Treat candles with extreme care

2/15/2021 (Permalink)

This candle may look elegant, but you let your guard down, it can become deadly.

Candles.  They provide ambiance with subtle lighting in a dark room.  They give off a nice, romantic glow. 

But, we are talking about an open flame, in a room with lots of combustible items.  Care must be taken when using candles.

1. Think about where you want to place the candle(s).  They should be greater than one foot from anything that can be combustible: drapes, bedding, towels, etc.  They should also be placed in a place where children nor pets can accidently knock it over.
2. Use caution when lighting the candle.  Make sure loose clothing, hair, or combustibles are clear as you light the candle, whether you are using a match, lighter, or other starter.
3. Do not burn the candle all the way down.  Many times, candles are in jars, and if you burn them all the way down, the candle heat may crack the jar.
4. Don't leave a candle unattended.  Do not leave a room for an extended period of time while the candle is burning.  Also, do not fall asleep while a candle is burning.

You may notice, as the candle burns down, that the rim of the jar is turning black.  Then you notice that the closest wall and the ceiling directly above is getting black as well.  That is soot from the candle.  If you try and clean it yourself, you may end up setting the stain, whereby covering with paint is the only answer.

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank is an expert at cleaning up smoke and soot residues, whether from a fire or from cigarette or candles.  Give us a call at: 708-430-3600.