Tyler Brooks
Putting out a candle may not seem like a task that requires much explanation, but there are many different ways to do it. The most obvious way is to blow out the flame, but you can also use your fingers, tweezers, or a snuffer. If you choose to use your fingers, it is important to lick them first to add a layer of protection from the heat of the flame. You can then pinch and release the wick quickly. If you don't let go immediately, you may feel a warm sensation, but once the flame is out, the heat will dissipate almost instantly. While this method can be done safely, if done incorrectly, you may burn your fingers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Possibility | Yes, but it requires bravery and practice |
| Risk | Burning your fingers |
| Preparation | Wet your fingers or lick them |
| Execution | Pinch and release the wick quickly |
| Sensation | A warm sensation may be felt momentarily |
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What You'll Learn
Wetting fingers for protection
Pinching out a candle with your fingers can be done without hurting yourself, but it is important to take certain precautions. Firstly, it is recommended to wet your fingers before attempting this. Licking your fingers or using water from a nearby source, such as a sink or drinking glass, can add a protective layer of moisture to your fingertips. This moisture acts as a barrier between your skin and the flame, helping to dissipate the heat and prevent burning.
The next step is to act quickly and with purpose. Using your thumb and forefinger, or any two fingers, grasp the wick of the candle and pinch it out rapidly. Ensure that you release the wick immediately after extinguishing the flame. You may feel a warm sensation momentarily, but the heat will dissipate almost instantly once the flame is out.
It is worth noting that people in the past, particularly during the 1700s and 1800s, likely had rougher and less sensitive hands due to their occupations and lack of modern tools. As a result, they may have found it easier to pinch out a candle flame without the need for wetting their fingers first. However, in modern times, wetting your fingers is generally recommended to avoid any potential pain or discomfort.
While wetting your fingers can provide protection, it is still possible to burn yourself if you do not execute the pinching action quickly and accurately. Therefore, it is important to practice this technique and master the timing before attempting it regularly. Additionally, some people suggest using tweezers to grasp the wick and then bending it into the liquid wax to extinguish the flame, providing an alternative method that may be safer for those concerned about burning their fingers.
In summary, wetting your fingers before pinching out a candle is an effective way to protect your skin from the heat of the flame. The moisture acts as a safeguard, but it is also crucial to act swiftly and release the wick immediately after extinguishing the flame. With practice and caution, you can master the art of pinching out a candle without causing any harm to yourself.
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Pinching the wick quickly
Pinching the wick of a candle with your fingers is a quick way to extinguish the flame, but it can be dangerous if not done correctly. The key to success is to act quickly and with purpose, and to always ensure your fingers are wet or moist before attempting this method.
Firstly, it is important to understand why wetting your fingers is necessary. The moisture acts as a protective barrier between your skin and the flame, preventing burns. You can wet your fingers by licking them or by dipping them in water if it is available. This step should not be skipped, as it significantly reduces the risk of injury.
Once your fingers are moist, it is time to act swiftly. Using your thumb and forefinger, or any two fingers, grasp the wick of the candle firmly but gently, and release it immediately. The speed of this motion is crucial to avoid any potential harm. Done correctly, the flame should be extinguished upon contact with your moist fingertips, and you may only feel a brief warm sensation.
It is important to note that this method does come with some risks. If not executed properly, there is a chance of burning your fingers. Therefore, it is essential to be cautious and to ensure you can quickly pull your hand away if needed. Additionally, be mindful that blowing out the candle is generally easier and less risky, so this traditional method may be more suitable for those seeking convenience and safety.
With practice, you can master the art of pinching out a candle without burning yourself. It is a skill that requires bravery, precision, and a moist set of fingers. However, if you are uncomfortable with the risks, it is always best to stick to conventional methods like blowing out the candle or using a snuffer.
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Blowing out the flame
Purse your lips together and blow a thin stream of air to extinguish the flame in one quick gust. Keep blowing until the flame is completely out. If you blow too hard, you may end up with wax spraying everywhere, which could cause a mess or even minor burns. Blowing out a candle also releases a plume of thick, dark smoke, so be sure to stand clear of the smoke when blowing out the candle and do it in a well-ventilated area. Over time, the smoke from blown-out candles can cause unsightly black buildup on the wax or the inside of the container.
If you want to avoid the mess and smoke of blowing out a candle, you can try extinguishing the flame with your fingers. However, this method comes with a risk of burning yourself, so it's important to take precautions. First, lick your fingers or wet them with water to add a protective layer that will guard your skin from the heat. Then, pinch the wick quickly and release it. You may feel a warm sensation, but the heat will dissipate almost instantly once the flame is out.
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Using tweezers
Firstly, ensure you have a secure grip on the wick with the tweezers. It is important to approach the wick from the side, rather than from above, to avoid the heat and flame. Get as close to the base of the wick as possible, as this will make it easier to submerge in the wax.
Once you have a firm grip on the wick, quickly and smoothly bend the wick into the liquid wax. This action will smother the flame, depriving it of oxygen and extinguishing it. It is important to act swiftly, as a naked flame is dangerous and can easily spread.
After extinguishing the flame, be sure to pull the wick out of the wax immediately. If left in the wax for too long, the wick may become lost or difficult to retrieve. Once the wick is out of the wax, straighten it and allow the wax to dry before lighting the candle again.
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Bending the wick into wax
Bending the wick into the wax is one of the ways to extinguish a candle without blowing it out. This method requires the use of tweezers or fingers.
If using tweezers, grasp the wick with the tweezers and then bend the wick into the liquid wax. It is important to pull the wick out of the wax pool immediately to avoid losing it inside the wax. Straighten the wick and, once the wax is dry, clip away the burnt, frayed tip.
If using your fingers, it is important to first lick your fingers or wet them with water to protect your skin from the heat of the flame. Then, pinch the wick with your fingers and bend it into the wax. As with the tweezers method, be sure to pull the wick out of the wax immediately to avoid losing it.
It is worth noting that the practice of pinching out a candle flame with fingers may have originated in the 1700s-1800s when people had rougher and less sensitive hands due to manual labour. While it is possible to put out a candle with your fingers without burning yourself, it requires bravery and a quick release of the wick after pinching it out.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it does not hurt to pinch out a candle, but you must be quick and completely cover the bottom of the flame. It is recommended that you lick your fingers first to add a layer of water that protects your skin from burning.
The water acts as an insulator, creating a barrier that protects your fingers from the flame.
The water does eventually evaporate, but if you are quick enough, it does not have the time or energy to heat up your skin enough to cause a burn.
If you burn your fingers, blow out the candle and put some aloe on your fingers to soothe the pain.
