Safe Candle Alternatives

9/18/2021 (Permalink)

How To Prevent Home Fires

Candles can become dangerous in an instant, but people often take the risk of starting a fire to experience the lovely aroma and ambiance of candles. To keep your home safe without giving up the perks of lighting your favorite candle, keep reading about all of our candle alternatives. 

1. Ultrasonic Essential Oil Diffuser

With self-care becoming more and more mainstream, it should come as no surprise that many people are using popular spa treatments in their homes. Case in point: ultrasonic aromatherapy diffusers.

Utilizing the invigorating powers of natural essential oils, ultrasonic diffusers — such as the AromaOm Ultrasonic Diffuser — are essentially small humidifiers that emit cool, aromatic mist. Not only do they fill a room with aromatherapy scents, but (unlike candles) they’re safe to leave unattended, too. And unlike the humidifiers they share technology with, they won’t significantly raise the humidity of your home.

2.  Diffuser Sticks

Looking for a diffuser that lasts a bit longer? Consider a vase filled with diffuser sticks. This type of room scent not only makes for an excellent home accessory, but it also works well and isn’t too overpowering. Plus, the oil blend lasts a lot longer than an ultrasonic diffuser, so you can reap the benefits of natural scents without much fuss. Even better? These diffuser kits are easy to find at stores like Target and Walmart. 

3. Electric Wax Warmer

With electric wax warmers, you can have your cake and eat it, too. Like candles, wax warmers utilize scented wax to fill a space with invigorating scents. Only, they’re much safer than candlewick, as they don’t utilize an open flame to melt the wax. Wax melts come in thousands of scents, so you won’t be missing out by switching to this safer alternative.

4. Potpourri

With so many different options for room aromas, potpourri isn’t as popular as it once was. However, it still gets the job done and can look beautiful in an entryway or on a coffee table. Look for handmade potpourri on Etsy, or make your own to get the perfect scent for your home. 

5.  Slow Cooker Potpourri

In addition to traditional dry potpourri, slow cooker potpourri is another great way to add some festive scents to your home, and it’s much safer than using the stove. All you have to do is add some of your favorite aromas like cinnamon sticks, cranberries, apples, etc. — to a crockpot, fill it with water, and turn it on low. With time, the ingredients will begin to simmer and give off a warm, inviting aroma. Curious to know more? Try this slow cooker potpourri recipe from Don’t Waste The Crumbs.

6. DIY Essential Oil Room Spray

Another way to make your home smell nice naturally (and without the use of candles)? With a DIY room spray using your favorite essential oil scent. We love this recipe from Hello Glow.

7.  Incense

If you’re looking for a candle alternative that smells nice and requires (somewhat of) a flame, consider incense, this smoke-powered candle alternative brings a unique scent into your home with slightly less danger than a candle. One big plus? You can’t forget to blow it out because incense sticks only last for a limited amount of time.

Just be careful not to burn them close to curtains, and never leave them unattended. They may not have a flame, but the smoldering smoke can still spark a fire.

8.  Use The Microwave

If the goal of lighting a candle is to make your home smell amazing, the microwave offers a safe alternative that may even do a better job. Make your home smell like freshly baked cookies without the effort when you microwave 1 cup of water and 2 tsp of vanilla extract for a minute or two. For a fresh citrus scent pop some citrus peels in a bowl of water in the microwave for a minute or two. 

Keeping your home safe from fires should always be a top priority. So taking actions like swapping your candles for one of these great alternatives is a smart and easy way to keep your family safe. If fire struck your Charlotte, NC, home or business SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County can make it "Like it never even happened."

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