Brooke Martin
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted many traditions, including the blowing out of birthday candles. Blowing out candles can spread viral particles, similar to breathing, talking, coughing, and sneezing. As a result, people have had to find creative alternatives to this tradition, such as using wishing wands or individual cupcakes. The candle test has also gained popularity as a way to assess the effectiveness of face masks in preventing viral transmission.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safe way to blow out birthday candles | Use "Birthday Wishing Wands" or "Wishing Wand" flame snuffers |
| Use a paper fan to extinguish the candles | |
| Blow out a candle on an individual cupcake | |
| Celebrate outside | |
| Separate the candles from the cake | |
| Wear a mask that passes the candle test | |
| Add a static charge to the outer layer of a polyester mask by rubbing it with a latex glove for 30 seconds | |
| Buy a three-layer mask |
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What You'll Learn
Using a 'wishing wand' candle snuffer
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists at Clemson University found that blowing out candles on a cake spreads a lot of bacteria. Their report in the Journal of Food Research in May 2017 found 1400% more bacteria on birthday cakes after the candles were blown out.
Main Event Entertainment LP, a Plano, Texas-based family eatertainment brand, has introduced "Birthday Wishing Wands," a limited-edition line of candle snuffers. The "Birthday Wishing Wands" are intended to be a reminder that celebrating safely doesn't mean the fun has to stop. These wands are sanitized per Main Event's standard COVID sanitization protocol. The designs include birthday motifs like party hats, presents, and bowling balls.
Using a wishing wand candle snuffer is a safe and fun way to blow out candles during the coronavirus pandemic. Here's how you can use it:
- Prepare the wishing wand candle snuffer: Before the celebration, ensure you have a wishing wand candle snuffer ready. You can purchase or order one from various sources, such as Main Event Entertainment or similar brands. These wands are designed with fun and festive motifs, making them perfect for birthday celebrations.
- Sanitize the wand: To ensure hygiene, sanitize the wishing wand before and after each use. Follow standard sanitization protocols, such as those recommended by health organizations or local guidelines.
- Practice candle snuffing: If this is your first time using a wishing wand, you might want to practice using it before the actual celebration. Familiarize yourself with the motion of snuffing out the candles.
- Bring out the birthday cake: During the celebration, bring out the birthday cake with lit candles as usual. Ensure the cake is placed in a stable location, and all the candles are securely in place.
- Use the wishing wand: Instead of blowing out the candles, use the wishing wand to snuff out the flames. Gently wave or place the wand over the candle flame to extinguish it. You can make a wish in your mind or aloud as you use the wand, just like you would when blowing out candles.
- Sanitize and store the wand: After using the wishing wand, sanitize it again according to the recommended protocols. Store the wand in a clean and safe place until the next celebration.
By following these steps and using a wishing wand candle snuffer, you can safely blow out candles during the coronavirus pandemic while still enjoying the magic and fun of birthday celebrations.
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Blowing out a candle on an individual cupcake
Blowing out birthday candles during the coronavirus pandemic has been a cause for concern, with many people finding creative ways to reduce the risk of spreading bacteria and respiratory droplets.
If you are planning to blow out a candle on an individual cupcake, there are several ways to reduce the risk of spreading bacteria. Firstly, you could use a personal-sized fan to blow out the candle instead of your breath. This method is a fun and safe alternative, ensuring no germs are spread. Alternatively, you could use a "Birthday Wishing Wand," a type of candle snuffer introduced by entertainment brands to reduce the risk of transmitting bacteria during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Another option is to create a barrier between the cupcake and your breath. Some people have suggested covering the cupcake with cling film and sticking the candles through it. This way, you can still blow out the candles, but the cake remains protected. You can also remove the candles from the cupcake before blowing them out, ensuring that any respiratory droplets do not land on the food.
Additionally, you can make a small playdough cake or use a slice of grapefruit or a potato covered in foil to hold the candle. This way, the candle can be blown out without contaminating the cupcake.
It is important to remember that even before the pandemic, blowing out birthday candles has always carried some risk of spreading bacteria. Taking these simple precautions can help reduce the risk of transmission and allow for a safer celebration.
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Using a paper fan to extinguish the candle
Blowing out candles during the coronavirus pandemic has been a concern for many, with some companies even introducing "Birthday Wishing Wands" as a limited-edition line of candle snuffers. While these wands and traditional candle snuffers are an option, there are other ways to safely extinguish candles without spreading bacteria. One way is by using a paper fan to create a stream of air that will put out the candle in one quick gust.
To effectively extinguish a candle with a paper fan, it is important to position the fan close to the flame, ensuring that the air reaches the flame easily. Do not hover the fan directly over the candle, as the rising heat from the flame may cause burns. Instead, angle the paper fan to allow the thin stream of air to reach the flame from the side. This technique requires a gentle but focused gust of air, so be sure to fan with a purpose!
It is also important to note that blowing out candles can leave behind a sooty mess, and if the flame is large, it can cause the wick to move, resulting in uneven melting of the wax. Additionally, blowing too hard can cause droplets of wax to spray, creating a mess or even causing minor burns. Therefore, using a paper fan to extinguish the candle can be a more elegant and controlled solution.
For scented candles, in particular, blowing out the flame is not ideal. The hot wax can drip down and spread the scented wax over your hands and face, which is unpleasant. Additionally, the breath's moisture can cause condensation on nearby surfaces, potentially leading to water damage over time. So, using a paper fan to extinguish scented candles is a more suitable option.
Overall, using a paper fan to extinguish a candle is a creative and effective solution, especially during the coronavirus pandemic when reducing the spread of bacteria is crucial. By following the steps outlined above, you can safely and stylishly blow out candles without the mess and potential hazards of traditional blowing or the need for additional tools like snuffers.
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Wearing a mask to prevent transmission
The act of blowing out candles can expel virus particles, just like breathing, talking, singing, shouting, coughing, and sneezing, if the person blowing the candles is infected. This is why it is recommended to wear a mask to prevent the transmission of viral particles.
The candle test is one way to assess the effectiveness of a mask in preventing the transmission of viral particles. If you can blow out a candle while wearing a mask, it means that there is too much air exchange between you and the outside world, and your mask is not acting as a strong enough barrier. However, it is important to note that the candle test is not foolproof, and outside variables such as the type of candle and personal lung strength can affect the outcome.
To ensure that your mask provides adequate protection, it is recommended to follow the guidelines provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These guidelines are regularly updated, and it is important to stay informed about the latest recommendations. Currently, three-layer masks are recommended.
Additionally, there are some simple hacks that can help improve the effectiveness of your mask. For example, adding a static charge to the outer layer of a polyester mask by rubbing it with a latex glove for 30 seconds can create an extra layer of repellant protection. This is because COVID-19 particles have a charge, and adding static electricity can help to repel them. It is also important to be cautious about the type of mask you purchase. Avoid masks that claim to be "specially treated" with copper or other irons that kill bacteria, as the virus is not bacterial, and these treatments have not proven effective against COVID-19. Instead, focus on following the guidelines provided by reputable sources, such as the WHO and CDC.
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Celebrating outside to reduce risk
Celebrating outside is a great way to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission when blowing out birthday candles. Being outdoors helps to disperse viral particles, reducing the risk of infection.
If you are planning a celebration, consider hosting it outside, in a park or garden, where there is plenty of space for guests to maintain a safe distance from one another. You could set up a picnic area with blankets and cushions, or hire a marquee if you are concerned about the weather.
For the cake, you could provide individual cupcakes with a single candle on each, so that each guest can blow out their own candle, minimising the risk of spreading germs. Alternatively, you could provide each guest with their own paper fan or wishing wand or 'birthday wishing wand' – a type of candle snuffer that can be sanitised and reused, invented specifically for reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission during birthday celebrations. These can be made at home or purchased from companies such as Main Event Entertainment LP.
If you would prefer to stick with a traditional cake, you could provide the guest of honour with a paper fan to blow out the candles, or simply ensure that all guests are wearing masks and standing at a safe distance from the cake.
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Frequently asked questions
Blowing out candles can expel virus particles, just like breathing, talking, singing, shouting, coughing, and sneezing, if the person blowing the candles is infected. The act of blowing out candles projects one’s breath further than regular speaking. Therefore, it is recommended to refrain from blowing birthday candles, especially if the festivities include people outside of your quarantine bubble.
People are finding inventive alternatives to the old tradition. One person recommended using a paper fan to extinguish the candles, while another suggested having the guest of honor blow out a candle on an individual cupcake. You could also celebrate outside or separate the candles from the cake itself. Main Event Entertainment LP has introduced "Birthday Wishing Wands," a limited-edition line of candle snuffers.
The candle test is one way to assess the effectiveness of a mask. If you can blow out the candle while wearing a mask, it means there is too much air exchange between you and the outside world. However, the test is not foolproof as outside variables, such as the type of candle and your personal lung strength, can affect the result.
