Smart Scents: What You Should Know About Candle Safety

Scented candles are the perfect way to make any home smell fresh year round, from delicious smells like baking apple pies and cookies to outdoor scents like fresh laundry right off the line. They are growing in popularity as more and more scents become available. However, every year, several thousand fires occur in homes across the country because people are not aware of candle safety. While candles can be a great choice for home décor, they are capable of starting a fire if you’re not careful, so before you set out some candles in your home, here are a few tips that will allow you to enjoy your scented candles safely.

When you set candles out and have your windows open to let in fresh air, make sure that your lit candles are not in reach of your drapes. Fires can start when gusts of air cause curtains to fan out, and they may catch fire when they come in contact with your candles. Keep them far out of reach of any windows so the risk of fire is reduced. 

Scented candles in the bathroom are a great way to enhance a nice long soak in the tub, but if you’re going to set candles along the rim of your bathtub, make sure that they are not close enough to you that they can singe your hair or accidentally burn you when you reach for the soap. Burns from candles most often happen in the bathroom, so it’s best to keep them on a shelf away from the tub or on the toilet tank in a ceramic dish, where they can’t be knocked over.

Family members that are burned most often by scented candles are young children who are attracted by the smell of baking cookies or pie. If you have little ones around, ensure that your scented candles are well out of reach and that they are taught never to try and touch them. Flames and hot wax can make for a moderately serious burn. Scented candles are a wonderful addition to your home, but you should take steps to ensure that they are used safely.