4. Improper Candle Placement

Where you place your candle can have a significant impact on how well it burns. Drafts from open windows, fans, or even air conditioning vents can cause uneven burning, and if the candle is near flammable objects like curtains, it becomes a fire hazard.

Best Practices for Candle Placement:

• Place your candle on a heat-resistant surface away from drafts.
• Keep it away from anything flammable, like papers, curtains, or clothing.
• Make sure the surface is stable to avoid tipping.

With kids and pets running around, a stable, high surface is ideal to avoid accidental knocks or spills.

5. Ignoring Safety Warnings

This one might seem obvious, but it’s often overlooked. Ignoring safety warnings—like never leaving a burning candle unattended or not keeping it out of reach of children and pets—can lead to serious accidents.

Safety Tips:

• Always burn your candle within sight.
• Keep it away from kids and pets.
• Use a proper candle holder, especially if it’s in a tin or jar.

With candles in tins or amber jars, you have the added benefit of a lid, which helps protect the candle from dust when not in use. But remember, even with these containers, you should always keep an eye on your candle while it’s burning.

6. Not Extinguishing Candles Correctly

It might seem easy to blow out a candle, but it’s not always the best method. Blowing out candles can cause wax to splatter, and it can even reignite if the wick is still smoldering.

The Right Way to Extinguish a Candle:

• Use a candle snuffer to safely extinguish the flame.
• Alternatively, you can dip the wick into the melted wax to extinguish it, then straighten it for the next burn.

Snuffing out the candle helps avoid those little splatters of wax on your tables and counters (or worse, your favorite rug!).

Candle Care Kits

7. Burning the Candle All the Way to the Bottom

As tempting as it is to get the last bit of scent out of a candle, burning it all the way to the bottom can be risky. When too little wax is left (less than 1/4 inch), the container can overheat, potentially cracking or damaging the surface underneath.

What to Do Instead:

• Stop burning when 1/4 inch of wax remains in the container.
• Repurpose the leftover wax for homemade fire starters if you don’t want to waste it.

You can even reuse the empty tins or jars for other purposes—like storing small items or for DIY projects. Amber jars, in particular, are stylish and block UV rays, helping to preserve the fragrance for longer periods.

Wax Melts as an Alternative

If you love the smell of candles but worry about the open flame—especially if you’ve got curious grandkids or mischievous pets—our handmade wax melts are a fantastic alternative. Wax melts give you the same wonderful scent without the fire hazard. Just pop a wax melt into a warmer, and enjoy!

Candle Warmers as an Alternative

Candle warmers are a great alternative to lighting the wick. By using gentle heat from a ceramic or electric base, they melt the wax and release the fragrance without an open flame. This option is ideal for households with children or pets, offering a safer way to enjoy your favorite scents. Additionally, using a candle warmer can help prolong the life of your candle since it evenly melts the wax without burning through the wick, reducing soot and residue in the jar.

Summary of Candle Care Tips

Candles can bring so much warmth and joy into our homes, but only if we take the time to care for them properly. If you follow these candle care tips, you’ll enjoy a longer-lasting, better-performing candle.

For those looking for great-smelling candles made from a blend of paraffin, soy, and beeswax, check out my shop at Mid-Life Livin’. You can also browse my range of wax melts for a flame-free option!

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