Tyler Brooks
There are several ways to put out a candle flame, but not all methods are recommended. Blowing out a candle can cause wax to splatter and smoke to emit. Similarly, while putting a lid on a candle will extinguish the flame, it can also trap smoke, infuse the wax, and cause the lid to suction onto the vessel. To avoid these issues, it is recommended to use a wick dipper or a candle snuffer. A wick dipper involves dipping the wick into the melted wax to instantly put out the flame without creating smoke. A candle snuffer works similarly by enveloping the flame with a bell-shaped tool until the flame goes out. Both methods effectively extinguish candle flames while preserving the quality of the wax and fragrance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of candle dyes | Granular dyes (chips or powder), liquid dyes, dye blocks |
| Pros of liquid dyes | Practical, intensifies colour |
| Cons of liquid dyes | Can be messy, may clog the wick |
| Pros of granular dyes | Rapid setting, easy to incorporate into wax, uniform colouring, easy conservation |
| Pros of dye blocks | Easy to cut into smaller pieces, dissolves completely in wax, perfect for creating custom shades |
| Pros of dye chips | Super convenient, easy to add colour, consistent and vibrant colours, works for small and large batches |
| Dye application | Add when wax is fully melted and between 170-185 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Testing colour | Dip a small spoon or wick into melted wax and let it cool and harden |
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What You'll Learn
Using a wick dipper
A wick dipper is a slender, metal tool used to extinguish a candle's flame by dipping its wick into the wax, thereby depriving the flame of oxygen. This method of extinguishing a candle is preferable to blowing it out, as it prevents the wick from bending, breaking, or curling, and minimises smoke, soot, and wax spatter. It also coats the wick with wax, which helps it burn more evenly during subsequent uses.
To use a wick dipper, first, allow your candle to burn until a pool of wax forms around the wick. Hold the wick dipper by its handle and position the curved end above the flame, without touching it. Then, gently push the wick into the melted wax, submerging it completely. Keep the wick submerged for a few seconds, allowing the flame to extinguish naturally. Finally, slowly lift the wick from the wax, straighten it, and reposition it for the next lighting.
To maintain your wick dipper, allow it to cool down before handling. Then, use a soft cloth or paper towel to gently wipe away any wax residue. For stubborn wax, warm water can help loosen it. You can also use a cotton swab to clean the handle or curved end. If there is still a lot of wax buildup, soak the wick dipper in warm soapy water for about 10 minutes. Be careful not to submerge the handle if it is made of wood or another material that could warp or stain. Finally, dry the wick dipper with a clean towel or allow it to air dry before storing it.
Wick dippers are a great way to extinguish candles without the smoke, soot, and wax spatter that can result from blowing them out. They also help to prime the wick for the next lighting, ensuring a cleaner and more efficient burn. With proper care, a wick dipper can last a long time and significantly improve your candle-burning experience.
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Using a candle snuffer
To use a candle snuffer, hold it over the candle flame until the flame is extinguished. It is important to pay attention to the way you hold the snuffer over the candle. The key is to gently hover it over the wick for around 10 seconds without dipping it into the wax. This will prevent the wick from getting stuck in the wax.
Candle snuffers are also a great way to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your home decor. They come in a variety of styles and materials, from simple metal snuffers to more elaborate designs with decorative handles. So, if you're looking for a practical and aesthetically pleasing way to extinguish your candles, a candle snuffer is the perfect tool for the job!
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Blowing it out
Blowing out a candle is a popular method of extinguishing it. However, it is not recommended due to the possibility of blowing wax everywhere, causing issues with your wax, such as tunneling and unevenness, and emitting a lot of smoke.
If you do choose to blow out a candle, it is important to do it correctly. Stand at a distance from the candle and create a thin stream of air to blow out the candle in one quick gust. Be careful not to blow too forcefully, as this can cause wax to spray and create a mess or even cause minor burns. Keep blowing until the flame is completely extinguished. Stand clear of the smoke to prevent it from depositing soot on your skin, clothes, or the surrounding area.
To reduce the amount of smoke produced, you can try wetting your fingers and pinching the wick to extinguish the flame. Be careful not to burn yourself, as this method requires you to touch the wick. Alternatively, you can use a tool, such as a pencil, to push the wick into the melted wax, immediately extinguishing the flame. Then, use the tool to pull the wick back out, preparing it for the next use.
While blowing out a candle is a quick and easy method, it is not the most efficient way to extinguish a candle. Other methods, such as using a wick dipper or a candle snuffer, produce less smoke and soot and help keep your candles looking clean and new.
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Putting a lid on it
Putting a lid on a candle is a popular way to extinguish it. However, this method is not recommended due to the potential issues it may cause. Firstly, it traps the smoke in the candle, infusing it back into the melted wax and possibly altering its scent. The smoke can also blacken the vessel, filling it with soot. Additionally, there is a risk of the lid suctioning to the vessel if placed on while the candle is still hot, which could cause it to break.
Despite these drawbacks, some people still choose to put a lid on their candles to extinguish them. If you decide to use this method, it is important to wait until the candle has cooled down before putting the lid back on. This will help prevent the lid from getting too hot and creating a potential safety hazard. It is also important to ensure that the lid is properly sized and fits securely on the candle to effectively extinguish the flame.
Another factor to consider is the type of candle you are using. Some candles, especially those made with natural waxes like soy or beeswax, may be more prone to smoking and releasing pollutants when extinguished with a lid. In such cases, it is advisable to opt for alternative methods like using a wick dipper or a candle snuffer. These tools help extinguish the flame without emitting smoke or causing uneven burning.
While putting a lid on a candle is a convenient option, it is important to be aware of the potential consequences. By understanding the drawbacks and taking the necessary precautions, you can make an informed decision about whether to use this method or explore alternative approaches like wick dippers or candle snuffers for a cleaner and safer experience.
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Pros and cons of different methods
There are several methods for dyeing candles, each with its own pros and cons. The two main methods are using either granular dyes or liquid dyes, but alternatives such as dye blocks, dye chips, and natural mica also exist.
Granular dyes
Granular dyes, also known as grain dyes or dye flakes, are dyes in the form of chips or powder. They are easy to use and compatible with all types of wax. They allow rapid setting, undisturbed combustion, and easy conservation for future uses. The recommended usage is 1/4 teaspoon of dye flakes per pound of wax for a medium shade and 1/2 teaspoon per pound for a dark shade.
Liquid dyes
Liquid dyes are practical and can intensify the colour of your candle. They are easy to mix and offer a wide range of vibrant colours. They are ideal for achieving uniform coloration and can be added directly to candle sand. However, they have a strong smell. The general ratio is 15 ml of liquid dye per 1 kg of wax.
Dye blocks
Dye blocks are similar to dye chips but are much more concentrated. One block will dye 20 pounds of wax a medium colour. They are easy to use but hard to get consistent results with when doing small batches.
Dye chips
Dye chips are very easy to use and can be mixed to make new colours. However, they are not as colour-fast, and it takes a lot to make intense colours.
Natural mica
Natural mica can be used to add a beautiful glittery effect to the surface of a candle. However, it does not mix well with wax and can clog the wick. The recommended dosage should not exceed 2-3g of mica per 100 grams of wax.
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Frequently asked questions
You can put out a candle by blowing it out, putting a lid on it, using a wick dipper, or using a candle snuffer.
Using a wick dipper or a candle snuffer is recommended to preserve the quality of the candle wax and fragrance.
Use the wick dipper to quickly dip the wick into the melted wax and then lift it back out. This will instantly put out the candle flame with very little smoke.
Hold the snuffer over the candle and lower the bell-shaped end onto the flame. Once the flame is fully enveloped, hold it there for a moment until the flame goes out.
Blowing out a candle can cause wax to splatter, and issues like tunneling and unevenness. It also emits a lot of smoke, which can affect the fragrance of the candle.
