How to Safely Burn Candles

Candles are basically the VIPs of home vibes. They're soft, glowy mood-makers, scent queens, and statement pieces that make any corner of your home feel a little fancier, cozier, and way more "you." Whether you're into romantic rose-scented evenings or Sunday resets filled with vanilla and calm, candles make everything feel more intentional, even if all you're doing is watching Netflix in your bathrobe.

But—and it's a big but—candles come with flames.

Flames = Fire.

And Fire = something we don't want to get too casual with.

Let's be honest: most people don't think twice about lighting a candle and walking away. But that tiny flicker needs attention if you want your space to stay cute and safe. The good news is that safe candle burning isn't a complicated process. It's more like building a few simple habits that just make sense. And the benefits are worth it- a cozy, safe, and beautifully scented home you can enjoy without worry.

So grab your favorite drink, cozy up, and talk about burning candles the right way—because what's better than enjoying that dreamy scent, wax drops, and glow without the stress?

First Things First

Read the Label (Yes, Really) We get it—labels are not the most exciting part of your candle. But they're there for a reason, and those little care instructions give you the golden rules for enjoying your candle without drama. Whether it's a handmade, sculpted beauty (like the ones from Dahil Bar, hint hint) or a classic jar candle, the label is your go-to guide for how to treat it right. Also, some candles are meant to burn for shorter periods; some need more space to breathe, and others have wax that behaves differently. Knowing what your candle is made of helps you treat it with the respect it deserves.

Trim That Wick, Babe

Wick trimming is not just a "nice-to-do" thing—it's a must. Before every turn, give that wick a quick snip so it's about ¼ inch long. Why? Because long, wonky wicks lead to smoke, uneven burning, mushrooming (yup, that's a thing), and too much heat. Think of it like giving your candle a fresh haircut—it helps everything stay neat and burn beautifully. Use a wick trimmer if you're fancy, scissors if you're practical, or nail clippers if you're desperate. No judgment.

Give It a Good First Burn

That first burn is super important. You want to let the candle burn long enough for the entire top layer of wax to melt all the way to the edges of the container (or, in the case of sculpted candles, let it form an even melt pool). Why does this matter? Because wax has memory. If you blow out the flame too soon and leave that ring of unmelted wax around the edge, it'll tunnel like that forever. Sad, right? So go big on your first burn—light it up and give it at least 1 to 2 hours for jar candles (or until the whole top layer is liquid and smooth).

Watch Your Placement

Alright, let's talk about the location. Where you place your candle matters—a lot. Putting a candle next to a curtain that flutters in the breeze? Major no-no. On top of a wobbly table near the edge? Nope. Too close to books, paper, or anything that could catch fire in a flash? Hard pass. Look around. Your candle deserves a little space—flat, sturdy, and clutter-free. If your candle doesn't come with a container (like those gorgeous sculpted candles we adore), ensure it's on a plate, tray, or heat-safe base. Not only does it catch the wax, but it saves your furniture from heat marks and sticky messes you'll regret later. Trust us—wax on wood is not a cute aesthetic.

Never Burn for Hours on End

It's tempting to keep the candle burning all day, especially if it smells like heaven and gives your home cozy vibes. But even the best candles need a break. Most candles should only be burned for 2 to 3 hours. Burning them longer doesn't make them smell better—it just makes the wick unstable, causes soot, and might even lead to overheating the container or wax. So light it up, enjoy the moment, and then give it a rest. You can always relight it later.

Keep It Out of Reach

Candles are for grown-ups. Curious toddlers, jumpy pets, or tipsy guests? They are not the best candle companions. Make sure your candles are out of reach from anything (or anyone) who might knock them over. Even if your cat seems uninterested, never underestimate the power of a sudden zoomie. One wrong move can ruin your whole vibe.

Don't Move It While It's Lit

We know—it's burning too close to the wall, or the scent isn't wafting exactly where you want it to. But moving a candle while it's lit is a risky game. The wax is hot and liquid, and the flame does its thing. Pick up that candle, and you might spill molten wax or drop the whole thing. Always blow it out first, let it cool, and then reposition it like the candle stylist you are.

Say No to Drafts

Open windows, fans, and air vents are the silent saboteurs of your candle's burn. A draft can make the flame unpredictable, leading to uneven burning, flickering, and even black soot on the walls. Try to place your candle somewhere calm and protected, like its little chill-out zone. That way, it burns evenly and doesn't throw a tantrum halfway through.

Use a Snuffer (Or Do the Napkin Trick)

Blowing out a candle seems easy enough, right? But it's not the best way to do it. When you blow it out, you risk splattering hot wax or filling the room with that dreaded smoky smell that ruins the vibe. If you have a snuffer, use it—it's like the red carpet exit for your flame—no drama, smoke, or splashes. If you don't have a snuffer (yet), try this: gently press the flame into the melted wax using a bent paperclip or the back of a spoon, then lift it out. The flame is gone, but the scent is preserved, and the vibe is intact.

Know When to Let Go

All good things must come to an end—and that includes your candle. Once your candle has about half an inch of wax left, it's time to say goodbye. Burning it all the way down can overheat the container and even crack it, especially with glass. If it's a sculpted candle, the shape can collapse once it's too close to the base, making it unstable. And nobody wants a sideways candle fire. But don't toss the leftovers! Save and repurpose that wax in a wax warmer, or melt it to make mini tealights. Get crafty with it—you paid for that wax, after all.

Bonus Round: What About Sculpted Candles?

Ah, the beautiful, artsy, curvy, bust-shaped, shell-shaped, "too pretty to burn" kind of candles. We love them. But they do need a bit more attention.

Here's the scoop:

• Always use a flat tray underneath. The wax will drip—on purpose—and you don't want it ruining your marble counter or coffee table.
• Don't leave it unattended, even for a minute. Sculpted candles are all outside the box, so their burn pattern can surprise you.
• Burn it in short intervals, especially the first few times. This helps it melt slowly and keeps its shape longer.

And if you're really attached to the look, just use it as décor. There's no shame in loving a candle so much that you never light it. That's part of the charm.

Let the Candle Set the Mood—Not the Smoke Alarm

Candles are pure joy. They're a whole vibe wrapped in wax and wick, adding that soft, glowy charm that makes your home feel like you. But as with anything beautiful and a little fiery, they come with responsibility. Burning candles safely isn't hard—it's about paying attention to the small stuff: a trimmed wick, a proper tray, and a safe distance from flammable things. These are the tiny choices that make a big difference. So light that candle, pour yourself a drink, cue the playlist, and know that you're creating a space that smells good, looks good, and stays safe. Happy burning, you candle queen (or king). You've got this.

Need more tips or want to treat yourself to a new sculpted candle?

Visit our Care and Burn Tips for more tips on safely burning sculpted candles. Do you want a candle? Visit dahilbar.com for handmade pieces that are equal parts art and scent magic. Your next favorite flame might just be waiting for you there. Let's burn brighter, not harder.