Why you should care about candle safety and the best way to get the most out of your candle.

Who doesn’t love the cozy vibe and intoxicating scent of a candle burning in the background? But, real talk, as much as we love them, candles come with risks. It’s one of those things we don’t think about until something happens. 

Did you know that there are thousands of candle-related fires each year? To be exact, an annual average of 5,910 fires are started by candles according to the NFPA. Yep... it's that many. And as a candle company, we are HUGE sticklers for safety. We inspect every single vessel and have tested all our candles to ensure they follow the highest safety standards. We also believe it’s our responsibility to educate and bring awareness around this topic because if the stats above show us something, it’s that there’s still work to be done. So, we’ve put together this article to help you enjoy your candles safely and worry-free. 

Avoid repurposed vessels

Okay, we get it—those DIY candles in cute teacups are adorable and aesthetic. But—and we’re so sorry to burst the bubble—they’re not safe at all. Candles should only be used in vessels designed and tested for high heat. Repurposed cups, mugs, or glasses are not made to withstand the extreme temperature of a candle, and can easily crack from the flame’s heat, leading to a waxy mess at best or a full-on fire at worst. 

Pro Tip: Look for thicker, heat-safe materials like ceramic, heat-resistant glass, or aluminum when picking your next candle. Trust us, it’s worth it. 

Avoid decorations on your candle

Those candles with dried flowers and elaborate decorations are IG-worthy, but they’re potential fire hazards. Dried leaves and flowers are highly flammable and can make the flame get out of control real quick. Stick with clean, decoration-free candles for a safe and clean burn. 

 

Trim the wick

Before lighting your candle, make sure the wick is no longer than ¼ inch. A longer wick = a bigger, more dangerous flame. Plus, it can lead to uneven burning and tunnelling (we’ll get to that later), which nobody wants. 

Place your candle on a heat-safe surface

An even, solid and heat-resistant surface is the best place to burn a candle. Don’t have one? Repurpose your candle lid as a heat-safe surface!  And don’t forget to keep it out of drafts—we don’t want a wild flickering flame. 

The First Burn

The first burn is *everything.* Let your candle burn until the wax melts close to the edges. By the third or fourth burn, the melted wax should reach the sides. Wax, especially soy wax which we use at CarteHaus, has “memory,” and if you don’t let it melt evenly the first time, you’ll get tunnelling. That means your candle will burn straight down the middle, leaving wasted wax along the sides. So, make that first burn count. 

Burning Rules

Burn for 4 hours max

After four hours, your candle has hit its peak scent throw. Burning it longer won’t make it smell stronger—it’ll just heat the wax too much and could damage the vessel. So, set a timer and enjoy your candle within that sweet spot. Trust us, the scent will still linger after you blow it out, plus your candle will last longer. A win-win. 

Don’t leave it unsupervised

This one’s a no-brainer. Never leave a burning candle alone. 

Keep it away from kids and pets

Also common sense, but worth repeating: keep candles out of reach of little hands (and paws) for obvious reasons. 

 

Trim your wick (again!)

Once the candle is cool and the wax is solid, trim the wick before the next burn. This helps prevent that annoying “mushrooming” at the top of the wick, which can cause a smoky burn, sparks, and a high flame. 

Put a lid on it

After your candle is cool, put the lid back on until it’s time to burn again. We include a lid for a reason, it prevents dust from getting into the candle and affecting the burn. Also, if you have cats you know how easily cat hair ends up everywhere, including in your candle. Dust and hair are highly flammable (risky), plus you don’t want the smell of burning hair when you’re trying to enjoy your candle. 

Don’t burn it all the way down

When there’s about a ¼ inch of wax left at the bottom, it’s time to say goodbye. Burning a candle all the way down can lead to overheating the vessel and a dangerously large flame. At that point, you’re not melting wax anymore, you’re just burning the wick. 

Pro Tip: As soon as the top of the metal wick tabs peek through the wax you’ll know it’s time to retire your candle. 

A Note About Soy Wax

Here at CarteHaus, we use soy wax—a natural, biodegradable alternative to paraffin. But soy wax does behave a little differently than what you might be used to, so here’s what to expect: 

1. Frosting: That white ring around the wax? Totally normal. It’s just the natural properties of soy wax doing their thing and doesn’t affect the scent or burn. If you have your candle exposed to sunlight, that white ring might be yellow instead. 

2. Soy wax has memory: If you don’t let it burn to the edges, or close to it, the first time, it will tunnel. (Yes, we’re mentioning this again because it’s that important)

3. Grainy texture: After burning, you might notice a grainy or bumpy texture on the surface of the wax. This is normal for soy wax, so no need to stress—it won’t affect future burns. 

 

Now you know how to keep indulging in your candle obsession safely. At CarteHaus, we’re all about creating a guilt-free, luxurious experience that elevates your routine. But safety? That’s our #1 priority. With our candles, you can have the peace of mind that each vessel has been designed, inspected, and tested for safe burning. So light ‘em up, breathe deep, and enjoy that well-deserved me-time—with no worries. 

 

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