Brooke Martin
Candles have fascinated scientists for hundreds of years, with Michael Faraday giving a lecture series on the Chemical History of a Candle in 1860. Candle-making has become a popular hobby, with many people choosing to make their own candles at home. While the process of candle-making may be creative and enjoyable, the science behind a burning candle is complex. This article will explore the different ways to put out a candle and provide an overview of the basic steps involved in candle-making.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Methods to put out a candle | Blowing it out, putting a lid on it, using a wick dipper, and using a candle snuffer |
| Recommended methods to put out a candle | Using a wick dipper or a candle snuffer |
| Colour of the candle flame | Blue, dark orange-brown, and yellow |
| Temperature of the candle flame | 1200° C near the top of the flame's yellow region, 1400° C in the veil, the faint blue edge extending from the base of the flame |
| Fuel of the candle | Hydrocarbons |
| Products of candle combustion | Heat, light, water vapour, carbon dioxide |
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What You'll Learn
How to put out a candle without damaging it
Putting out a candle without damaging it requires care and attention. There are several ways to extinguish a candle, but some are better than others at preserving the quality of the candle and its fragrance.
The most common method is to blow out the flame. However, this 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. Blowing out a candle can also cause issues with the wax, such as tunneling and unevenness.
A wick dipper is a recommended way to put out a candle without damaging it. Wick dippers usually have a long handle with 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 creates very little smoke and preserves the fragrance of the candle.
Another recommended method is to use a candle snuffer, also known as a douter. Candle snuffers work well with most candles, quickly extinguishing the flame and minimizing smoke. To use a candle snuffer, hold it over the candle and lower the bell-shaped end onto the lit flame. Once the snuffer fully envelopes the flame, hold it there until the flame goes out.
Other methods of putting out a candle include using your fingers or tweezers to bend the wick into the wax, or putting a lid on the candle. However, these methods are not recommended as they can be dangerous or cause issues with smoke and wax.
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The science behind a burning candle
Candles have been the subject of scientific fascination for centuries, with scientists like Michael Faraday giving lectures on the "Chemical History of a Candle" as early as 1860. Candle experiments have even been conducted in space by NASA to study their behaviour in microgravity. The seemingly simple act of lighting a candle involves a complex interplay of chemistry and physics, resulting in a beautiful flame that provides light and warmth.
When you light a candle, the heat from the flame melts the wax near the wick. This liquid wax is then drawn up the wick through capillary action, where it evaporates and turns into a hot gas. As the wax vapour rises, it encounters high temperatures and breaks down into hydrogen and carbon atoms. The hydrogen atoms react with oxygen in the air to form water vapour, while some of the carbon burns to produce carbon dioxide.
The flame of a candle is not just a single colour; it has distinct zones with different colours and temperatures. At the base of the flame is a blue area, which is rich in oxygen. This is where the hydrocarbon molecules vaporize and break apart. Above the blue zone is a small dark orange-brown section, where there is less oxygen. Here, the various forms of carbon continue to break down and form hardened carbon particles, which we know as soot.
As these particles rise, they heat up and eventually ignite, emitting a full spectrum of visible light. The yellow portion of the spectrum is the most dominant when the carbon ignites, giving the flame its characteristic yellowish colour. At the top of the flame, the soot particles oxidize at extremely high temperatures of around 1200-1400°C. The flame's teardrop shape is maintained by the continuous cycle of rising warm air and the influx of cooler air and oxygen at the bottom.
Understanding the science behind a burning candle is not just a fascinating scientific pursuit but also has practical applications. By studying the combustion process and the factors affecting it, candle manufacturers can create more stable and long-lasting candles, improving customer satisfaction and ensuring a pleasant candle-burning experience.
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How to prevent a candle from flickering
A certain amount of flickering in a candle is normal, and a gentle flicker can even add to the charm of a candle. However, excessive flickering may be a sign that something is amiss, and it can become a potential fire hazard.
Keep candles away from drafts
Wind or drafts are one of the biggest reasons for flickering. Keep candles away from open windows, doors, air vents, fans, and patios or gardens. If the draft is strong enough to move curtains or blinds, it can definitely affect a candle wick and flame.
Trim the wick
A wick that is too long can cause the candle to flicker due to an uneven wax pool, and it can also lead to a bigger flame, which burns too much wax at once. Trim the wick to 0.5cm or 1/4 inch before lighting the candle, and then again once every 4 hours or after each burn. This will ensure a steadier, cleaner burn and will also prevent the wick from mushrooming—a term used for carbon build-up on a burned candle.
Opt for high-quality candles
Candles made with high-quality wax and featuring well-constructed wicks are less likely to flicker. Avoid candles with wicks that are too large or too small, as these can cause the candle to burn through wax too quickly or create an uneven wax pool, respectively.
Store candles correctly
Leaving candles uncovered can lead to the accumulation of dust, dirt, or moisture, which can all cause flickering. Always store candles with a lid on to prevent impurities in the wax, which can disrupt the flow of the flame.
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How to choose the right wick for your candle
Choosing the right wick for your candle is a crucial step in candle-making. The type of wick you choose will impact the candle's flame, including heat, duration, scent throw, and combustion. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the appropriate wick:
Diameter of the Candle
The diameter of your candle plays a significant role in determining the size of the wick you will need. A wider diameter will require more heat to create a full melt pool, so you may need a larger wick or multiple smaller wicks. If your candle is 3.5" in diameter or less, a single wick should be sufficient. For candles with a diameter of 4" or larger, consider using multiple wicks.
Type of Wax
Different types of wax have varying melting points and densities, which will influence the recommended wick type. Harder waxes like beeswax or pillar waxes require thicker wicks that can draw more fuel to create higher heat. Softer waxes like soy wax are better suited for thinner wicks that burn at lower temperatures.
Fragrance and Additives
The amount of fragrance or colour added to the candle will also affect your wick choice. A candle with more fragrance or colour will typically require a thicker wick. Additionally, the blend of oil with the wax can cause the wick to burn differently, so you may need to adjust the wick size accordingly.
Burn Time
Consider how long you intend to burn your candle. If you plan to burn it for short intervals of 1 to 1.5 hours, a thicker wick is advisable to form a quick melt pool and avoid tunnelling. For longer burn times, a thinner wick may be more suitable.
Testing
Finding the right wick may require patience and experimentation. Test different brands and sizes of wicks in your chosen vessels to determine which performs the best. Remember that there is no one-size-fits-all wick, and each combination of fragrance, wax, and vessel may require unique adjustments.
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How to prevent a candle from smoking
To prevent a candle from smoking, it is important to take care of the wick and ensure the candle is placed in a suitable location.
Firstly, the wick should be trimmed to around a quarter of an inch. This can be done with a wick trimmer, scissors, or even by pinching the top of the wick with a tissue and trimming off the excess. A wick that is too long will not efficiently pull up wax, causing the wick itself to burn and produce smoke. A long wick can also cause the flame to grow too large and flare, producing soot. If the wick is clogged, let the candle cool, then trim the wick just below the clog.
Secondly, candles should be burned in a well-ventilated room, away from drafts, vents, or strong air currents. Disturbing the ideal teardrop shape of the flame will cause the candle to flicker and smoke. If a draft cannot be avoided, try shielding the candle, for example, by placing it in a candle holder, and periodically turning the candle to avoid uneven burning.
When extinguishing a candle, it is best to avoid blowing it out, as this will cause smoke. Instead, use a wick dipper to push the wick into the pool of hot wax, extinguishing the flame, then pull the wick back out. This method also makes it easier to light the candle next time. Alternatively, you can place a lid, plate, or another flat, fireproof surface on top of the candle to extinguish the flame.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to use a wick dipper or a candle snuffer to put out a candle. A wick dipper instantly puts out the candle with very little smoke, whereas a candle snuffer is a tool used to extinguish the flame.
A wick dipper usually has a long handle with a hook on one end. To extinguish the candle, use the wick dipper to quickly dip the wick into the melted wax and then lift it back out.
Blowing out a candle can cause wax to splatter everywhere. It can also cause issues like tunneling and unevenness in the wax. Additionally, the wick will emit a lot of smoke, reducing the cold and warm throw of the candle.
A candle snuffer is a tool used to extinguish a candle's flame. It is a long, thin device with a small cup or hood at the end. The cup is placed over the candle flame to deprive it of oxygen, thereby extinguishing it.
Although it is possible to put out a candle by putting a lid on it, this method is not recommended. Putting the lid back on a candle can trap smoke, infuse it into the wax, and change the fragrance of the candle. It can also cause the vessel to become dirty and turn black from soot buildup. Furthermore, there is a risk of the lid suctioning to the vessel and breaking if placed on a hot candle.
