Candle Safety

Your handmade candle is made to be enjoyed. Following these simple guidelines will help it burn cleanly, evenly, and safely.

Before you light

  • Trim the wick to about 5 mm before every burn. A short wick gives a steady, clean flame and helps prevent smoking and soot.

  • Wait at least 48 hours after your workshop before the first burn, so the wax has fully set and the fragrance has had time to develop.

  • Place your candle on a stable, heat-resistant surface, away from anything that could catch fire, such as curtains, books, paper, or decorations.

  • Keep candles away from draughts, open windows, fans, and air vents, which can cause uneven burning and a flickering, smoky flame.

While it's burning

  • Never leave a burning candle unattended, and always extinguish it before leaving the room or going to sleep.

  • Keep lit candles out of reach of children and pets.

  • On the first burn, let the melted wax reach the edges of the container, which usually takes 2 to 3 hours. This prevents tunnelling and helps your candle burn evenly for its whole life.

  • Don't burn your candle for more than 4 hours at a time. Let it cool completely and trim the wick before relighting.

  • Keep candles at least 10 cm apart so they don't melt one another or create too much heat.

  • Don't move a candle while it's lit or while the wax is still liquid, as the container can be hot.

When to stop

  • Stop using your candle when about 1 cm of wax remains at the bottom. Burning past this point can overheat the container.

  • If the flame becomes too large, flickers repeatedly, or starts to smoke, extinguish it, let it cool, trim the wick, and check for draughts before relighting.

  • Keep wick trimmings, matches, and other debris out of the wax pool.

Putting it out

  • Use a candle snuffer or gently dip the wick into the melted wax and straighten it again. This avoids smoke and hot wax splatter.

  • Never use water to extinguish a candle. It can make the hot wax spit and may crack the container.

  • Make sure the flame is completely out and the wick isn't glowing before you leave it.

Fragrance and wellbeing

Our candles contain fragrance oils, which some people may be sensitive to. Burn them in a well-ventilated room, and if you have allergies, asthma, or are pregnant, choose your scents with care or seek advice if you're unsure.

At our workshops

Melted wax is hot and can cause burns. Your host will guide you through every step, and we ask that you follow their instructions, pour carefully, and keep hands clear of hot equipment. Workshops are designed for adults; if you'd like to bring a younger guest, please check with us before booking.

A candle is best enjoyed with a little care. Light it, relax, and let it glow.