Candles create ambiance, scent, and that little moment of ritual—especially when they’re clean, refillable, and thoughtfully made. But because they’re an open flame, a little awareness goes a long way. Whether you’re lighting up a ReCandle Co. refillable candle or something else, here are seven essential tips to burn your candles safely and cleanly.
1. Always Burn on a Stable, Heat-Resistant Surface
Set your candle on something sturdy and non-flammable—like a ceramic plate, stone coaster, or metal tray. Avoid placing candles on plastic, glass that's not heat-rated, or near anything that could tip or melt.
Why it matters: Heat from the flame and wax can transfer through the container. Even our high-heat ceramic vessel is safest when paired with a protective surface.
2. Keep Away from Drafts and Moving
Air Fans, vents, windows, and even heavy foot traffic can cause the flame to flicker or flare, which leads to uneven burning—or worse, spills and smoke.
Pro tip: A calm, still corner is ideal for burning. Moving air can not only affect burn quality, but also increase fire risk.
3. Trim the Wick Before Every Burn
Before lighting, trim the wick to about ¼ inch. This helps control the flame, prevents soot, and keeps your candle burning evenly.
Why it matters: Long wicks create bigger flames, which burn faster, hotter, and can lead to mushrooming or smoke marks on the jar or nearby surfaces.
Bonus: Wick trimming also helps extend the life of your candle refill —more burn time, less waste.
4. Don’t Burn Longer Than 4 Hours at a Time
It’s tempting to let your candle go all evening, but most experts recommend burning for 2–4 hours max. After that, extinguish, let cool, and relight if needed.
Why? Long burns can cause containers to overheat and may lead to “tunneling” or carbon buildup on the wick. It's also best to stop using a candle when only ½ inch of wax remains.
Good news: With our zero waste candle refills , you can safely pop in a fresh wax refill once you reach the end.
5. Never Leave a Candle Unattended
This one’s non-negotiable. Even clean-burning candles should never be left going while you’re out of the room or asleep.
Do this instead: Blow it out if you’re stepping away. For bedtime ambiance, try a flameless diffuser or LED warmer.
6. Keep Candles Away from Children and Pets
Place candles where little hands or curious paws can’t reach them. Even if your candle seems stable, it can be knocked over in an instant.
Pro tip: Keep burning candles at least 3 feet off the ground and away from high-traffic zones like coffee tables or windowsills where cats like to perch.
7. Choose Clean Ingredients & Ventilate When Needed
Candle safety isn’t just about fire—it's about air quality, too. Look for candles made with clean-burning wax, non-toxic fragrance oils, and cotton wicks. (Like ours.)
Why it matters: Poor-quality candles can release harmful chemicals or soot. While it’s rare, some people (and pets) are sensitive to synthetic ingredients or heavy fragrances.
We’ve got you: ReCandle Co. candles use clean, phthalate-free fragrance oils and soy wax. Pair that with a little air flow (not a draft!) and you’re set for a clean, safe burn every time.
Candle Safety Recap
Here's your quick checklist for safer candle burning:
- ✅ Burn on a heat-safe surface
- ✅ Keep away from drafts
- ✅ Trim your wick every time
- ✅ Limit each burn to 2–4 hours
- ✅ Never leave it unattended
- ✅ Keep out of reach of kids & pets
- ✅ Choose clean materials + ventilate your space
Bonus Tip: Choose the Right Candle for the Job
Not all candles are created equal. Some are made with paraffin wax or synthetic blends that burn dirty. Others use fragile glass that’s not meant for reuse.
At ReCandle Co. , we design with both safety and style in mind:
- Our refillable candle uses a high-heat ceramic jar that’s safe up to 2,000ºF
- Our soy wax refills are clean-burning and easy to pop in and out—no mess, no scraping
- Our handmade ceramic vessel is designed for durability and reuse, season after season
FAQ — Candle Safety Edition
How short should I trim the wick?
Trim to ¼ inch before each burn. This prevents large flames and excess soot.
Is it okay to leave the room with a candle burning for just a minute?
It’s safest not to. Candle fires often start in just a few seconds. Blow it out and relight when you return.
What should I do when there's only a little wax left?
Stop burning when there's about ½ inch of wax remaining. That prevents overheating or cracking of the vessel.
How do I clean the vessel after a burn?
With our system, you don’t need to. The wax refill pops out cleanly once cooled—just insert your next scent and enjoy.