Chloe Adams
There are many ways to extinguish a candle flame, but some are better than others if you want to preserve the life of your candle and avoid a smoky room. Blowing out a candle may seem like the obvious choice, but it can cause issues with wax and emit a lot of smoke, which can affect the fragrance of the room and the candle itself. So, how can you prepare a 'shut up candle'? Well, you could try using a candle snuffer, a wick dipper, or even your fingers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most common way to extinguish a candle | Blowing it out |
| Other ways to extinguish a candle | Using fingers, tweezers, a wick dipper, a candle snuffer, or a lid |
| Blowing out a candle | Can cause issues with wax, such as unevenness and tunneling |
| Blowing out a candle | Can reduce the effect of the cold throw of the candle |
| Blowing out a candle | Can cause the wick to emit smoke, affecting the warm throw |
| Using a lid | Can trap smoke and leave soot on the wick and wax |
| Using a lid | Can cause the lid to suction to the vessel and break |
| Using fingers | Can burn the skin |
| Using tweezers | Can be used to grasp the wick and bend it into the wax to extinguish the flame |
| Using a wick dipper | Can instantly extinguish the candle with very little smoke |
| Using a wick dipper | Can prepare the wick for the next use |
| Using a candle snuffer | Can extinguish the candle safely and quickly without lingering smoke |
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What You'll Learn
Using a candle snuffer
Candle snuffers are a great way to extinguish a candle without the mess and smoke associated with blowing out candles. They are also a safer option, especially if you have children or pets at home.
To use a candle snuffer, first, ensure that your wick is trimmed. Trimming the wick helps to prevent soot from forming on the candle jar, stops the candle from smoking, and helps your candle burn evenly and last longer. Next, hold the snuffer over the candle, being careful not to dip the snuffer into the wax. Gently hover it over the wick for around 10 seconds. This will prevent the snuffer from bumping against the wick and causing debris to drop into the wax. Keep the snuffer over the wick until the flame goes out completely. You may see a small wisp of smoke escape—this is normal.
After extinguishing the flame, cover the candle with a lid and store the snuffer in a safe place. If any wax does get onto your snuffer, you can clean it by soaking the bell-shaped portion in boiling water. Then, gently chip away at any leftover wax and wipe it dry with a clean towel.
Candle snuffers are an effective way to put out a candle without the mess and smoke of blowing them out. They are also safer, especially if you have children or pets, as they avoid hot wax splattering.
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Blowing out the flame
If you do choose to blow out a candle, there is a technique to it. Position your face close to the flame, but not directly over it, to avoid the rising heat. Purse your lips together and blow, exhaling suddenly through the small opening.
There are many other ways to extinguish a candle, some of which can preserve the quality of the candle and its fragrance. Using a wick dipper is a popular method, where you use a long-handled tool to quickly press the wick into the wax, instantly extinguishing the flame. This method creates very little smoke and can help prepare the wick for the next use. Antique wick dippers are prized by collectors and candle connoisseurs, and modern wick dippers are inexpensive and often fashionably designed.
Another recommended method is to use a candle snuffer, also known as a douter. Candle snuffers have been used since the mid-17th century and are still popular today. They work well with most candles, quickly extinguishing the flame and minimising smoke. Modern candle snuffers are inexpensive and often feature a fashionable design, such as a rounded bell shape. To use a candle snuffer, hold it over the candle and lower it until it fully envelops the flame. Hold it there for a moment until the flame is completely out.
Other methods to extinguish a candle include using your fingers by licking the tips of your fingers and pinching the wick, or using tweezers to grasp the wick and then dipping it into the wax. However, these methods come with a higher risk of burning yourself, so it is important to be careful and quick.
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Using a wick dipper
To use a wick dipper, start by placing your candle on a flat, stable surface away from drafts. This ensures an even burn and prevents unnecessary dripping. Before lighting the candle, use a wick trimmer to trim the wick to around 1/4 inch. This prevents excessive soot and ensures a controlled and even flame.
Allow the 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. Gently push the wick into the melted wax, submerging it completely. Slowly lift the wick dipper, releasing the wick from its hold.
To maintain your wick dipper, allow it to cool down before handling it. Use a soft cloth or paper towel to wipe away any wax residue. For stubborn wax, warm water can help loosen it, and you can use a cotton swab to get into any nooks and crannies. If there is still wax buildup, soak the wick dipper in warm soapy water for about 10 minutes, being careful not to submerge any part of the handle that could warp or stain. For metal wick dippers, you can occasionally polish them with metal cleaner or olive oil to restore their shine.
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Wetting fingers and pinching the wick
Wetting your fingers and pinching the wick is a popular method of extinguishing a candle. This method is preferred over blowing out the candle, as blowing can cause an uneven wax build-up, pushing the wax to the side of the container, and creating tunneling. Blowing out the candle can also leave an unpleasant after-scent and soot on the wick.
To extinguish a candle by wetting your fingers and pinching the wick, start by licking your fingers. This adds a layer of water that protects your skin from getting burned. Most people prefer to use their thumb and forefinger, but any two fingers will do. The idea is to wet them just enough to stifle the candle with a light touch.
Once your fingers are moistened, quickly move your fingers close to the flame, ensuring they are positioned above the wick. Slowly and steadily, bring your fingers together, pinching the wick firmly between them. Apply enough pressure to cut off the oxygen supply to the flame, but be careful not to squeeze too hard and break the wick. Keep your fingers close to the flame for a few seconds to confirm that the candle is fully extinguished. Make sure you let go of the wick immediately to avoid any discomfort or burns.
After extinguishing the candle, remember to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water to remove any residue or soot. With practice, you can master the timing and technique of this method, but always prioritise safety by selecting candles with flame-resistant containers and sturdy bases.
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Using tweezers to bend the wick into the wax
To begin, ensure that your tweezers are within easy reach before you light the candle. When you are ready to extinguish the flame, take the tweezers and grasp the wick firmly, but gently, between the tweezer prongs. Take care not to touch the hot wax with the tweezers, as this could cause splattering. Once you have a firm grip on the wick, carefully and slowly bend the wick into the liquid wax. The flame will be instantly extinguished as the wick makes contact with the wax.
It is important to act quickly when performing this method, as the wick will need to be pulled out of the wax immediately to avoid becoming stuck in the hardening wax. Use the tweezers to straighten the wick, and allow the wax to dry. Finally, use a wick trimmer to trim the wick to a length of ⅛” (0.31cm) to optimise the candle's burn time and brightness.
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Frequently asked questions
Using a wick dipper or a candle snuffer is the best way to extinguish a candle and prepare it for the next use.
Use a wick dipper to quickly press the wick down into the wax. This will instantly put out the candle with very little smoke.
Hold the snuffer over the candle and lower the bell-end onto the flame. Once the snuffer envelops the flame, hold it there until the flame goes out.
Yes, you can blow out the candle, put a lid on it, or use your fingers. However, these methods may cause issues like unevenness, tunneling, or smoke.
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