a lit candle with an iced coffee and a pair of scissors next to it

How to Burn a Candle Safely: Essential Tips for a Calm and Relaxing Experience

Candles bring warmth, comfort, and a touch of elegance to any space. At J&K Lab, we understand how important it is to enjoy your candles safely. Whether you are setting a cozy mood or relaxing, these easy tips will help you burn candles safely. 

10 Tips for Safe Candle Burning

1. Always Trim the Wick Before Each Use

J&K Lab uses decorative curly wick. Cutting the curly part to about 6mm before lighting it is essential. This practice should be repeated each time before each use. This helps:

  • Prevent excessive smoke.

  • Avoid soot build-up on the container.

  • Maintain a steady flame.

Pro Tip: Use a wick trimmer or sharp scissors for precise trimming.

2. Place Candles on a Heat-Resistant Surface

Candles can get very hot, especially after prolonged use. Always place your candle on a heat-resistant, non-flammable surface. This is particularly important for decorative candles that may have irregular shapes and are not contained within jars. You should always put a heat-resistant dish underneath your decorative candles before burning them to avoid spillage. 

Safety Note: Avoid placing candles directly on wooden or glass surfaces without protection.

3. Keep Candles Away from Flammable Objects

Ensure your candles are placed at least 30cm away from curtains, books, paper, or any flammable materials. This minimises the risk of accidental fires.

Bonus Tip: Keep candles out of high-traffic areas to prevent them from being knocked over.

4. Never Leave a Burning Candle Unattended

This is one of the most crucial safety rules. Always extinguish the flame if you’re leaving the room or going to sleep. Even a small flame can cause significant damage if left unattended.

5. Avoid Burning for Too Long

Burning a candle for more than 3-4 hours at a time can lead to:

  • An overheated container.

  • A dangerously large flame.

  • Tunnelling, which wastes wax and shortens the candle's lifespan.

Tip: Let the candle cool completely before relighting it.

6. Use the Right Tool to Put Out the Flame

Blowing out a candle can make wax splash and create smoke. Instead, use a candle snuffer or gently dip the wick into the wax using a wick dipper, then straighten it again for the next use.

Fun Fact: Extinguishing the flame correctly helps the candles smell better next time!

7. Keep Candles Out of Reach of Pets and Children

Curious little hands and paws can lead to accidents. Always keep lit candles out of reach and consider flameless alternatives, like reed diffusers, in spaces frequented by children and pets.

8. Ventilate the Room After Use

While high-quality candles like ours at J&K Lab are made with 100% soy wax for a cleaner burn, it’s still a good idea to ventilate the room after extinguishing a candle to clear any residual smoke or fragrance.

9. Follow Specific Instructions for Decorative Candles

Decorative candles with fun shapes require special care. Always:

  • Burn on a heat-resistant dish.

  • Monitor closely as the shape may cause uneven melting.

10. Store Candles Properly

When not in use, store your candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent discolouration and fragrance loss.


By following these safety tips, you can enjoy your J&K Lab candles with complete peace of mind. Ready to elevate your space with calming scents and beautiful designs? Explore our collection today!

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