Tyler Brooks
There are various methods of extinguishing a candle, such as blowing it out, using a candle snuffer, or dipping the wick. Some people believe that covering a lit candle with its lid is a neat trick to minimise smoke and soot production. However, this method is not recommended as it can cause the candle jar to turn black, alter the scent of the candle, and create a vacuum seal that makes it difficult to reopen the jar.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effectiveness | It can put out a candle |
| Safety | It is not a safety risk as long as the lid is not made of flammable or heat-sensitive material |
| Appearance | It may harm the candle's appearance by leaving black, sooty residue on the underside of the lid and on the insides of the container |
| Scent | It may alter the original fragrance of the candle |
| Lid | It may get stuck due to a vacuum seal |
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What You'll Learn
Using a lid to extinguish a candle is effective
However, one downside of using a lid to extinguish a candle is that it can result in soot accumulation within the jar. The trapped soot can settle onto the underside of the lid and the insides of the container, giving it a blackened appearance. Additionally, the soot may mix with the wax, altering the colour and scent of the candle. This is particularly undesirable for those who appreciate the pristine look of clean, white soy wax or value scent preservation.
To avoid the issue of soot accumulation, some people opt to blow out the candle first and then quickly place the lid on top to prevent smoke from escaping into the room. This two-step approach can be effective, but it is important to ensure that the lid is not placed on the candle while the wick is still smoking, as this can result in the absorption of smoke into the wax, affecting the candle's scent.
Another factor to consider when using a lid to extinguish a candle is the type of lid and candle jar being used. Some candle lids are purely decorative and may be made from materials such as wood, plastic, or rubber seals that can melt or deform when exposed to heat. Additionally, if there is a significant amount of empty space in the container, the flame may continue to burn for an extended period, using up the oxygen inside and creating a vacuum seal that makes it difficult to reopen the jar.
In conclusion, while using a lid to extinguish a candle can be effective, it is important to be mindful of potential drawbacks, such as soot accumulation, alterations to the candle's appearance and scent, and the possibility of vacuum seals forming. Alternative methods, such as using wick dippers or snuffers, can be considered to maintain the integrity and longevity of the candle while also ensuring safe and effective extinguishment.
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It is safer to blow out a candle
Blowing out a candle is a widely accepted way of extinguishing it. While it is a popular method, it is not the best way to put out a candle. Blowing out a candle can cause hot wax to splatter, and it may not fully extinguish the flame, leading to possible hazards. However, there are ways to improve the safety of this method. For example, you can wet your finger with a bit of water and then use that damp finger to touch the wick. This ensures that the flame will not spark or sputter, and no bad contaminants will be released into the air.
Another way to improve the safety of blowing out a candle is to use a glass to cover the candle after blowing it out. This method can be used on soy candles, which hold the flame better and take longer to go out. Using a glass to cover the candle after blowing it out will help to extinguish the flame quickly without any smoke. It is important to note that if soy candles are left in an enclosed area or near flammable materials, the heat they generate could cause the glass container to break. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor soy candle use and keep any burning candles away from flammable items.
Additionally, it is important to follow general candle safety guidelines. This includes never leaving a burning candle unattended and keeping them out of the reach of children and pets. It is also recommended to burn a candle for no more than four hours at a time to prevent overheating. Before each burn, the wick should be trimmed to about 1/4 inch to ensure a cleaner, brighter burn and prevent soot build-up.
While some people choose to put the lid on a candle to extinguish it, this method is not recommended. It can cause smoke and soot to be trapped within the jar, affecting the candle's scent and appearance. It can also create a vacuum seal that makes it difficult to open the lid again. Therefore, while blowing out a candle may not be the ideal method, it is safer than using the lid to extinguish the flame.
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Lids can get stuck due to vacuum sealing
While it is possible to put out a candle by covering it with a lid, this method is not recommended due to the potential risks and negative effects it can have on the candle and its container. One of the main issues with using a lid to extinguish a candle is that it can create a vacuum seal, causing the lid to become stuck and difficult to remove. This happens when the flame uses up all the oxygen inside the container, creating a vacuum that suctions the lid tightly in place.
To avoid this issue, it is generally advised not to fully seal the candle with the lid. Instead, simply resting the lid gently on top of the candle jar until the flame goes out can prevent the vacuum effect. Removing the lid promptly after extinguishing the flame can also help prevent the build-up of smoke and soot inside the jar, which can alter the candle's scent and appearance.
In addition to the risk of a vacuum seal, fully sealing a lit candle with a lid can be hazardous. The lack of oxygen inside the container can cause the flame to burn longer and hotter, potentially resulting in dangerous levels of heat, especially with soy candles. This increased heat can also melt or deform the lid, especially if it is made of wood, plastic, or has a rubber seal.
Furthermore, using the lid to extinguish a candle can affect the candle's integrity and scent preservation. The trapped smoke and soot can settle into the wax, leaving a black residue on the underside of the lid and the inside of the container. This can be particularly undesirable for candles with light-coloured wax, such as pristine white soy wax, as it can ruin the candle's aesthetic appeal.
To avoid these issues, it is recommended to use alternative methods to extinguish candles, such as wick dippers or snuffers, which can effectively put out the flame while preserving the candle's scent and appearance. Blowing out candles is also an option, although it may not be as effective in preventing smoke and soot, and there is a risk of hot wax splattering.
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Smoke can get trapped in the wax
The trapped smoke can also gradually alter the original fragrance of scented candles, causing them to start smelling smoky. In addition, if there is a lot of empty space in the container, the flame will continue to burn, using up all the oxygen inside. This can create a vacuum seal that suctions the lid tightly, making it difficult to open again.
To avoid these issues, it is recommended to use alternative methods to extinguish candles, such as wick dippers or snuffers, which can maintain the candle's appearance and scent. Blowing out candles is another popular method, but it can cause hot wax to splatter and may not fully extinguish the flame, leading to possible hazards.
It is worth noting that the type of candle wax also plays a role in the amount of smoke produced. For example, paraffin candle wax smoke is known for lung toxicity and can cause lung inflammation, arteriosclerosis, and aging effects on chromosomes in the lungs and spleen. On the other hand, natural candle wax, such as soy candle wax, is generally safer and less likely to emit smoke.
To minimize smoke production, it is recommended to trim the wick regularly, maintain a healthy candle temperature, and choose quality candles with pure or natural ingredients. By following these practices, individuals can enjoy their candles while minimizing the negative impacts of smoke, whether it is trapped in the wax or released into the environment.
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There are better ways to extinguish candles
While putting the lid on a burning candle will indeed deprive the flame of oxygen and extinguish it, there are better ways to put out a candle.
Firstly, not all candle lids are meant to be used to extinguish flames. Some lids are purely decorative, made from materials like wood or plastic, or have rubber seals that can melt or deform when exposed to heat.
Secondly, using the lid to extinguish a candle traps smoke and soot inside the jar. This leaves black residue on the lid and inside the container, affecting the candle's appearance and scent.
Thirdly, if there is a lot of empty space in the container, the flame will continue to burn until it uses up all the oxygen inside. This can create a vacuum seal that suctions the lid tightly to the candle jar, making it difficult to open again and possibly causing the lid to break.
So, what are the best ways to extinguish a candle? Two recommended methods are using a wick dipper or a candle snuffer. A wick dipper is a long piece of metal with a flat handle on one end and a thin tip with a bent hook on the other. To extinguish the candle, use the wick dipper to quickly dip the wick into the melted wax and then lift it back out. This method instantly puts out the candle with very little smoke and prevents debris from falling into the wax pool.
A candle snuffer is another excellent option. It is a long-stemmed metal rod with a small cone or bell at the end. To extinguish the flame, hover the cone or bell over the flame and lower it until it just touches the surface of the wax pool, cutting off the oxygen and extinguishing the flame. This method produces slightly more smoke than using a wick dipper but is still minimal. It also looks elegant and sophisticated and prevents debris from falling into the wax pool.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is safe to put out a candle with the lid as long as the candle lid is not made of flammable or heat-sensitive material. Simply place the lid on top of the candle without pressing down to deprive the flame of oxygen. However, this method is not recommended as it can cause soot production and alter the scent of the candle.
Putting out a candle with the lid can cause soot to accumulate on the underside of the lid and on the insides of the container. This can affect the scent and appearance of the candle. The trapped smoke can also alter the original fragrance of the candle, giving it a smoky smell. Additionally, the lid might get stuck due to the vacuum created when the flame uses up all the oxygen inside.
One recommended way to put out a candle is to use a wick dipper or a snuff
