Brooke Martin
Red candles, like any other candles, can be extinguished in several ways. The most common method is blowing them out, but this can cause hot wax to splatter, potentially burning your skin or damaging nearby objects. It can also result in a large plume of smoke, which can leave an unpleasant smell and even set off smoke alarms. Other methods include using a candle snuffer, a wick dipper, or the lid of the candle jar. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to choose one that is safe and effective to avoid any potential fire hazards or damage to the candle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safely extinguishing a candle | Minimising smoke, preventing wax splatter, reducing the risk of accidental fires |
| Blowing out a candle | Can cause hot wax to splatter, potentially burning skin or damaging nearby objects, can result in a large plume of smoke |
| Using a candle snuffer | Hold the snuffer over the flame for a few seconds, remove the snuffer carefully to avoid disturbing the wax pool |
| Using a wick dipper | Quickly press the wick down into the oil to eliminate oxygen and immediately put the flame out, reposition the wick with the dipper |
| Using fingers | Wet your fingers with water to protect them from the heat, quickly pinch the wick between your fingers and immediately release |
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What You'll Learn
Blowing out red candles
When blowing out the candle, it is recommended to position your face a few inches away from the flame, with the wick at mouth level. Purse your lips together and blow a thin stream of air to extinguish the flame in one quick gust. Be careful not to blow too forcefully, as this can cause hot wax to spray, resulting in a mess or minor burns. Stand clear of the smoke to prevent soot from depositing on your skin, clothes, or the surrounding area.
While blowing out candles is a common method, it is not always recommended due to the potential issues it can cause. Blowing out candles can result in wax being blown everywhere, causing unevenness in the candle and a mess in the surrounding area. Additionally, it can lead to the emission of a lot of smoke, which can reduce the fragrance of the candle and leave an unpleasant after-scent.
To avoid these issues, some alternative methods can be used to extinguish red candles. One popular method is using a wick dipper, which usually has a long handle with a hook or tip at one end. To use this, quickly dip the wick into the melted wax and then lift it back out, extinguishing the flame with minimal smoke. Another recommended method is using a candle snuffer, also known as a douter. Candle snuffers have been used for centuries and are effective in quickly extinguishing the flame with minimal smoke. Place the bell-shaped end of the snuffer over the wick, depriving the flame of oxygen and stifling it gradually. These methods help to preserve the fragrance of the candle and lengthen its life.
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Using a candle snuffer
Candle snuffers are an effective way to extinguish red candles. They are small tools that can extinguish a candle quickly and safely. They are also a great way to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any candle display. Candle snuffers help to prevent wax from spattering and can extend the life of a candle by preventing the wick from smoking.
To use a candle snuffer, simply hold it over the candle flame until the flame is extinguished. Ensure that the snuffers do not come into contact with the melted wax. The snuffer should be held in place until the flame goes out completely. You may see a small wisp of smoke escape from around the edges of the bell. Keep it over the wick for at least one full second. Afterward, cover the candle with a lid and store the snuffer in a safe, out-of-the-way place.
It is important to pay attention to the way you hold the snuffer over the candle. Rather than dipping the snuffer into the wax, gently hover it over the wick for roughly 10 seconds without dipping it too far down. This will ensure that the snuffers do not bump against the wick and will prevent debris from dropping into the wax.
Candle snuffers are a superior alternative to blowing out candles. Blowing out candles can cause issues such as wax being blown everywhere, unevenness in the wax, and tunneling. Blowing out candles also allows the candle wick to emit a lot of smoke, which can reduce the effect of the candle's fragrance.
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Dipping the wick into wax
- Place the candle on a flat, stable surface away from drafts to ensure an even burn and prevent dripping.
- Allow the candle to burn until the wax melts and forms a pool that reaches the edges of the container. This helps to prevent tunneling, which is when a hole forms in the centre of the candle while the outer wax remains untouched.
- Hold the wick dipper by its handle and position the curved end above the flame, without touching it.
- Gently push the wick into the melted wax pool, submerging it completely. This cuts off the wick's access to oxygen, extinguishing the flame naturally.
- Keep the wick submerged for a few seconds until the flame goes out.
- Lift the wick back out of the wax and straighten it, preparing it for the next lighting.
Using a wick dipper to extinguish a candle offers several benefits. It minimizes smoke and soot, preventing the wick from mushrooming and ensuring the wick is coated with wax for better burning in future uses. This enhances the candle's longevity and maintains a cleaner burning process. Additionally, dipping the wick in wax after extinguishing the flame helps to condition the wick, making it easier to light and improving its burning performance.
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Pinching the wick with wet fingers
First, it is crucial to wet your fingers before attempting to pinch the wick. This protective layer of moisture will help prevent your fingers from burning. You can lick your fingers or use water from a nearby source, such as a sink or drinking glass. The moisture will help to absorb the heat and protect your skin.
Once your fingers are wet, it is important to act quickly. Move your hand close to the flame, ensuring that the wick is at around mouth level. In one rapid motion, grasp the wick firmly between your thumb and forefinger, pinching it tightly. The moisture on your fingers should cause the flame to die out immediately upon contact. Make sure to release the wick quickly and let go of the candle to avoid any accidental burns.
While this method can be effective, it is important to exercise caution. The close proximity to the flame and the need for precise timing mean that there is a risk of burning your fingers. It is always a good idea to have a backup plan, such as a candle snuffer or tweezers, nearby in case you need to extinguish the flame more urgently.
With practice, you may be able to extinguish the candle without wetting your fingers each time. However, safety should always come first, and it is generally recommended to keep your fingers moistened when attempting this method. Remember to trim the wick to about 1/4 inch before lighting the candle to help control the size of the flame and reduce the chances of wax splattering.
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Using the candle's lid
Secondly, using the lid to extinguish a candle can result in soot production and unexpected hazards. The lid traps smoke and soot inside the jar, leaving black residue on the underside of the lid and the inside of the container. This not only affects the appearance of your candle but can also settle into the wax, altering its scent and colour. Additionally, the trapped smoke can infuse back into the melted wax, potentially changing its fragrance and colour during future burns.
Furthermore, if there is a significant amount 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 challenging to remove.
Instead of using the lid, it is recommended to use a wick dipper or a candle snuffer to extinguish your candles safely and effectively. A wick dipper is a long metal tool with a hook at one end. To extinguish the flame, use the wick dipper to quickly dip the wick into the melted wax and then lift it back out. This method prevents smoke and preserves the aroma of your candle. Alternatively, a candle snuffer is a long-stemmed metal rod with a small cone or bell at the end. To use it, hold the bell over the flame, cutting off the oxygen supply and extinguishing the flame gradually. This method produces minimal smoke and looks elegant and sophisticated.
Remember, before each burn, it is essential to trim the wick to about 1/4 inch or 1/8 inch to ensure a brighter and longer-lasting flame. Additionally, always allow the candle to cool completely before relighting to avoid possible hazards.
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Frequently asked questions
Blowing out a candle can cause hot wax to splatter, potentially burning your skin or damaging nearby objects. To avoid this, you can use a wick dipper to bend the wick into the wax, extinguishing the flame without smoke. Alternatively, use a candle snuffer, which has a long handle with a bell shape on one end.
To preserve the quality of your candle, it is recommended to use a wick dipper or a candle snuffer. Blowing out a candle can cause issues with your wax, such as unevenness and tunneling.
If you don't have access to a wick dipper or candle snuffer, you can try blowing out the candle. Purse your lips together and blow a thin stream of air at the flame. Be careful not to blow too forcefully, as this can cause wax to splatter.
