A sweet, warm candle makes it easy to relax. It also makes it easy to forget the flame. Scented candles are safe to enjoy when you follow a few simple habits. Fire agencies in Victoria and New South Wales share the same advice. Here it is in plain words, so you can check your own setup tonight.

Scented Candles Need Space, A Steady Base And Company

Start with where the candle sits. The Country Fire Authority says to keep candles at least one metre from curtains and anything else that can catch fire.

Use a proper holder that is heat resistant and stable. It should be big enough to catch any drips of melted wax. Avoid cluttered or wobbly surfaces.

Fire and Rescue NSW says unattended candles cause many of the home fires it attends each year. So put the flame out when you leave the room, and before you go to sleep.

Where is the best place to burn a candle?

Pick a flat, steady surface with no draught, well away from curtains. The 3-wick jars fill a whole living room, so one sturdy table is plenty.

Wax Melts And Tealights Follow The Same Thinking

The CFA page covers candles and oil burners. It does not cover wax melts and their warmers. So follow the instructions that come with your warmer, and set it on a steady surface too.

A tealight is small, but it is still a real flame. Give it a holder and some space, just like a big jar. The CFA also says never to move a lit candle or one that has only just gone out.

Here is a quick check you can run in a minute:

• Keep one metre from curtains and clutter
• Use a stable, heat resistant holder
• Skip draughty spots, such as open windows
• Put it out before you leave or sleep
• Keep matches and lighters away from children

Sweet Indulgent Scents Still Need Your Attention

Dessert scents like vanilla and caramel are calming. That is exactly when people nod off on the couch. If you feel sleepy, put the candle out first.

The Indulgent range is full of warm, sweet scents, and each one deserves the same care as any other. Fire and Rescue NSW also suggests testing your smoke alarms each month.

Quick answers

How long can you burn a scented candle at once?

The CFA says not to burn candles for long periods. A jar usually needs about two hours to melt right across. Put it out when you leave the room, and light it again later.

Is it safe to leave a scented candle burning overnight?

No. Both fire agencies say to put candles out before you sleep. Blow it out before bed, and enjoy the scent again tomorrow evening.

A tidy setup makes safe habits easier. The candle care collection has trimmers and other tools that keep your candle burning well.

Related reading

• Are Aromatherapy Candles Safe? Here Is What The Guidance Says: the safety side of natural scents.
• Where To Put Scented Candles So You Actually Smell Them: placement that works for scent and safety.
• A Candle Wick Trimmer Fixes A Smoky Candle Flame Fast: a quick fix for a smoky flame.