Safety Measures for Candle Making

Candle making is the most enjoyable craft in my experience. But it also requires lots of caution and care to avoid ruining your enjoyable experience.

Here are some of the safety measures I strongly recommend to hobbyists in my class.

1.    Always make use of the thermometer when melting the wax. It is best advised to know the wax temperature. It will help to know the pouring temperature and repeat the desired results.

2.    Use a double boiler for melting the wax. Double boiler is the safest way to melt the wax. It helps to prevent the temperature from exceeding 100 degrees celsius. And with this temperature you can make any type of candle.

3.    Never leave wax unattended. Not even for a little while. If you must leave the wax unattended, turn off the heat and then leave.

4.    Never overheat the wax. Wax has a flash point. Flash point is the point beyond which the wax will combust. There won’t be any spark or warning before the wax reaches the flash point.

5.    Don’t keep wax near heat source. It could catch fire or it will melt. Always keep your wax away.

6.    Use of fire extinguisher is the best way to control the fire situation. If it is a small fire limited to the melting pot you can try to cover it with lid. But this way will be only useful if the fire is not too out of control.

Another way of controlling the fire situation is use of sand. But you will need good amount of sand to throw it on the fire area. Simply sprinkling some sand won’t do any good.

7.    Never use water to extinguish the fire caught while melting wax. Wax will be in liquid form and water will only spread the liquid and fire further and worsen the situation.

8.    If you are making candles from your kitchen which is where most beginners start from, then cover your kitchen top with papers or card boards to avoid spills and cleaning hassles.

9.    If at all while making candles you spill wax on your hands, immediately put your hand in cold or room temperature water and scrap of the wax.

10.  Never pour melted wax in the drain unless you want a plumbing situation. Hot wax will immediately turn solid when it comes in contact with the water and clog your sink.

Enjoy candle making and be safe!