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Candle Safety

Shine Bright and Safe:
A Guide to Proper Candle Burning

At Crossroads Candles, we’re passionate about creating beautiful fragrances that fill your home with warmth and ambiance. We use a clean-burning, blended paraffin wax for a powerful fragrance throw, lead-free wicks for an even burn, and all materials are proudly sourced right here in the USA. But even the most amazing candle needs a little TLC to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Enjoy this detailed guide to burning your Crossroads candles for the best results and maximum safety.


  1. Preparing Your Candle for Perfection

    Before each lighting, trim your candle wicks to ¼ inch using a wick trimmer or scissors. This prevents a large flame, soot buildup, and uneven burning. Gently remove any leftover wick trimmings or debris from the wax pool before lighting. This prevents them from igniting and creating a safety hazard.

  2. Setting the Stage for a Safe Burn

    Always use a heat-resistant candleholder specifically designed for candle use. This ensures the candle remains stable and prevents overheating of surrounding surfaces. Do not use candle toppers when burning your Crossroads candles. Burn your candle in a well-ventilated area, away from drafts, vents, or air currents. Drafts can cause uneven burning, flickering, and dripping.

  3. Burning Wisely

    Limit your burning time to a maximum of 4 hours at a time. This allows the wax to melt evenly and prevents the glass container from getting too hot. Let the candle cool completely for at least 2 hours before relighting. Use a candle lighter or long matches to light your candle. Avoid using objects that could drop into the wax or cause the flame to lean. If you light the candle and the flames appear to be too large, extinguish the flames, re-trim the wicks, and relight. Always keep an eye on your burning candle. Extinguish it before leaving the room or going to sleep.

  4. Safety First

    Always keep your burning candle at least three inches away from flammable objects like curtains, decorations, or anything else that could catch fire. Keep burning candles out of the reach of children and pets to avoid accidental tipping or burns. Never touch or move a burning candle or a candle with hot wax. Discontinue burning a candle when ½ inch of unmelted wax is remaining in the jar. Burning a candle beyond this point can overheat the container and cause damage to the surface below.

  5. Extinguishing Like a Pro

    Use a wick dipper or candle snuffer to extinguish the candle. This smothers the flame safely and prevents hot wax splattering. Never use the lid or water to extinguish the flame. Don’t touch or move the candle until the wax has completely cooled and solidified to avoid accidental burns. Do not put the lid back on the candle until it has completely cooled.


Bonus Tip: Install a smoke detector in every room where you burn candles. This provides an extra layer of safety in case of any unforeseen incidents. By following these guidelines, you can keep your candles burning safely and beautifully, filling your home with lasting fragrance and a warm ambiance. Now go forth, light your favorite Crossroads candle, and create a relaxing haven in your home!