Candle Making Safety

Candle making is generally safe, but you should take some precautions to keep it that way.  Here are some guidelines for candle making safety.

 The most serious safety concern is fire. After all, you’re working with a flammable substance around heat. The biggest safety tip here is to always use a double boiler to melt wax. This will usually keep the wax at a safe temperature below the flash point. 

 The exception to that is making gel candles. The gel needs to be heated to a higher temperature than you can reach in a double boiler so it needs to be placed over direct heat. If you work will candle gel, be extremely careful. Use of a thermometer and constant attention is mandatory when you’re using gel wax.

Using a thermometer with any type of wax not only increases safety, it will help you make better candles. 

Never leave the room when wax is melting. If you do need to leave for any reason, for example answering the front door, turn the heat off before you go. 

If you follow these suggestions, it’s very unlikely that you’ll have a problem. Even so, it’s a good idea to have a fire extinguisher when you’re working with melted wax. I know it’s my superstition, but I think if you have a piece of safety equipment handy you’re less likely to need it. 

At the very least, have a heavy pot cover handy that you could use to smother a fire in the melting pot should the wax ignite. 

Wax spills are mostly messy, but could present a fire hazard if an open flame or a heat source is around. 

 The other danger with spilling wax is causing a burn. For that reason you should have a clear space between the heat source and where you will be pouring the wax. You don't want to trip over anything or hit the pouring pot on something that might lead to wax splashing on yourself or someone else.

Though you can safely involve older children in candle making (with adult supervision) you should not have a toddler in the room with you while you are working with hot wax. The risk of a spill and burn just isn't worth it.

If you buy paraffin wax in large blocks (as opposed to flakes), another piece of safety equipment you need is a pair of safety glasses. Most candle makers use a hammer to break the block up into manageable pieces. A shard of candle wax is hard and can inflict as much damage on your eye as a metal sliver. Stay on the safe side and wear safety goggles when breaking up wax. 

A minor safety concern is fact that some essential oils used for scenting candles are skin irritants. The wholesale supplier I favor lists which oils are skin safe which is very valuable information for people with sensitive skin. Most people are fine as long as they avoid direct contact with the oils. 

 Candle making is a wonderful hobby and very safe as long as you follow these common sense suggestions. 

Learn to make beautiful candles at home. Check out:

Home Candle Making Made Easy