Ben Carter
Blowing out a candle is a simple task, but there are many different ways to do it, and each method has an impact on the life of the candle. The most common method is to use your breath, but this can leave behind an unpleasant after-scent and soot on the wick and wax. It can also cause uneven wax and tunneling, making the wick harder to relight. To avoid this, you can use a candle snuffer, which extinguishes the flame with minimal smoke, or a wick dipper, which dips the wick into the wax to eliminate oxygen and put out the flame. Alternatively, you can straighten and trim the wick to condition it, allowing it to light easier and stay lit longer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to blow out a candle | Position your face close to the flame. Move in until you’re only a few inches away, with the wick at around mouth level. Purse your lips together and blow. Exhale suddenly through the opening in your lips. Keep blowing until the flame is completely extinguished. |
| How to avoid the sooty mess that blowing can leave behind | Use a metal candle snuffer to create a cleaner, more efficient alternative. Place the bell of the snuffer over the wick. The bell is the small metal cup at the end of the long handle. When you lower the bell over the flame, it deprives it of oxygen, stifling it gradually. |
| How to avoid the smoke that can disrupt the lingering candle scent and coat the inside of the candle vessel with soot | Use a candle wick dipper to bend the wick into the wax. Use the tip of the wick dipper to quickly press the wick down into the oil. That eliminates oxygen and immediately puts the flame out with little or no smoke. |
| How to straighten the wick | Remove the wick from the wax and smooth it out so that it stands up on its own. Be careful not to break it or pull it out of the candle while you're doing this. Let the wax cool before handling the wick any further. |
| How to trim the wick | Use a wick trimmer to clip away the frayed, burnt tip. ⅛” (.31cm) is just about the perfect length to keep the wick burning brighter for longer. |
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What You'll Learn
Blowing techniques
Blowing out a candle may seem simple, but there are a few different techniques to consider. The first is to blow with a gentle, soft breath. This is because the speed of the exhaled air is important; blowing too hard can cause wax to spray, and blowing too softly can supply the flame with more oxygen, making it more intense.
Positioning is also key. Move your face close to the flame, until you're only a few inches away, with the wick at around mouth level. This way, the air won't have to travel as far to reach the flame, making it easier to extinguish. Do not hover directly over the candle, as the rising heat from the flame may burn you.
It is also important to be patient and not blow out a candle before the entire surface has melted. If you do, the candle will remember where it stopped melting and will only melt to that point, leaving a coating of unusable wax.
If you are blowing out a candle with a classic cotton wick and a small, teardrop-shaped flame, it is recommended to blow gently. Hold your hand close to the flame to feel if any heat is coming off before you get too close. If the room is drafty, place your hand close to the base of the candle to shield the flame while you blow.
Finally, when blowing out a candle, be sure to keep blowing until the flame is completely extinguished. If the flame sputters but doesn't go out, you may not be blowing directly on it.
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Candle snuffers
Blowing out a candle may seem like a straightforward task, but it can result in an unpleasant after-scent and soot on the wick and wax. It can also cause uneven wax and tunneling, making the wick harder to relight. For a cleaner and more efficient alternative, a candle snuffer can be used to extinguish the flame with minimal smoke.
In addition to candle snuffers, there are other tools available for extinguishing candles, such as wick dippers or wick trimmers. Wick dippers have long handles that are used to press the wick down into the oil, quickly extinguishing the flame with minimal smoke. Wick trimmers, on the other hand, are used to trim the wick to the optimal length, allowing the candle to burn brighter and longer.
By using a candle snuffer or other candle care tools, you can prolong the life of your candles, preserve their original fragrance, and create a more enjoyable and aesthetically pleasing experience.
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Candle wick dippers
Blowing out a candle can leave behind an unpleasant scent and soot on the wick and wax. It can also cause uneven wax and make the wick harder to relight. Candle wick dippers are an elegant solution to this problem. They are metal tools that are 6-8 inches long with a curve on one end. To extinguish a candle with a wick dipper, use the curved end to push the wick into the wax pool. This eliminates oxygen and immediately puts out the flame with little to no smoke. The curved tip of the dipper can then be used to pull the wick upright, coating and sealing the wick with wax. This prevents any residual smouldering and leaves your room filled with only the fragrance of the candle.
Wick dippers are available in many attractive designs, and antique dippers are prized by collectors and candle connoisseurs. They are also inexpensive and can be found wherever candles are sold.
In addition to wick dippers, candle snuffers are another popular alternative to blowing out candles. Candle snuffers, also known as douters, date back to the mid-17th century. They work by depriving the flame of oxygen, stifling it gradually and producing minimal smoke.
By using a wick dipper or candle snuffer, you can avoid the mess and unpleasant after-effects of blowing out a candle, while also prolonging the life of your candle and preserving its original fragrance.
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Candle type and safety
Candle Type
When choosing a candle, opt for one that is in a heat-resistant, sturdy holder, specifically designed for candle use. The holder should be large enough to contain any drips or melted wax. Avoid candles with rubber seals or other materials that may melt.
Safety
Candles are a common cause of house fires, with 20 fires reported daily. To ensure safety when using candles, follow these guidelines:
- Never leave a burning candle unattended.
- Keep candles away from anything flammable and always ensure they are in a stable holder where they cannot be knocked over easily. A good rule of thumb is to keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything flammable.
- Extinguish candles before leaving a room or going to bed.
- Don't burn a candle all the way down. Discontinue use when 1/2 inch of wax remains in a container or 2 inches for pillar candles.
- Keep candles at least three inches apart from each other to prevent them from melting one another or creating drafts that affect the burning.
- Avoid using candles during a power outage or to search for items in enclosed spaces, such as closets. Instead, opt for flashlights or battery-powered lights.
- Keep candles out of reach of children and pets.
- Regularly trim the wick to 1/4 inch to prevent uneven burning, dripping, or flaring.
- Ensure the wax pool is clear of wick trimmings, matches, and debris.
- Do not use water to extinguish a candle, as it can cause hot wax to splatter and potentially break a glass container.
- Always allow the candle to cool completely before touching or moving it.
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Candle maintenance
Candles are a great way to create a cosy ambiance and add a decorative touch to your space. To ensure that your candles last longer and burn cleanly, follow these candle maintenance tips:
Before Lighting:
- For the first burn, ensure an even burn by letting the candle burn for around 2-4 hours until the wax melts across the entire surface up to the sides of the vessel. This will prevent tunnelling and create an even burn for the duration of the candle's life.
- Before lighting the candle, use a wick trimmer to trim the wick to about a quarter of an inch (6mm or ⅛ of an inch). This will give a clean, steady flame, minimise soot, and enhance the appearance of the burning candle. A pair of manicure scissors or nail clippers can be used if a wick trimmer is not available.
During Burning:
- Avoid burning your candle for extended periods, especially during the first use. It is best to burn candles in sessions of around four hours, allowing them to liquefy completely across the top.
- Keep the wax pool free of wick trimmings, matches, and debris at all times.
- If you notice a small pool of wax forming around the wick, use a candle wick dipper to gently push the wick into the pool. This prevents the wick from drifting and causing an uneven burn.
After Burning:
- Extinguish the candle with a candle snuffer or by dipping the wick into the melted wax, then straighten the wick to prevent smoking and hot wax splatters.
- If soot forms on the inside of the vessel, extinguish the candle, wait for it to cool, then wipe it with a clean, damp cloth.
- Store candles in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures to maintain their quality and prevent warping, melting, or loss of shape.
By following these simple maintenance tips, you can prolong the life of your candles, ensure a clean and even burn, and preserve the fragrance and aesthetic appeal of your candles.
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Frequently asked questions
Blowing out a candle can create a sooty mess, so it's best to use a metal candle snuffer to extinguish the flame. Place the bell of the snuffer over the wick to deprive it of oxygen and stifle it gradually. This will minimise smoke and soot.
When you blow on a candle, you create a stream of air that moves faster than the speed of the flame. This displaces the surrounding air, particularly oxygen, which is essential for combustion. The hot wax vapour is diluted, and the chemical reaction of burning can no longer take place.
Yes, you can use a wick dipper to bend the wick into the wax. This eliminates oxygen and immediately puts out the flame with little to no smoke. Alternatively, you can use a wick trimmer to keep the flame low and extinguish it.
