Candle with Care

Candle fires account for 2.4% of all fires and result in 6% of total injuries from fires and 3% of all fatalities from fires.
The National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) reports candle fire incidents occur most often in the bedroom (45.2%), then in the family room (17.5%) and the bathroom (11.2%). The kitchen accounts for 6.3% of candle fire incidents. NFIRS also reports that the materials most often ignited by candles are cabinetry (9.4%); bedding (blankets, sheets, comforters, etc.) (7.7%); curtains and drapery (7.2%); mattresses & pillows (5.5%). Here are some Cathedral Tips on the proper way to burn a Candle:

Before lighting

1. Trim the wick to ¼ inch each time before burning. Long or crooked wicks can cause uneven burning, dripping or flaring.
2. Burn candles in a well-ventilated room.
3. Place the candleholder on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
4. Keep the wax pool clear of wick trimmings, matches and debris at all times.
5. Avoid drafts, vents or air currents. This will help prevent rapid or uneven burning, and sooting.
6. Follow recommended burn times. This will prevent excessive heat build up.

While burning

1. Never touch or move a burning candle. Never move a votive or container candle when the wax is liquefied.
2. Don't burn a candle all the way down. For a margin of safety, discontinue burning a candle when 10% of the wax is left.
3. Extinguish a candle if the flame becomes too high or flickers repeatedly. Let the candle cool, trim the wick, and check for unwanted drafts before re-lighting.
4. Always keep the candle within your sight. If you are going to leave the room, be sure to first blow out all candles.

When extinguishing

1. Use a candle snuffer to extinguish a candle. It's the safest way to prevent hot wax from splattering.
2. Never use water to extinguish a candle. Water can cause the hot wax to splatter and might break a glass container.
3. Make sure the candle is completely out and the wick ember is no longer glowing before leaving the room. 4. Don't touch or move the candle until it has completely cooled.

Reuse your Candle Jars!

Just because your candle stop burning doesn't meaning your jar is done. Here at Cathedral we love reusing our old jars for different occasions. Our favorite ways to used them are:

• Storage for office supplies (paper clips, rubber bands, etc).
• Vases for beautiful Orchids and Succulents.
• Votive holders.
• Bouquets of pen and pencils.
• Make-up brushes.
• Cocktail rings.
• Storage for pet treats!

Our favorite brands to reuse are always Lafco and Simpatico for their bright colors and beautiful presentation.

Pumpkin Lanterns

Beautiful Pumpkin Lanterns! So easy to make and full of personality. At Cathedral we are fully stocked in tapers, votives and tea lights for all your Holiday projects and for ambiance check the ultra earthy Bonfire Candle from Fifth & Madison or the creamy Pumpkin Chai Latte Candle from Nest.

Wax on Carpet!!

Hot wax dripped on your carpet, you say? Let's go over some tips to remove that stuff.

• Allow the wax to dry. It's easier to remove dry wax without making a mess.
• Freeze it. Put some ice cubes in a plastic bag, then leave it on the area until the wax is as hard as can be.
• Scrape the excess with a spoon or a dull knife. You probably won't get it all, but that's OK. Just get most of it up if you can. By the way, only use a dull knife; a serrated one could damage the fibers.
• Spread a damp white cloth over the wax stain. It's worth noting that most people recommend a brown paper bag, but a damp cloth will be helpful...
• Iron the cloth (or bag). The iron against the damp cloth will produce steam that sucks the wax right up. But a paper bag works fine too.

WARNING! Most modern homes have carpet made from poly-fibers, which will melt at hot temperatures. Keep the iron at a low setting to prevent this from happening.

If the wax is tinted, it may have left an ugly stain on your carpet. If that's the case, try removing it with some rubbing alcohol. If there's still some grease, sprinkle some baking soda on the spot and leave it overnight. Vacuum it up the next morning.