Candle Safety
Candles are a popular choice for home decor, aromatherapy, and relaxation. Here are the essential safety guidelines to keep your home and family safe.
- Keep candles away from flammable materials including curtains, towels, paper, and other household items.
- Always use a stable candle holder on a heat-resistant surface that can't be easily knocked over.
- Trim the wick to 5–6mm before each lighting to prevent the flame from becoming too large.
- Never leave burning candles unattended, especially if there are children or pets in the home.
- Extinguish candles with a snuffer rather than blowing — this prevents hot wax from splattering.
- Leave at least 2.5cm of wax at the bottom. Don't burn a candle all the way down to the holder.
- Never burn a candle for more than 3–4 hours in a single session.
Concerned about leaving scent on overnight? Discover our recommended candle alternatives for overnight use — including wax melt warmers with auto-shutoff that are safe to leave unattended.
For the very best burn, also read our guide on how to burn your candle correctly to maximise scent throw and burn time. And when you’re ready, browse Smelty’s full range of handmade soy candles — made in Sydney with cotton wicks and clean ingredients.