Tyler Brooks
There are many ways to extinguish a candle, from simply blowing it out to using a wick dipper or a candle snuffer. However, one interesting method is to use your hands by waving or swishing them in front of the flame. While this method may not be as well-known as others, it can be an effective way to put out a candle without causing any mess or smoke. By moving your hand with a rushing or hissing sound, you can create a small gust of wind that will extinguish the flame.
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What You'll Learn
Use a candle snuffer to minimise smoke
Using a candle snuffer is a great way to minimise smoke when extinguishing a candle. Candle snuffers are small cones attached to the end of a handle, and they have been used for centuries to put out fires with minimal smoke. They are a cleaner and more efficient alternative to blowing out a candle, which can cause unsightly black buildup on the wax or the inside of the container.
When using a candle snuffer, it is important to pay attention to how you hold it over the candle. You should gently hover the snuffer over the wick for around 10 seconds without dipping it into the wax, as this can cause the snuffer to bump against the wick and debris to drop into the wax. By using a candle snuffer, you can protect the quality of your candle and ensure that it continues to burn properly.
Candle snuffers are also a fashionable and affordable addition to any home. They come in a variety of shapes, including the popular rounded bell shape, as well as more unique forms such as a beehive, disk, or pyramid. You can usually find candle snuffers wherever candles are sold, and they are a great tool to have on hand if you want to keep your candles looking clean and new for as long as possible.
In addition to minimising smoke, candle snuffers offer a more delicate way to put out a flame, protecting your wick and wax. They are also safer than using your fingers to pinch the wick, which can be dangerous due to the risk of burning yourself. Overall, using a candle snuffer is a superior method to blowing out a candle or using your fingers, as it minimises smoke, protects your candle, and is a safe and quick way to extinguish the flame.
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Dip the wick into wax to eliminate oxygen
Dipping the wick into wax is a highly recommended way to extinguish a candle. This method is also known as using a wick dipper, which is a tool with a long handle and a hook at one end.
To use this method, you would take the wick dipper and quickly dip the wick into the melted wax, then immediately lift it back out. This will instantly extinguish the flame with very little smoke. It is important to act quickly and remove the wick from the wax to avoid losing it inside the wax pool.
Using a wick dipper or dipping the wick into wax is a preferred method because it produces minimal smoke and does not create a mess or unevenness in the wax, which can occur when blowing out a candle. It also has the added benefit of conditioning the wick, making it easier to light and helping it stay lit for longer during future uses.
This method is simple, effective, and safe, and it can help to preserve the life and fragrance of your candle.
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Blow out the candle with pursed lips
Blowing out a candle with pursed lips is a simple task, but there are a few nuances to consider. Firstly, it is important to position yourself a few inches away from the candle, with the wick at mouth level. This way, the air will have less distance to travel, making it easier to extinguish the flame. Be careful not to hover directly over the candle, as the rising heat may burn your face.
Next, purse your lips together and take a breath. The general purpose of pursed-lip breathing is to prolong exhalation, slow respiration, and provide positive pressure to your breathing. This technique can be especially useful if you have a restrictive lung disease or experience shortness of breath. By exhaling slowly and gently through pursed lips, you can improve your vital capacity and tidal volume.
Now, direct the airflow towards the wick and blow out the candle. The pursed lips will help you blow a more focused stream of air, making it easier to extinguish the flame. Be mindful that blowing out candles can result in a sooty mess, so consider using a metal candle snuffer if you want to avoid this issue.
Lastly, remember to straighten and trim the wick after extinguishing the candle. Allow the wax to cool, then remove any burnt or frayed parts of the wick. This practice will help the candle light easier and stay lit longer during future uses.
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Pinch the wick with tweezers or fingers
Pinching the wick with tweezers or fingers is a quick and effective way to extinguish a candle. It is important to note that this method carries a risk of burning your fingers, so caution and quick reflexes are required.
Firstly, ensure the candle is freestanding and at least one inch (2.5 cm) high. This will give you enough space to pinch the wick without your fingers touching the hot wax. If you have tweezers handy, use them to grasp the wick. If not, you can use your fingers, but it is recommended to lick your fingertips first to add a layer of water that protects your skin from burning.
Quickly pinch the wick and release it immediately. This action will starve the flame of oxygen, causing it to go out. Be careful not to hold onto the wick for too long, as the hot wax may cause burns. Once the flame is extinguished, straighten the wick back up and allow the wax to dry. Finally, trim away the burnt, frayed tip of the wick with scissors or a wick trimmer.
This method of extinguishing a candle is simple and efficient, but it requires a steady hand and good timing to avoid any mishaps. It is a useful technique to know, especially if you do not have access to a candle snuffer or wick dipper.
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Put a lid on the candle
Putting a Lid on the Candle
Putting a lid on a candle is a valid method of extinguishing it. This method works by removing the oxygen the flame needs to burn, thereby stopping the combustion reaction between oxygen and wax. It is essential to note that not all lids are meant for extinguishing flames. Some lids are purely decorative and may be made of flammable or heat-sensitive materials such as wood, plastic, or rubber seals that can melt or deform when exposed to heat.
To use this method, gently place the lid on top of the candle jar without pushing down or sealing it off. This will prevent the lid from getting stuck and causing the jar to turn black due to trapped smoke and soot.
While this method produces less smoke than blowing out the candle, it can still result in some smoke and soot buildup inside the jar. Therefore, it is recommended to remove the lid as soon as the flame is extinguished to allow any remaining smoke to escape.
Some alternative tools for extinguishing candles include wick dippers, candle snuffers, and metal tools such as spoons or paperclips. These methods can help minimize smoke and soot buildup, preserving the fragrance and lifespan of your candles.
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Frequently asked questions
Waving your hand to blow out the candle flame is one way to extinguish a candle. However, blowing out a candle flame can cause issues with wax buildup, tunneling, and unevenness.
You can use a candle snuffer, a wick dipper, or your fingers.
Hold the snuffer over the candle and lower the bell end onto the flame. Once the snuffer envelopes the flame, hold it there until the flame goes out.
Use the wick dipper to quickly dip the wick into the melted wax and then lift it back out.
Lick your fingers and quickly pinch the wick. Release the wick quickly to avoid burning yourself.
