CANDLE SAFETY TIPS
For Your Safety
Always burn votives in a votive container for longest burn time.
Make sure your candle is sitting on a level surface. Otherwise, it will not burn evenly, and you may have an uneven wax pool, causing wax to pour over the edge of the lit candle.
When you light your candle for the first time, let it burn for about one hour per inch of diameter of the candle or more...2 inch diameter, two hours, 3 inches, three hours and so on. This way it gets a good start on forming the proper wax pool diameter, and shouldn't drip, nor will it burn a hole down the center of the candle. Always keep wick trimmed to 1/4 inch. This assures proper burning of your candle, and helps it last longer. This also prevents smoking of the wick. Never leave burning candles unattended. Place candles on or in non flammable containers while burning. As the candle burns down, the base of the container can become very hot, even break. Make sure your containers (especially glass) do not come in contact with flammable surfaces.
Be aware of what is above your lighted candle. Items such as lampshades, curtains, etc. may ignite from the heat generated from the flame. If you chose to display your candle on a flat dish, make sure the dish is at least 2" larger than the diameter of the candle. This assures that any dripping wax from your candle lands on the dish, not your furniture.
WAX REMOVAL
If by chance your candle does drip onto your tablecloth, runner, or carpet, place a single layer of brown paper (such as a grocery bag) over the spilled wax and iron with a warm iron. Keep moving the paper until the wax stops penetrating through. Wash the item separately for a few washings to insure that the colorant from the wax has washed out.
To best remove wax from wood surfaces, harden the wax as quickly as possible. Hold a bag of ice cubes against the wax to freeze it. Then using an "old" plastic credit card gently scrape the wax off. Metal objects may gouge the surface. Mineral Spirits may be used to remove any remaining wax residue, and then wash normally. The wood may need to be buffed and polished to restore the appearance.
Removing Wax from Tile and Grout
As candles are often used in a bathroom, accidents can happen. If wax drips onto tile, let it cool and scrape off with a soft piece of wood, or old credit card. Rinse with clean water. Use this procedure with grout as well.
Removing Wax from Carpet and Upholstery
Let wax cool completely. Use a dull knife to scrape as much of the wax off the piece. Place a paper towel or napkin over the remaining wax. Place a paper bag over the towel. Place a medium warm iron on top of the bag and move it back and forth. do not leave in one place for any length of time. The wax will melt and be absorbed into the paper towel, change paper towels frequently. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or anything that may damage the carpet and upholstery. Always spot check cleaning products in an inconspicuous location. Finally mix a few drops of mild detergent with a cup of warm water and blot the area.
Removing Wax from Candleholders
To clean wax out of a votive cup, soak the cup in hot soapy water for 5 minutes, scrub with a cloth to remove any stubborn wax. Or use an SOS pad. To clean candleholders, put the holder in the freezer and easily pop the pieces off once it freezes. Candle Wax Remover may also be used for stubborn spots.
If by chance your candle holder has a scrolled edge, and happens to collect melted wax, you can use a hairdryer to melt the wax off the scrolling, then wash in hot soapy water.
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