Experts are warning about a new ‘dangerous’ TikTok trend where people are creating homemade radiators from candles and terracotta plant pots.
Users are placing an upside down terracotta pot over a group of lit candles to create a miniature heater that will warm their homes.
Tutorials promote it as a ‘cost of living hack’ which will help people to save money on their heating bills.
However, experts from London Fire Brigade have warned that the trend is dangerous, as the outside of the pot will get very hot and creates a burn risk.
Moisture can also get trapped inside the clay after watering plants, which could quickly evaporate with the heat and cause the pot to explode.
The Brigade’s Assistant Commissioner Charlie Pugsley said: ‘Candles are one of the most common causes of fires in the home and they shouldn’t be used for anything other than their intended purpose.
‘Although life hacks can be handy, so many of them have the potential to be dangerous, and we would urge people not to follow videos online if they could put you or others in danger.’
Fire experts from London Fire Brigade have said that the trend is very dangerous, as the outside of the pot will get very hot and creates a burn risk
Videos explaining how to set up a terracotta pot heater began circulating on TikTok at the start of 2021, but have recently gained more attention as it starts to get colder.
The hashtag ‘#terracottapotheater’ has been used on videos with over two million views in total.
With the cost of living going up in the UK and around the world, many people are frantically looking for any way to save on heating their homes.
But, according to the London Fire Brigade, this homemade heater is not the way to do it.
The fire and rescue service was forced to issue a warning back in 2013, after a YouTube video went viral that showed man heating his study using tea light candles and flower pots.
In the clip, the man claimed he can heat his study for only 8p a day.
Mr Pugsley said: ‘We understand people are concerned about the cost of living and are looking for cheaper ways to heat their homes.
‘But as firefighters, we do sadly see the devastating results of when things go wrong and we have to highlight the risks involved.’
Terracotta plant pots are made from a baked clay, which allows water to pass through it easily in order to prevent the plant’s roots rotting.
However it also means that pockets of moisture can get trapped within the clay, which could remain, even if it looks to be dry.
If heated by candles, these pockets of water could quickly evaporate and the gases burst through the clay in a dangerous explosion
Pockets of moisture can get trapped within the clay pot, which could remain even if it looks to be dry. If heated by candles, these pockets of water could quickly evaporate and the gases burst through the clay in a dangerous explosion
With the cost of living going up in the UK and around the world, many people are frantically looking for any way to save on heating their homes
The candles themselves present their own fire risk, as if the pot gets knocked over or there is a small gust of wind any nearby flammable objects could catch alight.
They also produce soot, particularly when there is not a consistent flow of oxygen available as a result of the pot covering the flame.
When inhaled, soot settles deep in the lungs, and has a similar effect to passive smoking.
Paraffin wax candles also release small amounts of toxic chemicals such as toluene and benzene, which are known to increase the risk of lung cancer.
A single candle is unlikely to do any damage, but these chemicals could become a problem if the heater is used consistently or in a poorly ventilated room.
If you are to use a candle to help heat a room, it must always be supervised and should not have any coverings. A hot water bottle is a safer alternative.
Mr Pugsley added: ‘We would always recommend people swap to using safer LED candles rather than flame ones, but if you are using them they should never be left unattended.
‘It’s also important people have working smoke alarms and know what to do in the event of the fire.
‘For tips on how to keep safe from fire, take a look at the Brigade’s Home Fire Safety Checker which will give you advice tailored for your home.
‘If you’re struggling to pay your energy bills, Citizens Advice can give you information on grants and benefits that can help you.’
