Candle Safety at Home: 10 Rules Worth Following

A candle is an open flame, and a little care keeps it a pleasure rather than a risk — especially during Diwali and Christmas when homes are full of décor, guests and children.

Ten rules

1. Never leave a burning candle unattended. Blow it out when you leave the room or go to sleep.
2. Keep 30 cm clear above and around — away from curtains, shelves, paper décor and dried flowers.
3. Use a stable, heat-proof surface. Glass jars get hot; put them on a coaster or tray.
4. Out of reach of children and pets. Tails and curious hands knock candles over.
5. Away from draughts — fans and open windows make flames leap.
6. Burn for up to four hours, then let it cool.
7. Trim wicks to 5 mm to keep flames small and steady.
8. Stop at 1 cm of wax — the base of the jar can overheat.
9. Space candles apart — at least 8 cm — so they don't melt each other.
10. Never use water on a wax fire. Smother the flame with a lid or snuffer.

Festivals and big gatherings

Wax diyas are safer than oil ones on rangoli and near fabric because they don't spill. Put tealights inside lanterns or glass holders, and keep candles off the floor where guests walk. For staircases and balconies, our brass lanterns keep flames enclosed.

Where flames aren't allowed at all — offices, children's rooms — use a reed diffuser instead.