Candle Safety 101: How to Burn Candles Safely at Home

Candles bring beauty, warmth, and atmosphere into your space, but they also require a little mindfulness. At Mitala Candle Co., our hand-poured luxury soy candles are made to enhance your home, but safety always comes first.

Whether you're new to candles or a seasoned scent lover, this guide will walk you through the essentials of safe candle use, so you can relax with confidence.

Why Candle Safety Matters

Candles are open flames, which means they can be dangerous if not used properly. According to the National Fire Protection Association, an estimated 7,400 home fires in the U.S. are started by candles each year. The good news? Nearly all of them are preventable with just a few simple habits.

Our goal is to help you enjoy every candle-lit moment with peace of mind.

Before You Burn: Prep Matters

Trim the Wick

Always trim your wick to ¼ inch before each burn. This helps:

• Prevent soot buildup
• Promote a steady, even flame
• Extend the life of your candle

All Mitala candles feature cotton wicks for a cleaner burn, but trimming is still key to maintaining safety and performance.

Choose the Right Surface

Place your candle on a stable, heat-resistant surface, away from drafts, fabrics, or anything flammable. Never burn a candle on uneven or delicate furniture.

During the Burn: Stay Mindful

Never Leave a Candle Unattended

Even with clean-burning, eco-friendly candles like ours, you should never leave an open flame alone. Always extinguish your candle before leaving a room or going to sleep.

Follow the 3-Hour Rule

Let your candle burn no longer than 3–4 hours at a time. Burning for too long can:

• Overheat the jar
• Cause excess wax pooling
• Weaken the scent throw

Extinguish, let it cool, and relight when you're ready.

Keep Away from Kids & Pets

Curious hands and wagging tails don’t mix with open flames. Place your candle where it’s out of reach of children and animals.

After the Burn: Smart Candle Care

Snuff, Don’t Blow

To avoid splattering hot wax, use a candle snuffer or gently dip the wick into the wax pool with a tool, then straighten it. This prevents smoke and helps preserve the wick.

Keep the Vessel Clean

If soot or debris gathers on the candle rim, wipe it clean once the wax is cooled. A clean jar looks better and burns better.

FAQs: Your Candle Safety Questions, Answered

Q: Are soy candles safer than paraffin candles?
A: Yes. Our 100% soy wax candles burn cleaner and produce less soot than traditional paraffin-based options. They’re also non-toxic and phthalate-free.

Q: Is it safe to burn candles every day?
A: It is safe—if you follow proper burn time limits and keep the space ventilated. Always trim your wicks and never leave a candle unattended.

Q: Why is my candle tunneling?
A: Tunneling happens when a candle isn't allowed to burn long enough for the entire surface to melt. The first burn should always last until the wax pool reaches the edges.
Need more help? Read: How to Fix a Tunneling Candle.

Designed with Safety in Mind

At Mitala Candle Co., we design every candle with your well-being in mind:

• Eco-friendly soy wax
• Double cotton wicks for clean, even burning
• Reusable glass jars with a stable, heat-safe base
• Upcycled packaging to reduce waste

Explore our Signature Collection to discover safe, sustainable candles made for mindful living.

Final Thoughts

Candle safety isn’t complicated, it’s about intention. With just a little care, your candles can offer comfort, beauty, and peace without worry. Keep these tips in mind, and every burn can be both elegant and safe.

Want to learn more about candle care and scent rituals?
Explore more on the Mitala Candle Co. Blog for thoughtful guidance on living beautifully, one flame at a time.