Tyler Brooks
There are many ways to extinguish a candle, but one method that stands out is using your fingers. While it may seem like a simple task, putting out a candle with your fingers requires caution and practice. The process involves wetting your fingers to protect your skin from the heat, quickly grasping the wick, and then releasing it. It is a tricky technique that can be dangerous if not executed properly, and it is important to prioritize safety when attempting such tricks with fire.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Height of the candle flame | 1 inch (2.5 cm) |
| Moisture on fingers | Water, spit, or saliva |
| Action | Lick or wet fingers, grasp the wick, and release |
| Timing | Rapid motion |
| Safety | High risk of burning skin, not recommended |
| Alternatives | Blowing out, using a candle snuffer, baking soda and vinegar, or a wick dipper |
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What You'll Learn
Wet your fingers first
Wetting your fingers is a crucial step when extinguishing a candle with your fingers. This method requires you to ignite a candle that is at least 1 inch high. You can lick your fingers to add a layer of water that protects your skin from burning. Alternatively, you can wet your fingers with water from a nearby source, such as a sink or drinking glass.
The next step is to quickly move your hand towards the wick. Position your fingers about 1 inch away from the wick. Then, in a rapid motion, pinch the wick between your two fingers and release quickly. The moisture on your fingers should cause the flame to be extinguished as soon as you make contact.
It is important to let go of the wick immediately after pinching it to avoid any risks of burning yourself. You may feel a warm sensation momentarily, but the heat will dissipate almost instantly once the flame is out. The sizzling sound you hear is simply the moisture on your fingertips evaporating.
While this method can be effective, it is important to note that it carries inherent dangers and is considered a party trick rather than a practical everyday solution. There are other safer methods to extinguish candles, such as using a candle snuffer, blowing out the candle, or using baking soda and vinegar.
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Pinch and release the wick quickly
To extinguish a candle with your fingers, you must first wet them. This protective layer of moisture will act as a barrier between your skin and the flame, reducing the risk of burns. You can lick your fingers or use water from a nearby source, such as a sink or drinking glass.
Once your fingers are damp, it's time to act swiftly. Position your hand about an inch away from the wick, and in one rapid motion, pinch the wick between your thumb and forefinger. The moisture on your fingers will smother the flame, causing it to die as soon as you make contact. It is crucial to release the wick immediately after grasping it to avoid any potential hazards.
You may feel a warm sensation momentarily, but rest assured that the heat will dissipate almost instantly once the flame is extinguished. The sizzling sound you hear is simply the moisture on your fingertips evaporating, which is nothing to be concerned about.
While this method can be effective, it is important to approach it with caution. Practicing beforehand on an unlit candle with dry fingers can help you perfect the timing and technique. Remember, fire is inherently dangerous, and even a small flame can cause burns or other accidents. Always prioritize safety and have a backup plan, such as a candle snuffer or access to water, in case something goes awry.
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Practice on an unlit candle first
Putting out a candle with your fingers is a neat party trick, but it can be dangerous. Before you try it on a lit candle, it's a good idea to practice on an unlit candle first. This way, you can get a feel for the technique without risking getting burned.
First, position your fingers about an inch away from the wick. You can use your thumb and forefinger to pinch the wick. Practice this movement a few times, making sure to let go of the wick immediately after grasping it. This is important to avoid any accidental contact with the flame.
Next, try doing the same movement but this time, wet your fingers with a little water first. This step is crucial as it adds a protective layer that will prevent your skin from burning. Practice touching the wick with your wet fingers, then releasing it. You can also try licking your fingers instead of wetting them with water.
Once you've mastered the technique on an unlit candle, you can move on to trying it with a lit candle. Remember to always prioritize safety and be very careful when attempting this trick.
Always keep in mind that fire is dangerous, and even a small flame can cause serious burns or accidents. It's important to choose the right method for extinguishing a candle, depending on the type of candle and the specific situation.
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Don't use your fingers if there's another option
Using your fingers to extinguish a candle is a neat party trick, but it's not the safest or most practical method. Fire is dangerous, and even a small flame can cause serious burns or other accidents.
If you're looking for a quick, safe, and effective way to extinguish a candle, a candle snuffer, also known as a douter, is the best solution. Candle snuffers date back to the mid-17th century and are still widely used today. They work well with most candles, quickly extinguishing the flame and minimising smoke. Modern candle snuffers are inexpensive and often fashionably designed. The most popular is a rounded bell shape, but they also come in delightful forms such as a beehive, disk, or pyramid.
Another option is to use a wick dipper, which has a long handle that you use to quickly press the wick down into the wax, eliminating oxygen and immediately putting out the flame with little to no smoke.
If you don't have a candle snuffer or wick dipper, blowing out the candle is a popular method, especially for birthday candles. However, blowing out candles can cause the wax to become uneven or pushed to the side of the glass container, creating tunneling. It can also result in black, sooty smoke, which is not ideal for those with chronic lung problems.
If you absolutely must use your fingers, it is crucial to take precautions to avoid burning yourself. Make sure the candle is freestanding and at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) high. Lick or wet your fingers with water to add a protective layer. Then, in one rapid motion, grasp the wick between your two fingers and release immediately. With practice, you may be able to skip the wetting of your fingers, but the timing must be precise.
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Blow out the candle if your fingers don't work
If you are unable to use your fingers to extinguish a candle, you can always resort to blowing it out. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it safely and effectively:
Firstly, ensure the candle has burned evenly across the top. Waiting for the entire surface of the candle to melt will prevent issues with re-lighting and wax build-up. This is an important step, especially for scented candles.
Next, position your face close to the flame. Move in until you are only a few inches away, with the wick at around mouth level. Avoid hovering directly over the candle, as the rising heat from the flame could burn you.
Purse your lips together and blow. Exhale suddenly through the small opening in your lips. The key is to create a thin, concentrated stream of air that will extinguish the flame in one quick gust. Continue blowing until the flame is completely out.
While blowing out a candle is a popular method, it can sometimes reignite with a black, sooty smoke that is harmful to the lungs. If you are concerned about this, consider using a candle snuffer, which extinguishes the flame without the use of breath. Simply cover the flame with the snuffer, denying it the oxygen needed to stay lit.
If you do not have a candle snuffer, you can also use other household items to extinguish the flame. For example, you can use the non-flammable lid of the candle jar to suffocate the flame. However, be cautious when doing this, as the lid can get stuck due to the vacuum effect. Alternatively, you can use a pair of tweezers or scissors to dip the wick into the wax, extinguishing the flame.
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Frequently asked questions
Wet your fingers with water, saliva, or vinegar. Then, grasp the wick with your forefinger and thumb and release it quickly. The moisture should cause the flame to die as soon as you make contact.
Extinguishing a candle with your fingers is inherently dangerous and can burn your skin. It can also affect the candle's wick and wax quality.
Yes, there are safer alternatives to using fingers, such as blowing out the candle, using a candle snuffer, or a wick dipper.
