It is not a good idea to put a candle under shelves. It’s easy to forget that there’s a lot of heat above a burning candle. If you put it under a shelf or other surface, then it can burn the surface. Make sure there’s at least three feet (one metre) between a candle and any surface above it.
Don’t move a candle when it is burning. Extinguish candles before moving them. Also, don’t let anything fall into the hot wax like match sticks.
Remember, if using larger candles, such as tins or jar candles, the wicks often need trimming. Ensure the discards are not flicked into the wax pool, these can catch fire as the wax burns down.
Never leave a candle burning. Extinguish candles before you go out or leave a room for a period of time. Never go to sleep with a candle still burning. And never leave a burning candle or oil burner in a child’s bedroom.
People often forget this one.:
Put candles on a heat-resistant surface. Be especially careful with tea light candles, they get hot enough to melt plastic. Take caution placing on laminated surfaces and artificial wood surfaces. I like to use coasters or place mats that are designed to withstand heat.
Position the candle away from curtains. Don’t put candles near curtains or other fabrics – or furniture. And keep them out of drafts.
Keep children and pets away. Candles should be out of reach of children and pets.
Candles that have been put out can go on smouldering and start a fire. Make sure they’re completely out
Put your tealight candle in a proper holder. Candles need to be held firmly upright by the holder so they won’t fall over. The holder needs to be stable too, so it won’t fall over either.
Keep clothes and hair away from a burning candle. If there’s any chance you could lean across a candle and forget it’s there, put it somewhere else. You don’t want to set fire to your clothes or your hair.
Keep candles apart. Leave at least four inches (10cm) between two burning candles.
Use a snuffer or a spoon to put them out. It’s safer than blowing them, which can send sparks and hot wax flying.
Another common issue can be:
Think about what else is close to your candle. Self-timing air fresheners that puff out fragrance. If the candle is lit, this could ignite. If out, the particles could settle on the wax and catch fire when lit. The same goes for perfumes, hairsprays and similar aerosols.
