The CANDLE BURNING PROCESS
As our candles burn, they go through two distinct processes alternating between them. In the initial hours, the candle burns inward, creating a well that eventually overflows and drips down the sides Once the well deepens and fills up, the dripping halts for a while, only to resume again once the well is full. This cycle continues as the candle gradually burns down.
CANDLE SAFETY RULES
Before Lighting
-
Use a proper candle‑holder or dish that is heat‑resistant, sturdy, and large enough to catch drips or melted wax.
-
Place the holder on a stable, heat‑resistant surface to prevent heat damage or glass breakage.
-
Trim the wick to ¼ inch before each burn to avoid uneven burning and dripping.
-
Ensure the room is well‑ventilated.
While Burning
-
Keep candles within sight at all times. Extinguish them before leaving the room or going to sleep.
-
Keep candles away from anything that can catch fire.
-
Ensure candles are out of reach of children and pets.
-
Keep the wax pool free of wick trimmings, matches, and debris.
-
Keep candles away from drafts, vents, fans, and air currents to prevent uneven burning, flare‑ups, or sooting.
-
Place candles at least three inches apart so they don’t melt each other or create drafts.
-
Do not burn a candle all the way down. Stop when:
-
2 inches of wax remain (free‑standing candles)
-
½ inch remains (container candles)
-
-
Extinguish the flame after 2 hours of use, and allow the wax to fully solidify before relighting.
-
If a candle smokes, flickers repeatedly, or the flame becomes too high, extinguish it. Let it cool, trim the wick, and check for drafts before relighting.
Extinguishing
-
Use a snuffer to extinguish candles to avoid hot wax splatter.
-
Never use water to extinguish a candle.
-
During power outages, use candles with extreme caution—flashlights and battery‑powered lights are safer.
If you want, I can also format this into a poster-style version, a minimalist list, or a more poetic version that fits your class aesthetic.