Candles are available in nearly every size, shape, color, and aroma.  The candle industry has had a steady growth of 10-15% annually, which now reaches $2.3 billion in sales a year.

Maintenance & Care

A candle that is not properly maintained can get build-up on the wick (mushrooming), causing it to emit dark smoke or soot on the ceiling, walls, and furniture.

• Keep the wick trimmed 1/4".
• Never leave wick trimmings, matches, or other things in the candle.
• Never burn candles that have flammable items imbedded in them.
• Burn 1 hour for each inch in diameter at a time. (Example: 4" diameter = 4 hours of burning)
• Never allow flames to touch the sides of the container.
• Never burn a candle in a drafty area.

Allow Candles To Cool Before:

• Handling or moving them.
• Trimming the wick.
• Relighting them.
• Placing the lid back on top.

Extinguish Safely

Always extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to sleep.  To prevent hot wax from splattering, extinguish a candle by:

• Using a candle snuffer.
• Holding fingers in front of the flame and blowing softly.

Never burn a candle completely down to the bottom.

• Taper an pillar candles should only burn down to within 2" from the bottom.
• Votives and container candles should be extinguished before the last 1/2" of wax melts.

Do's & Don'ts

• Keep all matches and lighters out of reach of children.
• Never leave a burning candle unattended.
• Supervise children around all candles at all times (including all holiday candles).
• Never allow children or teens to have candles in their bedrooms.
• Keep candles away from any pets.
• Avoid walking with any lit candles.

Safe Placement

• Never use candles in areas where they could be knocked over by children and pets.
• Never place lit candles in windows with blinds or curtains.
• Keep candles and all open flames away from flammable liquids.

Keep lit candles at least one foot away from anything that can burn including:

Candleholders should:

• Fit securely and not tip over.
• Be non-flammable, made from metal, glass, or ceramic.
• Be large enough to collect dripping wax.
• Be placed on a sturdy and level heat-resistant surface in uncluttered areas.

In An Emergency

Never use a candle:

• To search for an item in a confined space.
• For light when checking pilot lights.
• For temporary lighting in power outages, use a flashlight instead.

Lead Exposure

According to the U.S. Costumer Product Safety Commission, only 3% of all burning candles may be omitting unsafe levels of lead.  To determine if your candles are dangerous:

• Inspect the wick of your candle to see if it contains a metal wire center.
• Contact the candles manufacturer.
• If your candle contains the wire, avoid burning it.