Scented tea lights are small, simple and easy to love. The holder you put them in matters as much as the scent. Australian safety bodies agree that a candle holder should never burn. Here is what that means for your table, and how to set up a floral tea light in under a minute.
Scented Tea Lights Need A Holder That Cannot Burn
Product Safety Australia, the national regulator, has permanently banned combustible candle holders. Its test is plain. A holder is unsafe if it ignites from the candle's heat and keeps burning for five seconds or more. Wood, plastic, fabric, feathers, pine cones, cardboard and paper are the materials it names.
The South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service gives matching advice. Use a holder that will not tip over and cannot burn. Both are public safety bodies, so this is not Glow opinion. The fire service also warns about draughts. They can melt wax unevenly and make a candle topple. Keep tea lights away from open windows and fans.
What is a good holder for tea lights?
Glass, ceramic and metal holders do not burn. Glow lists tealight holders made for this job, including glass pairs that also hold votives. A holder stays hot after the flame is out. Let it cool before you pick it up or wash it.
Scented Tea Candles: Four Checks Before You Light
Run through this list once and it soon becomes a habit. It takes less time than choosing the scent.
- Stand the holder on a flat, heat-resistant surface.
- Keep it clear of curtains, paper and festive decorations.
- Place it where children and pets cannot knock it over.
- Put it out when you leave the room or go to sleep.
The fire service adds that only adults should use candles. Christmas decorations will soon be going up, so the second check matters more than usual. Tinsel, paper chains and gift wrap all sit close to a table candle.
Floral Scents Suit Small Spaces
A tea light is small, so it suits small spots. Think of a bathroom bench, a desk or a hallway table. One small flame warms a corner without taking over the room. Spring has arrived in Australia, and the Floral range matches the season. You can also browse the full tealight candles collection and pick a scent family you already like.
Quick answers
Are scented tea lights safe to burn at home?
They can be used safely with care. Use a holder that cannot burn, stand it on a heat-resistant surface, keep it away from anything flammable, and never leave it burning unattended.
What can I put a tea light in?
Choose glass, ceramic or metal. Avoid wood, plastic, fabric, paper and cardboard. Regulators have banned holders that catch fire from the candle's heat, so a pretty holder is not always a safe one.
If your holders are looking tired, the tealight holders page is a good place to start. Pair one with a scent you love, and your table is set for spring.
Related reading
- Scented Candles: Five Simple Safe Habits For A Cosy Night In: more everyday habits for lighting candles safely
- Scented Tealight Candles: A Gentle Wind Down Gift Idea To Give: tea lights as a gift
- Candle Aroma Oil: Where To Keep Scented Liquids Safe At Home: storing scented liquids away from children and pets
