Never leave a burning candle unattended. Extinguish all candles when you leave a room or go to sleep. Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets to prevent them from being knocked over. Place candles on a sturdy, heat-resistant surface such as a ceramic tile or metal plate. Avoid plastic surfaces, as the heat from tea lights can melt them. Keep flames at least 12 inches (30 cm) away from flammable materials like curtains, furniture, paper, bedding, and clothing. Maintain at least 4 inches (10 cm) of space between burning candles to prevent them from creating a large flame or melting each other. Do not place candles under shelves or other enclosed spaces, as heat can build up and ignite the surface above. Burn candles in a well-ventilated room, but avoid drafts, vents, or air currents, which can cause uneven burning, dripping, or the flame to flare up. Do not move a candle once it is lit or while the wax is still liquid. Proper Candle Maintenance Trim the wick before each use to ensure a steady flame and minimize soot. Do not burn candles for more than four hours at a time to prevent the container from overheating. Allow the candle to cool completely before re-lighting. Extinguish the candle when about 1/2 inch (1.5 cm) of wax remains to prevent the container from cracking due to excessive heat at the base. Extinguishing Candles Safely.