Ben Carter
There are several ways to extinguish a candle flame, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most popular methods are blowing it out, putting a lid on it, using a wick dipper, or using a candle snuffer. However, blowing out a candle can cause wax to splatter, and snuffing it out with a lid can trap smoke in the candle, affecting its fragrance. Using a wick dipper or a candle snuffer are cleaner methods that produce less smoke.
How to extinguish a candle
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Blowing it out | May cause wax to splatter and smoke |
| Using a lid | May trap smoke and change the scent |
| Wick dipper | Instantly extinguishes the flame with little smoke |
| Candle snuffer | Extinguishes the flame with minimal smoke |
| Wet fingers | Pinch the wick with wet fingers to extinguish the flame |
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What You'll Learn
Using a wick dipper
Wick dippers are a great way to extinguish a candle without causing smoke or wax splatter. They are slender instruments with a long handle and a hook or curved end. They work by gently pushing the wick into the pool of molten wax, cutting off the wick's oxygen supply and extinguishing the flame.
To use a wick dipper, start by placing your candle on a flat, stable surface away from drafts. Allow the candle to burn until the wax melts and forms a pool. Hold the wick dipper by its handle and position the curved end above the flame, being careful not to touch the flame. Then, gently push the wick into the melted wax, submerging it completely. Keep the wick submerged for a few seconds until the flame goes out.
After extinguishing the candle, slowly lift the wick out of the wax. Allow the wick dipper to cool down before handling it. Use a soft cloth or paper towel to wipe away any wax residue. For stubborn wax buildup, soak the wick dipper in warm, soapy water for about 10 minutes, being careful not to submerge any wooden parts that could warp or stain.
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Using a candle snuffer
To use a candle snuffer, hold it over the candle with the bell or cone end facing the flame. Slowly lower the snuffer until it envelops the flame, depriving it of oxygen and stifling it. Hold the snuffer in place until the flame is completely extinguished. Ensure that the snuffers do not touch the melted wax, as this could cause it to become hot or sticky.
Candle snuffers are a preferred method for extinguishing candles, as they are safe, effective, and elegant. They are also a great way to add a touch of sophistication to any candle display. Additionally, they help prevent wax spattering and extend the life of a candle by preventing the wick from smoking.
Candle snuffers have been used for centuries, dating back to ancient Rome. They were commonly made of bronze or other metals and were considered a status symbol. Today, candle snuffers are still used as both decorative and practical tools for candle lovers. They can be found in various styles and materials, from simple metal designs to more elaborate pieces with decorative handles.
Overall, using a candle snuffer is a safe, effective, and elegant way to extinguish a candle, offering several benefits over other methods such as blowing out the candle or using a lid.
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Blowing it out
Blowing out a candle is the most obvious way to extinguish it. However, it can cause issues with the wax, such as unevenness or tunneling, where a small tunnel is bored into the candle, rendering the wax along the sides unusable. Blowing out a candle can also cause a build-up of black soot on the wax or around the inside of the container, which can be unsightly and difficult to clean. It can also push wax to the side of the glass container, and a wick buried in wax is harder to relight.
To blow out a candle, position your face close to the flame, with the wick at around mouth level. Do not hover directly over the candle, as the rising heat from the flame may burn you. Purse your lips together and blow a thin stream of air to put out the candle in one quick gust. Be careful not to blow too forcefully, as this can cause droplets of hot wax to spray, which could cause minor burns. Stand clear of the smoke when you have finished, as it releases a plume of thick, dark smoke.
Blowing out a candle is not recommended if you want to preserve the quality of the wax and fragrance. It can cause the candle to emit a lot of smoke, which can affect the fragrance of the room and the scent of the candle itself. However, it is a good method for candles in deep jars, which may be difficult to extinguish using other methods.
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Putting a lid on it
Putting a lid on a candle is a valid way to extinguish it. This method suffocates the flame by depriving it of oxygen. However, candle enthusiasts do not recommend it due to the following reasons:
Firstly, not all candle lids are suitable for extinguishing candles. Some lids are purely decorative and made from materials such as wood, plastic, or rubber seals that can melt or deform when exposed to heat. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the lid is non-flammable before attempting to use it to extinguish a candle.
Secondly, using the lid to extinguish a candle can result in smoke and soot being trapped within the jar. This can leave a black, sooty residue on the underside of the lid and the inside of the container, affecting the appearance of your candle. The trapped soot can also settle into the wax, which is particularly undesirable for those who prefer the pristine look of clean, white-colored wax.
Thirdly, if there is a lot of empty space in the container, the flame will continue to burn until it uses up all the oxygen inside. This can create a vacuum seal that suctions the lid tightly to the candle jar, making it difficult to open again.
Despite these drawbacks, some people still prefer to use the lid to extinguish their candles as it reduces smoke and preserves the candle's fragrance. If you choose to use this method, it is important to proceed with caution to avoid burns. One recommended approach is to slowly place the lid over the candle jar, leaving a small gap for the heat to escape. Once the flame has died down, you can then close the lid completely.
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Wetting your fingers and pinching the wick
Firstly, locate a source of water, such as a sink or drinking glass, and wet your fingers. The water will help to protect your skin from the heat of the flame. Be sure to wet your fingers just enough to stifle the candle with a light touch.
Once your fingers are damp, it's time to pinch the wick. In one rapid motion, grasp the wick between your two fingers. The moisture on your fingertips will cause the flame to die as soon as you make contact. It's important to let go of the wick immediately after pinching it to avoid any risk of burning yourself. You may feel a warm sensation momentarily, but the heat will dissipate almost instantly once the flame is out. Don't worry about the sizzling sound you'll hear—it's just the moisture on your fingertips evaporating.
After successfully extinguishing the candle, it's a good idea 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 the wick or pull it out of the candle. Let the wax cool before handling the wick further. Trimming the wick is also beneficial. Once the wax has dried, use a wick trimmer or manicure scissors to clip away any frayed, burnt tips. The ideal length to aim for is 1/8" (0.31 cm), which will help keep the wick burning brighter for longer.
By following these steps, you can safely and effectively extinguish a candle using nothing more than your dampened fingertips.
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Frequently asked questions
Using a candle snuffer or a wick dipper are two ways to extinguish a candle without creating a mess. A candle snuffer is a tool with a long handle and a bell-shaped end. The bell-shaped end is placed over the candle wick to deprive it of oxygen, extinguishing the flame. A wick dipper is another tool with a long handle and a hook at one end. The wick dipper is used to quickly dip the wick into the melted wax, instantly extinguishing the flame.
Purse your lips together and blow a thin stream of air to put out the candle in one quick gust. Be careful not to blow too forcefully, as this can cause hot wax to splatter.
One way is to use your fingers. Wet your fingers and quickly pinch the wick to extinguish the flame. Be careful not to burn yourself. Another way is to simply put a lid on the candle to deprive it of oxygen. However, this method can cause issues with wax and alter the scent of the candle.
Allow the wax to cool, then trim the wick to a length of about 1/8" (0.31 cm). Trimming the wick helps it to burn brighter and longer in the future.
