Chloe Adams
Blowing out a candle is a popular method of extinguishing it, but it is not recommended. Blowing out a candle can cause wax to splatter, and it can also cause issues with your wax, such as tunneling and unevenness. Additionally, blowing out a candle can cause the wick to emit a lot of smoke, which can reduce the fragrance of the candle. While blowing out a candle is a quick and easy method, it is not the best option for preserving the quality of the candle. Other methods such as using a wick dipper or a candle snuffer are more effective and produce less smoke.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Popular ways to blow out a candle | Blowing it out, putting a lid on it, using a wick dipper, and using a candle snuffer |
| Recommended ways to blow out a candle | Using a wick dipper or a candle snuffer |
| Reasons not to blow out a candle | Risk of blowing wax everywhere, causing issues with wax like tunneling and unevenness, emitting a lot of smoke, reducing the effect of the candle's cold and warm throw |
| Reasons not to put a lid on a candle | Trapping smoke in the candle, infusing smoke back into the melted wax, possibly changing the cold and warm throw, filling the vessel with soot, making the vessel dirty and turning it black, causing the lid to suction to the vessel and break |
| Wick dipper description | Long handle with a hook on one end |
| Wick dipper usage | Use the wick dipper to quickly dip the wick into the melted wax and then lift it back out |
| Candle snuffer description | Long handle with a bell shape on one end |
| Candle snuffer usage | Hold the snuffer over the candle and lower the bell end onto the lit flame. Once the flame is fully enveloped, hold it there until the flame goes out |
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What You'll Learn
Blowing out a candle
Despite these potential issues, if you wish to blow out a candle, there are some techniques you can use to minimize the negative impacts. Firstly, try to blow gently and at a downward angle towards the flame. This will help to direct the smoke downwards and reduce the amount of wax that is blown around. It is also advisable to ensure that the candle is on a flat surface and that there are no flammable objects nearby that could be ignited by the flying sparks.
It is worth noting that there are alternative methods to extinguish a candle that may be more effective and cause less mess. Using a wick dipper or a candle snuffer are recommended ways to put out a candle. A wick dipper is a tool with a long handle and a hook on 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 instantly puts out the candle with minimal smoke.
A candle snuffer is another useful tool for extinguishing a candle. It typically has a long handle with a bell-shaped end. To use it, simply hold the snuffer over the candle and lower the bell-shaped end onto the flame. Keep it there for a moment until the flame is completely out. This method ensures the candle is extinguished without causing excess smoke or damaging the wick.
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Using a wick dipper
A wick dipper is a slender, metal tool designed for candle care. It is used to extinguish a candle by dipping the wick into the wax, preventing smoking and the splattering of hot wax. It is one of the best methods for extinguishing candles and maintaining their beauty and function over time.
To use a wick dipper, follow these steps:
- Allow your candle to burn until a pool of wax forms around the wick.
- Hold the handle of the wick dipper and angle the curved end towards the wick.
- Gently press the wick into the wax pool until it is submerged and the flame extinguishes. Be careful not to dip it too deeply, or the wick may struggle to ignite next time.
- Lift the wick back up. The wick will be coated in wax, making it easier to light next time.
- After using the wick dipper, check the height of the wick. If it is too low, gently adjust it to around 1/4 inch before relighting to prevent excessive smoking.
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Using a candle snuffer
Firstly, ensure your candle has been burning for no longer than 4-6 hours. Burning a candle for too long can cause overheating, leading to uneven wax melt and excess smoke. When it's time to extinguish the flame, grab your candle snuffer. Position the bell or cone-shaped end of the snuffer over the lit wick without dipping it into the wax. Hold it there for a few seconds until the flame goes out. Be careful not to bump the wick or dip the snuffer too far into the wax, as this can cause debris to fall into the wax.
After using your candle snuffer, you might need to clean it. Simply soak the bell-shaped portion in boiling water and gently chip away any leftover wax. Then, wipe it dry with a clean towel.
Candle snuffers are a great way to add a touch of sophistication and ritual to your candle-blowing experience, all while maintaining the condition of your candle.
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Putting a lid on it
Putting a lid on a burning candle is a popular way to extinguish it. It involves placing the lid on top of the candle jar to deprive the flame of oxygen and put it out. While this method is better than blowing out a candle, which can cause hot wax to splatter and lead to possible hazards, there are several reasons why you shouldn't use the lid to put out a candle.
Firstly, not all candle lids are designed to be used for extinguishing flames. Some lids are purely decorative, made from materials such as wood or plastic, or have rubber seals that can melt or deform when exposed to heat. Secondly, using the lid to put out a candle can trap smoke and soot within the jar, leaving a black, sooty residue on the underside of the lid and the inside of the container. This can alter the original fragrance of scented candles over time.
Thirdly, if there is a lot 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 effect, causing the lid to suction tightly to the jar and making it difficult to open. Additionally, the trapped smoke and soot can settle into the wax, affecting the appearance and scent of the candle. To avoid these issues, it is recommended to use alternative methods such as wick dippers or snuffers to extinguish candles safely and effectively while maintaining their beauty and fragrance.
While some people choose to gently rest the lid on top of the candle jar until the flame goes out, others prefer to blow out the candle first and then quickly place the lid on top to prevent the smoke from escaping into the room. Ultimately, the decision to put a lid on a burning candle or use alternative methods depends on personal preference and the specific characteristics of the candle and its lid.
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Risks of blowing out candles
Blowing out candles is a long-standing tradition, but it's important to be aware of the potential risks associated with this practice. Here are some of the key risks to consider:
Spread of Germs and Bacteria
When a person blows out candles, the breath they exhale can spread germs and bacteria present in their mouth and nose. This can be particularly concerning in the context of respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19, where respiratory droplets can spread the virus. A 2017 study from the Journal of Food Research found that blowing out birthday candles on a cake increases the bacteria on the icing by up to 1400%.
Fire Hazards
Candles are a well-known fire hazard, and blowing them out can sometimes do more harm than good. Blowing out a candle can cause the flame to spread and potentially ignite nearby objects. Additionally, the force of blowing can cause hot wax to splatter, increasing the risk of burns, especially if the candle is close to the face.
Soot and Smoke
Blowing out candles can result in the production of soot, which can accumulate on the candle and its surrounding area. This can be aesthetically unpleasant and may require additional cleaning.
To mitigate these risks, it is recommended to use alternative methods to extinguish candles, such as candle snuffers or wick dippers. These tools can quickly and safely put out candles while minimizing smoke and soot. Allowing the candle to burn out on its own is another option, although this may not always be practical or safe, especially if you need to leave the room or go to bed.
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Frequently asked questions
Blowing out a candle is not recommended as it can cause wax to splatter and the wick to emit a lot of smoke. It can also cause issues with your wax, such as tunneling and unevenness.
Using a candle snuffer is the best way to extinguish a candle. A candle snuffer has a long handle with a bell shape on one end. Hold the snuffer over the candle and lower the bell end onto the lit flame. Once the flame is fully extinguished, remove the snuffer.
Yes, another recommended way to extinguish a candle is by using a wick dipper. Wick dippers usually have a long handle with a hook on one end. Use the wick dipper to quickly dip the wick into the melted wax and then lift it back out to instantly put out the candle with very little smoke.
