Maddie James
Candles are a common source of warmth and ambiance in many homes, but they can also be a fire hazard if not handled properly. An estimated 8,200 home fires are started by candles each year. With this in mind, it is important to know whether candles will go out on their own or if they need to be manually extinguished. While it is true that some candles, particularly those with self-extinguishing wicks made of zinc or tin, will eventually burn out on their own, it is not worth the risk of leaving them unattended. The type of wax and material used for the wick can also affect whether a candle will burn out on its own. For example, candles made from soy or beeswax may self-extinguish due to the smaller pool of liquid wax that forms, drowning the wick. To ensure safety, it is recommended to always extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to bed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | It is unsafe to leave a burning candle unattended |
| Self-extinguishing | Candles with wicks made of zinc or tin are more likely to self-extinguish |
| Wax type | Candles made of soy or beeswax are more likely to self-extinguish |
| Wick trimming | Regularly trimming the wick to 1/4 inch can help prevent large flames and promote even burning that could lead to self-extinction |
| Placement | Always place candles on a flat, heat-resistant surface away from flammable objects |
| Containers | Candles in jars or containers with wicks that come from a metal bottom are more likely to self-extinguish |
| Flashover | Leaving a candle burning overnight can lead to a flashover, where all the wax in the candle melts and catches flame |
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What You'll Learn
Candle safety tips
While candles can be a great way to create a cosy atmosphere, it's important to remember that they are a potential fire hazard. According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), candle fires account for 2.4% of all fires and result in 6% of total fire injuries and 3% of fire-related deaths. Here are some candle safety tips to keep in mind to prevent any incidents:
Always Supervise a Burning Candle
Never leave a lit candle unattended. Accidents can happen, and a strong wind, a pet, or even a large insect could knock over a candle, potentially starting a fire. Even if you think you'll be right back, it's best to extinguish the candle before leaving the room.
Keep Candles Away From Flammable Materials
Always keep candles away from curtains, rugs, bedding, clothing, and other flammable materials. A candle's open flame can easily ignite anything that can burn. Keep a safe distance of at least 12 inches between the candle and any potentially flammable objects.
Use Proper Candle Holders
Place candles in sturdy holders that won't tip over easily. Ensure the holders are on uncluttered, sturdy surfaces. This will help prevent the candle from falling over and reduce the risk of fire.
Keep Wicks Properly Trimmed
Before lighting a new candle, trim the wick to 1/4 inch in length. This ensures the candle burns properly and prevents the flame from travelling too far down the wick, which would shorten the candle's lifespan.
Use a Candle Snuffer or Wick Dipper to Extinguish
Using a candle snuffer or a wick dipper is the safest way to extinguish a candle. These tools prevent ash or wax residue from being left behind and avoid creating smoke that could set off alarms or damage nearby objects. Never use water to put out a candle, as it can cause hot wax to spatter and potentially cause burns.
Store and Dispose of Candles Properly
Keep candles stored in a safe place, out of the reach of children and pets. After a candle has burned down completely, dispose of it responsibly. Throw used candles away in a sealed metal canister rather than putting them directly into the trash.
By following these safety tips, you can enjoy your candles while minimizing the risk of accidents or fires.
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Wax type
The type of wax used in a candle can influence whether it will self-extinguish. Candles made from soy or beeswax, for instance, are more likely to go out on their own as they tend to form a smaller pool of liquid wax that can drown the wick. In contrast, paraffin wax, a common candle wax, may not self-extinguish before reaching the candle's base due to its specific burn time.
Container candles with sturdy wax that hardens around a metal wick, such as tealights or candles in glass jars, are also more likely to burn down completely and self-extinguish. However, it is important to note that allowing the heat to reach the bottom of a glass jar candle could pose a risk, as it may cause the container to crack or explode, potentially resulting in a fire. Therefore, while certain wax types may be more prone to self-extinguishing, it is always crucial to prioritise safety and never leave a burning candle unattended.
The choice of wick material is another critical factor in determining whether a candle will self-extinguish. Wicks made from self-extinguishing materials like zinc or tin increase the likelihood of the candle going out on its own once it reaches the end of its burning time. On the other hand, certain types of cotton wicks may continue burning even after the wax supply is depleted, emphasising the importance of selecting candles with self-extinguishing wicks to mitigate fire risks.
While some candles may have self-extinguishing properties due to their wax type or wick material, it is generally unsafe to rely on this behaviour. The length of time a candle has been burning can also impact its self-extinguishing capabilities. Therefore, it is always recommended to follow basic candle safety guidelines, such as regularly trimming the wick, placing candles on heat-resistant surfaces, and ensuring they are extinguished before leaving them unattended.
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Wick material
The wick is a crucial component of a candle, and its quality and placement can significantly impact the candle's burning behaviour. Wicks are typically made from absorbent materials such as cotton, pine sap wood, or glass fibre, which draw the melted wax upwards through capillary action, allowing the wax vapour to burn.
To prevent the wick from burning away too quickly, it is essential to trim it regularly. Untrimmed wicks can lead to carbon buildup, resulting in a "mushroom" shape at the end of the wick and unstable burning. Trimming the wick to a length of about 1/4 inch (6 mm) above the wax surface helps maintain consistent burning and prolongs the life of the candle.
Wick placement is also critical. If the wick is placed too close to the container wall, it can cause the tealight holder to overheat and break. Additionally, if the wick leans to one side, the candle may only burn on that side, leading to uneven wax melting and potential tunnelling.
To enhance the performance of wicks, they can be treated with substances like borax and salt. These treatments improve the colour and brightness of the flame, provide better rigidity to keep the wick upright, and facilitate the upward flow of wax.
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Candle containers
Glassware
Glass candle containers are a popular choice due to their durability, heat resistance, and versatility. Glass jars can be clear, coloured, frosted, or even come with lids. They are suitable for a range of candle types, from luxury to everyday use. However, it is important to note that burning a candle to the bottom of a glass jar can be risky as the heat may cause the glass to crack or explode.
Tin
Tin candle containers are another option, offering a rustic or elegant appeal. Like glass, tin is durable and can be used for a variety of candle types. Tin containers may also come with lids.
Other Materials
Safety Considerations
When choosing a candle container, it is important to consider safety. Containers that allow the candle to burn to the very bottom may cause the container to break and the wick to fall out, potentially starting a fire. To mitigate this risk, select a container with a self-extinguishing wick, such as those made from zinc or tin. Additionally, always place candles on a flat, heat-resistant surface away from flammable objects. Regularly trimming the wick to 1/4 inch can also help prevent large flames and promote even burning, which may lead to self-extinction.
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How to extinguish a candle
While some candles may eventually burn out on their own, it is unsafe to rely on this method to extinguish a candle. Depending on the amount of fuel and the length of the wick, a candle could take hours to burn out, and this delay could lead to fire hazards. Therefore, it is always best to extinguish a candle before leaving the room or going to bed.
- Using a candle snuffer: A candle snuffer is a metal cone with a wire screen around its opening. When you cover the flame with the candle snuffer, the flame is extinguished because it is deprived of oxygen. Candle snuffers are designed so that they do not interrupt the fragrant smell of the candle, and they can be collapsed and taken anywhere.
- Using a wick dipper: A wick dipper is an inexpensive metal tool designed to extinguish candle flames. To use a wick dipper, position the blade horizontally and point it towards the candle's base to prevent flaming. Then, dip the end of the wick dipper into the flame, typically about one-third down from its top. As you retrieve the wick dipper, it will move back up through the now-cooler wax, allowing you to easily separate the wick from the wax.
- Using your fingers: This method is less graceful but effective. Simply lick your fingers and pinch off the tip of the wick, then discard it.
It is important to note that you should never use water to put out a candle, as the hot wax may spatter and cause burns. Additionally, always ensure that candles are placed on a flat, heat-resistant surface away from flammable objects, and keep them out of the reach of children and pets.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a candle will eventually go out on its own once it runs out of fuel or the wick becomes too short to sustain the flame. However, this could take hours, increasing the risk of fire hazards.
Candles with wicks made from self-extinguishing materials like zinc or tin are more likely to go out on their own. Candles made from soy or beeswax are also more likely to self-extinguish as they form a smaller pool of liquid wax that can drown the wick.
Always keep an eye on a burning candle and extinguish it before leaving the room or going to bed. Keep candles away from flammable materials and always place them on a flat, heat-resistant surface. Regularly trim the wick to 1/4 inch to prevent large flames and promote an even burn.
You can use a candle snuffer, wick dipper, or your fingers (after licking them). Never use water to put out a candle as it can cause hot wax to spatter and cause burns.
