead to a fire.
5. Ventilation
Burn your candles in a well-ventilated room. If your space is small, one or two candles will be enough. Also, ensure you put your candles far from vents, fans, drafts, or air currents.
These tend to prevent uneven or rapid burning and may lead to sooting and flare-ups.
Although you should burn candles in a well-ventilated room, you need to keep them away from drafts to ensure your burn is controlled.
6. Read The Instructions
Lastly, strictly stick to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Remember that each candle is different. So read the instructions carefully on lighting, burning, and extinguishing.
Please do not burn a candle past the time the manufacturer recommends.
What Should You Know While Burning a Candle?
Please do not touch or move your candle when your candle is burning.
Also, avoid burning the candle to its bottom.
Once you notice only 1cm of wax is left in the container, do not burn it further. That way, the wick can remain in shape, and your burn will remain under control.
Also, if you are burning several candles, make sure you put them at least three inches from each other.
This way, the candles won’t melt each other, and they won’t create drafts that will lead to uneven or improper burning.
If you notice the flame is too high or flickers repeatedly, put it off, allow it to cool, and follow the instructions from the manufacturer before you relight it.
Another important tip is NEVER to leave your candles unattended.
You cannot predict fire, so always be where your burning candle is. If you want to leave the room, blow out all the candles, even if you are leaving for a short while. And remember that pets and children should be far from a burning candle.
Additionally, you should never use your candles as a night light.
You need to extinguish them all before you go to sleep.
Extinguishing and Storing a Candle
Once you’ve had enough of the warmth and light a candle brings, you need to extinguish and store it for the next use.
You can use a snuffer if you have it to extinguish the candle.
Avoid blowing out a candle, although it sounds like an easy option.
Again do not use water to put off your candle as it can cause the hot wax to splatter, which can break the glass container.
Don’t leave the room if you’ve not confirmed that the candle is completely extinguished and the wick isn’t smoldering and glowing.
Remember that candles only need a small amount of oxygen to light. Therefore, they can relight without your knowledge if not extinguished.
It’s advisable to store your candles in a cool, dark, dry place once it has cooled off completely.
Frequently Asked Questions about Candle Burning’
Why Does My Candle Stick To The Side In Some Spots?
This happens when the wax cools inside the candle container.
Some wax may pull away from the glass, leading to these spots, known as wet spots. It’s common with soy wax, especially during cold weather.
Why Is My Candle Still Rough Even After Burning?
If the top of your candle is rough after burning, it is because of the hot wax that cools and solidifies at an inconsistent rate in the melt pool.
This issue is most common with soy wax. But don’t worry, it doesn’t reduce performance.
References
https://goodlightcandles.com/blogs/news/burning-a-candle
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/how-long-should-you-leave-candle-burning
https://oasissoul.com/pages/candle-safety