Jessie Taylor
There are several ways to extinguish a candle flame, but not all methods are recommended. Blowing out a candle, for example, is a popular but ill-advised method, as it can cause hot wax to spray everywhere, and the smoke can ruin the scent of the candle. It can also cause issues with your wax, such as tunneling and unevenness. So, how do you snuff a candle?
How to snuff a candle
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Using a candle snuffer | Hold the bell-shaped end of the snuffer over the wick until the flame goes out. |
| Using a wick dipper | Use a wick dipper to bend the wick into the wax, extinguishing the flame without smoke. |
| Blowing it out | The most obvious way, but can cause tunneling and unevenness in the wax. |
| Putting a lid on it | Can cause the candle to smell horrible due to trapped smoke. |
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What You'll Learn
Using a candle snuffer
To use a candle snuffer effectively, follow these steps:
- Hold the snuffer by its handle and gently hover it over the wick without dipping it into the wax.
- Ensure that the snuffer is placed over the wick for approximately 10 seconds, or until you see a small wisp of smoke escape from around the edges.
- Keep the snuffer in place for at least one full second after the flame goes out to prevent it from reigniting.
- Remove the snuffer and cover the candle with a lid if desired.
- Store the snuffer in a safe, out-of-the-way place.
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Blowing it out
Blowing out a candle is the most obvious way to extinguish it. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when doing so. Firstly, it is important to wait until the entire surface of the candle has melted before blowing it out. This is because if you blow out a candle before the wax has melted all the way across the top, the candle will only melt to that point in the future, leaving a coating of unusable wax along the inside of the vessel. This is known as "tunneling". Tunneling can also occur when the hot wax is blown to the side of the glass container, and it can be difficult to fix once it has occurred. Blowing out a candle can also cause a sooty mess, and the smoke can reduce the effect of the candle's fragrance.
To blow out a candle, position your face close to the flame, with the wick at around mouth level. Do not hover directly over the candle, as the rising heat may burn you. Purse your lips together and exhale suddenly through the opening in your lips.
While blowing out a candle can be a simple and effective way to extinguish it, there are alternative methods that may be preferable in certain situations. For example, using a candle snuffer or a wick dipper can help to minimise smoke and preserve the quality of the wax and fragrance. Additionally, for candles in deep jars that may be difficult to blow out, using tweezers to bend the wick into the wax can be an effective method of extinguishment.
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Using a wick dipper
To use a wick dipper effectively, follow these steps:
- Ensure the wax pool is deep enough to submerge the wick. If the wax level is too low, you may need to wait for it to melt further before proceeding.
- Gently and quickly dip the wick into the molten wax using the wick dipper. Be careful not to splash or spill the hot wax.
- Lift the wick back out of the wax. The flame should be instantly extinguished with minimal to no smoke.
- Check the height of the wick. If it is too low after dipping, gently adjust it to around 1/4 inch before relighting to prevent excessive smoking.
- Properly dispose of any trimmed wick material to prevent fire hazards.
- Regularly clean your wick dipper to remove residual wax buildup and maintain its efficiency and appearance.
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Putting a lid on it
Putting a lid on a candle is a way to extinguish the flame, but it is not recommended. This method can be dangerous and can cause issues with the candle and its vessel.
Firstly, it is important to protect your fingers from the heat. Wet your fingers with water before attempting to put the lid on the candle. Slowly place the lid over the candle jar, leaving a small gap for the heat to escape. Once the flame has died down, close the lid completely. This method suffocates the flame, reducing smoke and preserving the candle's fragrance.
However, there are several issues with this method. The lid can trap smoke in the candle, infusing it back into the melted wax and changing its fragrance. It can also fill the vessel with soot, turning it black. If the candle is still hot when you put the lid on, the lid can become suctioned to the vessel and may even cause it to break.
For these reasons, it is not recommended to put a lid on a candle to extinguish it. Instead, consider using a wick dipper or a candle snuffer. These methods are safer and more effective, preserving the quality and fragrance of your candle.
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Dipping the wick in wax
Dipping the wick into the melted wax is a clever way to extinguish a candle without any smoke or scent. This method is often used when you want to quickly put out a candle without causing any disruption with smoke or scent. It is also handy when you want to reuse the wick and ensure it stays in good condition. The process is simple and effective: take a small amount of the melted wax from the candle, and carefully dip the wick into it. Ensure the wick is fully coated, and then quickly remove it and allow it to harden. The wax will act as a natural barrier, stopping the flame in its tracks. This method is especially useful for candles with multiple wicks, as it allows you to target a specific wick without disturbing the others. It is a precise and efficient way to control the candle's burn and is often favored by those who wish to be discreet or who want to carefully manage the candle's lifespan. This technique is also useful when you want to travel with your candle, as it ensures the wick is protected and won't accidentally light or get damaged during transit. With a quick dip, you can safely and effectively preserve your candle and its wick for future use. This method is a great skill to have in your candle-care toolkit and is especially handy for those who wish to be subtle or considerate when extinguishing a flame.
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Frequently asked questions
A candle snuffer is a tool used to extinguish a candle. It has a long handle with a bell-shaped metal cup at one end. The cup is placed over the candle flame to deprive it of oxygen, stifling it gradually and producing minimal smoke.
Hold the bell of the snuffer over the wick until the flame goes out completely. Make sure you don't let go too early, or the flame may reignite.
Yes, you can use a wick dipper or a similar tool such as tweezers, a pencil, or a butter knife to push the wick into the wax, immediately extinguishing the flame without emitting smoke.
Blowing out a candle is not recommended as it can cause hot wax to spray everywhere and can also cause issues like tunneling, unevenness, and excess smoke.
Tunneling occurs when a candle is blown out before the entire surface has melted. The candle will then only melt up to that point in the future, leaving a coating of unusable wax along the inside of the vessel.
