Ben Carter
There are several ways to properly extinguish a candle. One common method is to use a snuffer, which can be purchased cheaply from Amazon or eBay, that extinguishes the flame with minimal smoke. Another popular smoke-free method is to use a wick dipper, or a household item such as a pencil, to push the wick into the wax. This immediately extinguishes the flame without emitting smoke and also helps to prepare the wick for future use.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Blowing out a candle | Can cause issues with wax, like tunneling and unevenness, and can emit a lot of smoke |
| Putting the lid on the candle | Can trap smoke, infuse it back into the wax, and possibly change its scent; can fill the vessel with soot and make it dirty; can cause the lid to suction and break |
| Using a candle snuffer | Extinguishes the flame with minimal smoke; preserves the quality of the candle wax and fragrance |
| Using a wick dipper | Extinguishes the flame without emitting any smoke; helps prepare the wick for next use; prevents any white smoke |
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What You'll Learn
Using a candle snuffer
When using a candle snuffer, it is important to hold it over the candle without touching the wax. The snuffer should be placed over the lit wick, creating a seal that keeps air away from the flame and causing it to extinguish. This method helps to prevent wax and soot from being blown around and protects the quality of the candle. It is recommended to hold the snuffer over the flame for around two to three seconds until the flame is fully extinguished.
Candle snuffers are often preferred over blowing out candles as they extinguish the flame more quickly and evenly. Blowing out candles can cause hot wax to splash onto skin or nearby surfaces, as well as create issues with the wax, such as tunneling and unevenness. Additionally, blowing out a candle can emit a lot of smoke, which can reduce the scent of the candle and infuse the smoke back into the wax.
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Dipping the wick
Some people prefer this method because it does not create any smoke, which can ruin the scent of the candle and foster cleaner air. It is also a cheap and easy way to put out a candle, and it can improve the condition of the wicks for future burns.
However, it is important to note that dipping the wick can ruin the candle if not done correctly. For example, if the wick dipper is not removed from the wax after extinguishing the flame, it can cause the wick to become too saturated with wax, affecting its ability to burn properly in the future.
To avoid this, it is recommended to only dip the wick in the wax for a moment before pulling it back out with the dipper. Some people also recommend blowing on the wick or using a snuffer after dipping to ensure the flame is completely out.
Overall, dipping the wick is a great way to put out a candle without creating smoke, but it should be done carefully to avoid any issues.
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Blowing it out
Blowing out a candle is a straightforward way to extinguish the flame. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to do it properly and avoid common issues. Firstly, it is important to wait until the entire surface of the candle has melted before blowing it out. If you blow it out before the wax has melted evenly, the candle will only melt up to that point in the future, leaving a coating of hardened wax around the vessel.
When you're ready to blow out the candle, position your face a few inches away from the flame, with the wick at mouth level. This way, the air won't have to travel far to reach the flame, making it easier to extinguish. Be careful not to hover directly over the candle, as the rising heat from the flame could burn your face.
Purse your lips together and blow a thin stream of air at the wick. Exhale suddenly and strongly, but be careful not to blow too forcefully, as this can cause hot wax to splatter, creating a mess or even causing minor burns. Keep blowing until the flame is completely extinguished. Stand clear of the smoke, as it can deposit soot on your skin, clothes, or the surrounding area.
While blowing out a candle is a simple and effective method, it does have some drawbacks. Blowing out candles can cause issues with the wax, such as unevenness or tunneling, and it can also lead to a buildup of black soot on the wax or inside the container. Additionally, the smoke released when blowing out a candle can disrupt the lingering scent and leave an unpleasant smell.
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Covering with a lid
While it is possible to use a lid to extinguish a candle, there are several reasons why this may not be the best method. Firstly, the trapped smoke can leave black, sooty residue on the underside of the lid and on the insides of the container. This residue can also settle into the wax, altering the colour and scent of the candle. Secondly, if there is a lot of empty space in the container, the flame will continue to burn until it uses up all of 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 potentially causing the jar to break.
However, lids do have several benefits when it comes to candle care. They help keep your candles clean by preventing dust and debris from settling on the wax. Lids also preserve the lifespan of scented candles by preventing the fragrance from escaping, a phenomenon known as "cold throw".
If you do choose to use a lid to extinguish your candle, simply place the lid on the jar while the flame is still lit. This will prevent any oxygen from reaching the flame, causing it to go out after a few seconds. Just be aware of the potential issues that may arise, as mentioned above.
For those who wish to preserve the appearance and scent of their candles, it is recommended to use a wick dipper or a candle snuffer instead of a lid. These tools are designed to extinguish the flame without creating smoke or leaving soot residue.
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Using a wick dipper
To use a wick dipper, place your candle on a flat, stable surface, away from drafts, to ensure an even burn. Then, use the wick dipper to gently press or dip the burning wick into the pool of molten wax. This instantly snuffs out the flame by cutting off the wick's access to oxygen. Once the flame is extinguished, carefully lift the wick back out of the wax.
After extinguishing the candle, allow the wick dipper to cool down before handling it. Use a soft cloth or paper towel to wipe away any wax residue. For stubborn wax buildup, soak the wick dipper in warm, soapy water for about 10 minutes, then rinse and thoroughly dry the dipper with a soft cloth. Avoid leaving moisture on the dipper to prevent corrosion, especially if it is made of metal.
For metal wick dippers, occasional polishing with a metal cleaner or olive oil can restore their shine. Using a wick dipper is a safe and effective way to extinguish candles, reducing smoke and maintaining the purity of the air and the cleanliness of your candles.
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Frequently asked questions
Using a candle snuffer is the best way to extinguish a candle without damaging it. A snuffer has a long handle with a bell shape on one end. To put out your candle, hold the snuffer over the candle and lower the bell end onto the lit flame. Once the flame is extinguished, hold the snuffer there for a moment before removing it.
A wick dipper is a tool used to extinguish a candle by dipping the wick into the wax. This method prevents smoke and is considered better for the health of the candle. To use a wick dipper, simply dip the wick into the melted wax and then pull it back out.
Blowing out a candle can cause wax to be blown everywhere and can cause issues with the wax, such as tunneling and unevenness. Blowing out a candle also causes the wick to emit a lot of smoke, which can change the scent of the candle.
