My 99p Christmas candle from Home Bargains nearly set my home alight – bin yours immediately if you have one
A WOMAN has warned people to bin a popular candle from Home Bargains after it nearly set her home alight.
With autumn in full swing, many of us have been stocking up on candles and wax melts to make our homes feel and smell cosy - whether that’s festive scents of apple and cinnamon or gorgeous gingerbread flavours.
One shopper flocked to Home Bargains to stock up on candles to make her home smell festive, but has now shared her scary experience online, in a bid to raise awareness and warn others.
She nabbed a from the much-loved chain, but warned shoppers to steer clear of the cheap buy after a horrific incident.
The mortified customer explained that she was sitting in front of the candle, when she noticed it catch fire.
Keen to alert others, Gillian Vickers took to social media to reveal all, leaving many open-mouthed.
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Posting on , a public Facebook group with 600,500 members, Gillian shared a picture of the once gingerbread-shaped candle, which she had placed on a candle lid.
The scary image shows the melted candle and huge flames, allegedly caused by the gingerbread-shaped buy.
Gillian, who bought the purse-friendly candle to get into the festive spirit, then claimed: “Candle in the shape of gingerbread man, do not buy.
“If I wasn’t sat in front of it, god knows what would have happened.”
According to Home Bargains, ‘the scented gingerbread shaped candle is a fun way to spice up your holiday decorations.’
It is ‘shaped like a cute gingerbread cookie’ and brings ‘a warm, cozy scent of gingerbread into your home’.
The retailer claimed that the cute candle is ‘great for setting a festive vibe and makes a wonderful gift or a little indulgence for yourself during the holidays.’
Social media users were shocked by Gillian’s scary experience and many flocked to the comments to share their thoughts.
Jo Malone Blackberry & Bay Home, £48, / B&M No.2 Blackberry & Bay, £3.99,
Diptyque’s Baies, £56, / Maison Louis Marie Antidris Cassis, £41,
Diptyque’s Jasmin Scented, £56, / Zara White Jasmine, £15.99,
Le Labo Santal 26, £68, / White Vetiver Classic, £33,
One person said: “Same happened to us with Home Bargains candles.”
Another added: “[It] needs reporting to the shop then, so bad!!”
Take it back for a refund
Facebook user
A third commented: “Omg I just bought one.”
To this, one user advised: “Take it back for a refund.”
Despite the incident leaving Gillian in a state of shock, several people reckoned that she had no one else to blame but herself.
As one Home Bargains shopper claimed: “Most of these types of candles are just for decorative purposes.”
At the same time, another chimed in: “It’s probably an ornamental candle.”
5 things you didn't know about Home Bargains
- Home Bargains was founded by Tom Morris
- It's official name is TJ Morris Ltd but trades as Home Bargains
- The first store was opened in Liverpool in 1976
- Around 30% of the stores range comprises clearance lines
- There are 575 stores nationwide
However, according to Gillian, it wasn’t made clear on how to use the candle safely.
Gillian snapped: “What, a candle isn’t a candle? [What] is that about?
“Should be more prominent then and not have a wick through it, that is just idiotic.”
Home Bargains responded to our request for comment and shared: “Naturally, we are sorry to learn of our customers' experience and distress they have suffered and we take the safety of our customers extremely seriously, which is why all of our candles are stringently tested to the relevant UK safety standards.
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“It is important to follow the user instructions and not to burn candles on or near anything that can catch fire and always leave 10cm between burning candles.
“Upon investigation we have no reports logged with our Customer Support team that match this incident but we would be happy to work with the customer if they get in touch.”