Tyler Brooks
Blowing out a candle is a common method of extinguishing it, but it can be messy and even dangerous. The hot wax can splatter, causing burns or damaging nearby objects. It can also result in a large plume of smoke, which can leave an unpleasant smell and set off smoke alarms. For these reasons, candle enthusiasts recommend using a wick dipper or a candle snuffer to extinguish a candle. These methods preserve the quality of the candle wax and fragrance and minimise smoke.
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What You'll Learn
Using a candle snuffer
- Ensure the candle has been burning for no longer than 4-6 hours. Burning for a longer period can cause the candle to overheat, leading to uneven burns, mushroom-looking wicks, and excess smoke.
- Trim the wick to the desired length. Start by trimming off any blackened or charred parts of the wick, then trim it to a length between 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch.
- Gently hover the snuffer over the wick for around 10 seconds, being careful not to dip it too far down. This will prevent the snuffer from bumping against the wick and causing debris to drop into the wax.
- Hold the snuffer in place until the flame goes out completely. You may see a small wisp of smoke escape, but this is normal.
- Cover the candle with a lid and store the snuffer in a safe place.
Candle snuffers are a great way to extinguish candles safely and efficiently, protecting both your candle and your surroundings.
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Using a wick dipper
To use a wick dipper, simply dip the wick into the melted wax and then lift it back out. This will starve the flame of oxygen and put it out immediately. It is important to note that the depth of the wick in the wax matters. If the wick is submerged too deeply, the flame may struggle to ignite again. If it is not deep enough, the wick may remain ignited. After using the wick dipper, check the height of the wick and adjust it to around a quarter of an inch before relighting to prevent excessive smoking.
Wick dippers offer several benefits over blowing out candles. Firstly, they help prevent tunneling, where a hole forms in the centre of the candle while the outer wax remains untouched. Tunneling is aesthetically displeasing and leads to wasted wax. Secondly, they eliminate the puff of smoke and the scattering of soot and hot wax that can occur when blowing out a candle, preserving the quality of the candle's wax and fragrance. Lastly, wick dippers prevent the wick from fraying or becoming uneven, ensuring that the candle burns slower and lasts longer.
Wick dippers are safe and easy to use, and they come in various attractive designs. They are a great way to extinguish candles without creating a mess or affecting the candle's appearance and fragrance. They are especially useful for deep jar candles that may be difficult to blow out.
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Blowing gently to avoid wax splatters
Blowing out a candle may seem simple, but doing it the wrong way can cause 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 splatters when blowing out a candle, you must be careful and patient. Firstly, ensure you are blowing gently and not too close to the candle. Move your face close to the flame until you are only a few inches away, with the wick at around mouth level. This way, you won't have to blow too hard, reducing the risk of wax splatters.
It is also important not to hover directly over the candle, as the rising heat from the flame could burn you. Instead, position yourself at an angle to the candle, so that when you blow, the air hits the flame at an angle, reducing the force of the blow on the wax.
Additionally, make sure you are blowing out the candle in a well-ventilated area to minimise the impact of smoke and soot. You can also use tools like a candle snuffer or a wick dipper to avoid wax splatters. A candle snuffer is a small metal cup at the end of a long handle. You lower the bell over the flame to deprive it of oxygen, gradually stifling it. A wick dipper is another tool that allows you to bend the wick into the wax pool to extinguish the flame without creating smoke or wax splatters.
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Extinguishing from a distance to avoid smoke inhalation
Blowing out a candle is not recommended as it can cause issues with the wax, such as unevenness and tunneling. It also releases a plume of thick, dark smoke, which can deposit soot on your skin, clothes, and the surrounding area. This can alter the fragrance of scented candles and leave an unpleasant after-scent.
To avoid smoke inhalation when extinguishing a candle from a distance, you can use a candle snuffer or a wick dipper.
A candle snuffer is a long-stemmed metal rod with a small cone, bell, or other shape at the end. To use it, hold the snuffer over the candle and lower it until it touches the surface of the wax, cutting off the oxygen and extinguishing the flame. This method produces minimal smoke and looks elegant and sophisticated. It also prevents debris from falling into the wax pool.
A wick dipper is another effective tool for extinguishing a candle without smoke. It usually has a long handle with a hook or flat end. To use it, gently press the lit candle wick into the wax pool, instantly snuffing out the flame, and then pull the wick back up into a straight position. This method produces almost no smoke and helps to re-coat the wick with wax, ensuring a clean flame when you relight the candle.
Both the candle snuffer and the wick dipper are safe and effective ways to extinguish a candle from a distance, minimizing smoke and preserving the fragrance and appearance of the candle.
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Trimming the wick to prevent wax splatters
Trimming the wick of a candle is essential for extending its life, preventing smoke and soot, and ensuring an even burn without tunneling. The length of the wick has a direct impact on how the candle burns and how long it lasts. A wick that is too long will produce a larger flame, causing the candle to burn faster and hotter. This not only reduces the overall burn time but also increases the risk of tunneling, where only the centre of the wax melts, leaving a ring of unmelted wax around the edges.
The ideal wick length is approximately 1/4 of an inch (0.6 cm) above the wax. Before trimming the wick, let the candle wax cool and harden completely. This prevents any accidental damage to the wax surface while trimming. Using a ruler or measuring tape, check the wick length. Choose a suitable tool, such as a wick trimmer, scissors, or nail clippers, to trim the wick. A wick trimmer is the most recommended option for achieving a clean and precise cut. It has a long handle and a curved blade that allows you to reach the wick without touching the wax. This ensures a clean cut and prevents any debris from falling into the candle. If you don't have a wick trimmer, scissors or nail clippers can also be used, but be cautious to avoid cutting the wick too short or damaging the candle.
Trim the wick to the desired length, making sure to remove any burnt residue or "mushrooming" at the top of the wick. Discard the trimmed wick, ensuring it is not left in the candle wax, as this can create a fire hazard. Proper wick trimming prevents debris from forming, making your candles last longer. It also helps to prevent the build-up of soot and smoke, keeping your candle and its surroundings clean.
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