When decorating a home, candles create a magical glow and relaxing atmosphere. Here are a few tips to help them burn safely, cleaner and longer during the holidays and all year long!

Candle storage

Store candles out of direct sunlight to preserve their color. A cool, dark spot is best, such as a closet, drawer or kitchen cabinet.  A refrigerator is not advised for storage, as the cold atmosphere can crack the candle and cause it to burn poorly.  However, placing the candle in the refrigerator for a short time before using will allow for a slower burn.

Candle wick care

• Trim wicks to 1/4 inch before burning.  This reduces dark smoke.
• To extinguish the flame, use a snuffer rather than blowing it out.  If you must blow, blow gently with your hand cupped around the flame.
• After extinguishing flame, recenter the wick with a metal object, such as a fork handle.

Candle safety

According to the Official Site of the City of Phoenix Police and Fire, candles are among the leading cause of home fires.

For safety during the holidays:

• Keep candles up high away from small children
• Never let a child light or snuff out a candle.
• Keep candles out of teen's rooms
• Never place candles on Christmas trees
• Don't move candles while lit
• If candle is wrapped by cinnamon sticks or raffia, etc, be sure the wrapping is not close to flame.
• Don't leave a candle burning in another room or overnight.

In addition to planning safely in advance, be sure to have a family exit plan in case the worst happens and a fire erupts.

Candle wax removal

Candles can make a mess.  If a candle burns unevenly, one side may melt through and wax can drip on furniture, tablecloths or carpeting.  As well, once a candle's life is over, some of the waxy residue may remain on the container that held it.

1. Removing candle wax from wood - Use a hair dryer to soften the wax and scrap with a credit card
2. Removing candle wax from carpet - place a thin cloth  or a paper towel over the hardened wax and press with an iron on low setting, until the wax transfers completely.
3. Removing candle wax from fabric - scrap off as much candle wax as possible then stretch over a colander or sieve. Carefully pour boiling water over wax until it falls off.
4. Removing candle wax from glass - Place in freezer overnight and tap out the next morning.  For stubborn wax residue on glass, use a glass cook top cleaner such as Cerama Bryte.  Just squeeze a bit inside the glass container and use a soft scrubber. Voila! Good as new!

Candles add beautiful, ambient lighting during the holidays or romantic evenings. It only takes a little thought and effort to keep each candle beautiful and burning brighter in a safe environment. Use good sense and they'll provide lasting enjoyment for weeks!

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Related Reading:

"Creative Candle Decorating Ideas for Christmas"

Resource:

Candlelit Christmas by John Terrell Fry,  Published 2003 by Stew, Tabor & Chang