Dried flowers add a beautiful, aesthetical touch to candles. But are they safe? The answer, like many things in life, is a nuanced “it depends.”
Safety First: Why Dried Flowers Can Be Risky
There are a few reasons why adding dried flowers to candles can be a fire hazard:
- Fuel for the Flame
- Wick Woes
- Uneven Burning
Fuel for the Flame
Dried flowers are, well, dried. This means they can easily catch fire and contribute to a larger blaze. The flowers, especially fresh ones can contain water and natural oils, and when made in contact with hot wax, they can make small explosions and set on fire.
Wick Woes
Flowers can clog the wick, preventing a clean burn and potentially causing flickering or even extinguishing the flame. This can hinder the performance of your candle, decrease its burn time, and potentially ruin it entirely. This is one of the tips to help you maximize how long your candle lasts.
Uneven Burning
Flowers don’t burn at the same rate as wax, leading to an uneven burning surface and potential fire hazards. A better alternative is to include flowers made from wax using molds.
Tips for Using Dried Flowers in Candles
If you’re still set on buying candles that contain dried flowers, here are some things that you can consider to minimize the risk of getting into a disaster:
- Make sure the flowers inside the candle are dry, and not fresh flowers as the latter can contain moisture which can seep into the wax.
- Opt for smaller flowers or petals. If the flowers are not sunk into the wax, make sure to break them apart into tiny pieces if you see large ones.
- Make sure the dried flowers are as far away from the wick as possible.
- Remember, less is more. Just avoid candles that have a full-fledged garden planted on them.
- Choose a candle that has a large vessel, this will help in minimizing the risk.
The Final Takeaway
The above reasons are why we don’t include any dried flowers on our scented candles. We even turn down any customization requests that include any botanicals on candles, like dried flowers, or even small gem stones that can also explode when exposed to high heat.
Anyway, by following these tips and considering the alternatives, you can light beautiful and safe candles that add a touch of floral charm to your home. Remember, safety should always be your top priority when dealing with fire. So, light your candle with confidence, knowing you’ve taken the necessary precautions for a delightful and risk-free experience.
