Enjoying Candles During the Winter | Family Economics

By Cathe

The winter months are made cozy with crackling fires in the fireplace and the glow and scent of candles burning about the house. Be sure you practice good candle safety. Here are a few pointers from the Holden house:

1.    Always keep candles at least three feet away from any substance that can burn, such as curtains, books, plants, dry or silk floral displays, etc.

2.    Never place  a candle against a wall or near a lamp with an overhanging lampshade.

3.    Place candles well out of reach of children and pets, and away from any walkway where clothing can catch fire in passing.

4.    Keep candles out of areas with drafts.

When lighting a candle for the first time or relighting a previously burned candle, trim the wick to 1/4 inch. Longer wicks create longer flames that can be hazardous and put more smoke and soot into the air.

To create an evenly burned candle, allow your candle to burn until the entire surface wax area has melted. Short-term burning creates uneven melting of the wax. Candles like the Glade® 2in1 Candles can burn up to 22 hours.

If using candlesticks, be sure to use candle holders that are stable and won’t tip. If the candle fits too loosely into the holder, wrap the bottom of the candle with foil for a snug fit. It’s best to purchase dripless wax candlesticks to avoid melted wax puddles forming on your candlesticks and table.

If wax does drip onto your candlestick holder, place the holder in your freezer. Once frozen it will easily scrape off. This works well for glass votive holders with residual wax in the bottom as well, simply freeze the holders, turn onto a surface and tap lightly for the wax to drop out.

If lighting candles with matches, always wet the match well before tossing into the trash.

Discontinue burning container candles when the candle reaches 1/4 to 1/2 inch from the bottom.

What is your favorite way to display candles?