Candle making can be an enjoyable hobby or expand to a profitable business venture. Taking the proper safety precautions during candle making reduces the risk of fire, spills, and burns. Bulk Apothecary carries a complete selection of candle making supplies to help keep the experience safe and provide a top-quality product. Here are a few safety tips for making candles at home:
1. Use Safe Equipment
Candle making is a multi-step endeavor, with each part of the process requiring different equipment. A double boiler for melting wax, fragrance oils for the scent, a wick for burning, and a container or mold are just a few of the items you’ll need. Choose safe, high-quality options like containers that don’t crack or shatter from heat. Opt for better quality wax, such as beeswax or coconut wax, that melts and burns evenly. Sturdy wicks won’t disintegrate in wax and help the candle burn longer. Bulk Apothecary has premium waxes, oils, molds, and wicks available to give you a safe, dependable candle making experience.
2. Wear Protective Clothing
Many items for candle making supplies are small and can easily be knocked over by big sleeves or other loose clothing. This might result in the loss of products, ingredients, or an accidental fire. Wear protective clothing, such as long sleeves and pants, that are fitted enough that they won’t become a hazard. Some candle makers also choose to wear an apron, like the one available from Bulk Apothecary, to protect against wax spills. Wearing closed-toe shoes also helps protect your feet from any spills or splashes. Tying up longer hair keeps it out of your face but also prevents it from getting caught on something or falling into hot wax. Safety goggles may also be worn to avoid wax splashes from reaching your eyes.
3. Choose High-quality Materials
High-quality candle supplies result in safer candles that burn better and smell stronger. It also provides a safer experience for the candle maker since low-quality waxes are more likely to emit undesirable toxins and chemicals. Beeswax, which is available at Bulk Apothecary, is hypoallergenic and lasts longer than some other wax options. Premium wicks made of wood or cotton won’t fray or spark and burn consistently when lit. High-quality fragrance oils are designed without synthetic compounds, have a longer shelf life, and are burning grade.
4. Take Safety Precautions
Taking basic safety precautions while candle making helps keep you, your family, and your home safe. Keep a fire extinguisher on hand since melted wax should be treated like a grease fire. Fragrance oils are flammable and shouldn’t be stored or placed close to an open flame if you’re melting wax on a burner. Candle making also should not be done close to any flammable materials like curtains, couches, pillows, or lampshades. Don’t leave your space unattended, and avoid having children around to prevent dangerous accidents. Make sure to use containers that are candle-safe, and store all candle-making supplies in a safe, nonflammable area.
5. Keep a Clean Workspace
Try having a dedicated candle making space that is free of flammable materials and clutter that may cause accidents. The surface should be heat-resistant and protected from wax spills or burns. The area should also be well-ventilated to prevent smoke buildup and avoid any chemical inhalation. A small fan or open window should help circulate air throughout the room. If a spill does occur, paper towels or rags can be used to clean it up, but they shouldn’t be kept too close to an open flame since they are flammable.
6. Practice Proper Handling and Cleanup
Hot candle wax can burn you and is difficult to remove from your hair. Practicing careful handling and proper disposal of excess ingredients helps avoid burns or accidental fire. Candle wax may be disposed of in its solid form, but fragrance oils might need to be brought directly to a landfill or flushed down the toilet in small amounts due to its flammable nature. To prevent spills or products turning rancid, try using plastic storage containers and keeping them in a cool, dry place. If you have children or pets, you may want to store them in a locked cabinet or out of reach since these items are not safe to ingest.
7. Perform Candle Maintenence
Whether you’re planning on selling your candles or using them at home, proper candle maintenance helps keep the experience more safe. When making the candle, choose the right-sized wick and trim it to the right length. Your final product should also be cleaned of any excess wax or wick trimmings. Don’t leave a burner or lit candle unattended, and clean up any soot after use.
Find Premium Candle Making Supplies
Candle making supplies are available in a range of different materials, colors, and scents. With the options from Bulk Apothecary, you can mix scents and choose from different wicks and containers. We also carry a selection of labels and packaging to help market your candles. View our catalogue today and start your candle making journey.
