Candles are a timeless staple in home living. Whether you’re setting the mood for a quiet evening, adding a touch of charm to your décor, or using them during power outages, candles offer warmth, light, and ambiance. But if not used carefully, they can also pose a serious fire hazard.
Each year, thousands of house fires are caused by unattended or improperly used candles. The good news? Most of these accidents are entirely preventable. By following a few key safety tips and choosing cleaner, more responsible candles you can enjoy the benefits of candlelight without compromising your home’s safety.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- Why candle safety matters
- The safest types of candles to use
- Smart burning practices every homeowner should follow
- A cleaner, safer alternative: soy candles
Why Candle Safety Shouldn’t Be an Afterthought
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, candle fires account for an average of 20 home fires a day. The most common causes? Leaving candles unattended, placing them too close to flammable objects, or using unstable candle holders.
It only takes a few seconds for a small flame to ignite curtains, furniture, or paper. That’s why fire prevention starts before you ever strike a match.
Choose Safer Candles from the Start
Not all candles are made equal especially when it comes to fire safety and air quality.
Avoid:
- Cheaply made paraffin candles: These are derived from petroleum and often burn inconsistently, producing soot that can dirty walls and potentially irritate your lungs.
- Candles with multiple wicks close together: If not spaced properly, multiple flames can combine into a larger, more dangerous fire source.
- Candles in flammable or fragile containers: Plastic, thin glass, or unstable jars can overheat and crack.
Opt for:
- Soy wax candles They burn at a lower temperature, reducing the chance of accidents. They’re also cleaner-burning, with minimal soot.
- Wider, weighted bases or jar candles These are less likely to tip over.
- Wood or cotton wicks These provide a controlled, steady burn when trimmed properly.
Brands like In Mourning take safety and sustainability seriously by offering 100% soy candles with toxin-free fragrances and safe-burning designs. Their Mourning Light candle line is especially well-suited for cautious candle lovers who don’t want to sacrifice style for safety.
Top Candle Safety Tips for Every Room
Whether you’re lighting a candle for mood or necessity, the following safety practices are essential:
1. Never Leave a Burning Candle Unattended
This is the golden rule. Always extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to sleep. It’s not worth the risk.
2. Keep Away from Flammable Materials
Place candles at least 12 inches away from curtains, papers, bedding, or upholstery. Even small flames can spark a fire when placed too close to combustible items.
3. Use a Stable, Heat-Resistant Surface
Place candles on sturdy furniture or trays that can’t tip or wobble. Always use heat-safe coasters or plates underneath open candles.
4. Trim the Wick
Before each use, trim the wick to ¼ inch. This helps prevent flickering, uneven burning, and excess soot buildup.
5. Avoid Drafts
Keep candles away from vents, open windows, fans, or heavily trafficked areas. Drafts can blow flames toward flammable items or cause uneven burning.
6. Don’t Burn All the Way to the Bottom
Extinguish jar or container candles when about ½ inch of wax remains. Burning past this point can overheat the container and risk cracking or shattering.
7. Use a Candle Snuffer
Blowing out candles can cause wax splatter or embers to fly. A candle snuffer puts out the flame gently and safely.
Why Soy Candles Are Safer Indoors
Soy candles aren’t just a greener choice they’re also safer for your home and health.
- Cooler burn temperature: Soy wax burns more slowly and at a lower temperature than paraffin, reducing fire risk.
- Minimal soot: Cleaner combustion means less risk of black smoke stains or airborne irritants.
- Natural ingredients: Many soy candle makers avoid harmful additives, synthetic dyes, and phthalates.
Mourning Light by In Mourning is a vegan, handmade soy candle line that perfectly blends gothic elegance with modern safety. With scents like “Vanilla Tobacco” and “Peppermint Penance”, their candles are proof that eco-friendly design can still be bold, fragrant, and atmospheric without compromising safety or indoor air quality.
Final Thoughts: Light Wisely, Live Safely
Candles bring beauty and calm into our homes but only if we treat them with the respect they deserve. With the right practices and high-quality soy candles, you can safely enjoy their glow day after day.Looking to upgrade your candle collection without compromising your home’s safety? Explore the vegan candle collection from In Mourning where conscious craftsmanship meets gothic design, and every flame burns cleaner and safer.