Ben Carter
Blowing out candles is a fun party trick, but it can cause issues like wax unevenness and tunneling, and it can also reduce the quality of your candle wax and fragrance. There are several other ways to extinguish a candle flame, such as using a wick dipper, a candle snuffer, or simply putting a lid on it. These methods are considered safer than blowing and can help to preserve the life of your candles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Method | Blowing |
| Effectiveness | Easy to blow out |
| Safety | Less safe than other methods due to proximity to flame |
| Cleanliness | Leaves soot and black buildup on wax and container |
| Preservation of fragrance | Reduces effect of cold and warm throw |
| Preservation of wax | Causes unevenness and tunneling |
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What You'll Learn
How to blow out a candle without causing wax to splatter
Blowing out a candle is a popular method of extinguishing it, but it 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.
To avoid wax splatter, keep your face at a safe distance from the candle and blow gently to minimise disturbance to the wax pool. Be careful not to blow too forcefully, as this can cause droplets of wax to spray, creating a mess or causing minor burns. Stand clear of the smoke when you blow out the candle, and always ensure you are in a well-ventilated area.
To extinguish a candle without causing wax splatter, it is recommended to use a wick dipper or a candle snuffer. A wick dipper is a tool with a long handle and a hook on one end, used to quickly dip the wick into the melted wax, extinguishing the flame. This method prevents smoke and makes it easier to relight the candle. A candle snuffer is a similar tool with a long handle and a bell shape on one end. To use a snuffer, hold it over the flame until it is fully extinguished, taking care not to let the snuffer touch the wax.
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The best way to blow out a candle without creating excess smoke
Blowing out a candle is a surefire way to create excess smoke and leave an unpleasant after-scent and soot on the wick. This can make the wax uneven and push it to the side of the glass container, creating tunneling. A wick buried in wax is also harder to relight.
To avoid this, use a wick dipper, which is an age-old trick to put out the flame without causing any smoke. A wick dipper has a long handle, and you use its tip to quickly press the wick down into the oil, eliminating oxygen and immediately putting out the flame. You can also use household items such as a pencil to push the wick into the wax. The hot wax will immediately extinguish the flame without emitting smoke, and the wick will be ready for the next use.
Alternatively, use a candle snuffer, also known as a douter, which has been used since the mid-17th century. Place the bell of the snuffer, the small metal cup at the end of the long handle, over the wick. This deprives the flame of oxygen, stifling it gradually without creating smoke or soot.
If you do choose to blow out the candle, do so in a well-ventilated area to prevent the smoke from depositing soot on your skin or clothes. Stand a few inches away from the candle, with the wick at mouth level, and pursed lips together to blow. Be careful not to blow too forcefully, as this can cause a mess or minor burns.
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How to blow out a candle without leaving black marks on the wax
Blowing out a candle with your mind might not be possible, but there are other ways to extinguish a candle without leaving black marks on the wax. Here are some methods to try:
Using a Wick Dipper
Wick dippers are an effective way to put out a candle without causing any mess or leaving black marks. They have long handles, and you use the tip to quickly press the wick down into the melted wax. This cuts off the oxygen supply to the flame, immediately extinguishing it without creating smoke or soot. Antique wick dippers are even prized by collectors and candle connoisseurs.
Using a Candle Snuffer
A candle snuffer, also known as a "douter," is a long, cone-shaped tool with a piece of velvet or other soft material at the end. Simply place the cup over the flame and press down on the handle to snuff out the candle. This method is considered safer than blowing out a candle because you don't have to get close to the flame, reducing the risk of accidentally burning yourself.
Using Your Fingers
If you want to try something more adventurous, you can use your fingers to put out a candle, but it requires practice and caution. Start by lighting a candle that is at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) high and freestanding. The crucial step is to lick your fingers before grabbing the wick. The water from licking your fingers will protect your skin from getting burned. Quickly grab the wick and let go. If the flame doesn't go out, blow out the candle, shorten the wick, and try again. With enough practice, you may even be able to do this without licking your fingers, but mastering the timing is essential.
Preventing Soot and Uneven Wax
To prevent black marks and soot on your candle, avoid blowing it out if possible. Blowing out a candle can cause uneven wax and tunneling, making it harder to relight. It can also fill the room with smoke and an unpleasant burnt scent. Instead, try using a wick dipper or a candle snuffer to extinguish the flame gently and cleanly. Additionally, using a wick trimmer can help keep the wick clean and free of debris, prolonging the life of your candle and ensuring it burns evenly.
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How to blow out a candle safely
Blowing out a candle with your mind might be a neat party trick, but it's not the best way to extinguish a candle. Blowing out a candle can cause wax to splatter, create tunneling, and leave an unpleasant after-scent and soot on the wick and surrounding area.
Using a Wick Dipper
Wick dippers usually have a long handle with a hook or tip at one end. To extinguish the candle, use the wick dipper to quickly press or dip the wick into the melted wax, then lift it back out. This method eliminates oxygen and instantly puts out the flame with little to no smoke. It also helps prepare the wick for the next use.
Using a Candle Snuffer
A candle snuffer typically has a long handle with a bell-shaped end. Hold the snuffer over the candle and lower the bell end onto the lit flame. Once the flame is fully extinguished, hold the snuffer in place for a moment, then remove it. Ensure that the snuffer does not come into contact with the melted wax.
Opening a Window
If you do choose to blow out a candle, consider opening a window to clear the smoky air and bring in fresh air.
Using a Lid
While putting a lid on a candle will extinguish the flame, this method is not recommended. Trapping the smoke in the container can infuse it back into the wax, possibly altering the fragrance.
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How to blow out a candle without ruining its fragrance
Blowing out a candle is not recommended if you want to preserve its fragrance. Blowing out a candle can cause issues with the wax, such as unevenness or tunneling, and it can also push the wax to the side of the glass container. Additionally, blowing out a candle can cause the wick to emit a lot of smoke, which can leave an unpleasant after-scent and soot on the wick. This can alter the fragrance of the candle, making it smell smoky.
So, what is the best way to extinguish a candle without ruining its fragrance? Here are some recommended methods:
- Using a candle snuffer or douter: A candle snuffer has a long handle with a bell or cone shape on one end. To extinguish the flame, hold the snuffer over the candle and lower the bell end onto the lit flame. This method prevents debris from falling into the wax pool and produces minimal smoke.
- Using a wick dipper: A wick dipper also has a long handle, and you use its tip to quickly press the wick down into the wax or oil. This eliminates oxygen and immediately puts out the flame with little to no smoke. It is quick, simple, and effective, and it helps to protect the fragrance of the candle.
- Using the lid: While this method is not recommended due to the potential issues it can cause, it is still a better option than blowing out the candle. Make sure the lid is not made of a flammable or heat-sensitive material. Using the lid deprives the flame of oxygen, stopping the combustion reaction between oxygen and wax. However, the lid can trap smoke and soot inside the jar, which can alter the fragrance of the candle over time.
By using one of these methods to extinguish your candle, you can help preserve its fragrance and avoid the issues caused by blowing it out.
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Frequently asked questions
You can't, but you can blow it out with your breath.
Because it might damage the wick and create tunneling.
Using a wick dipper or a candle snuffer.
A tool with a long handle that you use to quickly press the wick into the oil, eliminating oxygen and putting out the flame.
A tool with a long handle and a bell-shaped end. You hold it over the flame to deprive it of oxygen and stifle it.
