Aromatherapy Safety Guide: Correct Lighting and Extinguishing Methods for a Fragrant and Safe Experi

Aromatherapy has become a popular choice for many people to enhance their quality of life due to its unique ability to create a fragrant atmosphere. However, the use of aromatherapy products—especially those requiring open flames or heating, such as aromatherapy candles and diffuser lamps—carries certain safety risks. Mastering the correct lighting and extinguishing methods is a prerequisite for enjoying the fragrance. Below is a detailed introduction to the standard operating procedures and precautions for using aromatherapy products.

Thorough preparation before lighting aromatherapy products can reduce risks from the source. First, inspect the aromatherapy product itself: for aromatherapy candles, ensure the wick is trimmed to a reasonable length (1-1.5 cm is recommended). An overly long wick can cause the flame to be too high, produce black smoke, and may result in uneven heating of the wax. For diffuser lamps, check that the lamp base wiring is intact and that the bulb wattage matches the product specifications to avoid accidents caused by circuit issues. Second, choose an appropriate placement location: keep the product away from flammable items such as curtains, tablecloths, and books, and avoid drafty areas—wind can cause the flame of an aromatherapy candle to flicker and tilt, potentially leading to wax spillage or ignition of surrounding objects, while also disrupting the stable diffusion of the fragrance. Additionally, ensure the surface it is placed on is flat and stable to prevent the aromatherapy container from tipping over.

The process of lighting aromatherapy products requires focus and standardization. For aromatherapy candles, it is advisable to use a long-handled lighter or matches to avoid burning your hands by getting too close to the flame. Aim directly at the center of the wick when lighting to ensure it burns fully. If the wick does not burn completely on the first light, it may lead to a "memory ring" later (i.e., the edges of the wax pool solidify while the center sinks), affecting the service life of the aromatherapy candle. For multi-wick aromatherapy candles, light them one by one to prevent flames from interfering with each other when lit simultaneously. After lighting, observe for 1-2 minutes to confirm that the flame height is stable (generally, the flame height of an aromatherapy candle should be 2-3 cm) and no black smoke is produced. If the flame is too high, extinguish it, trim the wick, and relight. If black smoke appears, check if the wick is too long or if the candle is in a drafty area, and adjust accordingly before reuse.

The extinguishing process of aromatherapy products is equally crucial; incorrect extinguishing methods may leave safety hazards. It is not recommended to blow out aromatherapy candles directly with your mouth, as this may cause wax to splatter and could also make the wick lean to one side, leading to a wax pool fire. There are three correct extinguishing methods: first, use wick trimmers to cut the wick— the flame will go out as the wick can no longer burn. When operating, wait until the flame is completely extinguished before moving the candle. Second, use a dedicated snuffer: gently place the snuffer over the wick to cut off oxygen and extinguish the flame, avoiding pressing hard to prevent wax spillage. Third, for small aromatherapy candles, gently push the wick into the wax pool; after the flame is extinguished, straighten the wick and allow the wax to cool and fix it in place.

Regardless of the type of aromatherapy product used, always remember the principle of "never leave aromatherapy unattended" to avoid accidents caused by prolonged unsupervised use. Meanwhile, clean the aromatherapy container regularly to remove residual wax residue and wick ash—this not only ensures the effectiveness of the aromatherapy product but also further improves usage safety. Mastering the correct lighting and extinguishing methods allows aromatherapy to truly add warmth and comfort to life.