Maddie James
There are several ways to extinguish a candle flame, but not all methods are advisable. Blowing out a candle is a common practice, but it can cause hot wax to spray, and the smoke emitted by the wick can negatively impact the scent of the candle. Similarly, covering the candle with a lid to deprive it of oxygen can alter the scent of the wax as the smoke becomes trapped. Using a wick dipper or a candle snuffer is a recommended way to extinguish a candle, as it minimises smoke and prevents the issues of wax tunneling and unevenness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Blowing out | Not recommended due to the risk of hot wax being blown everywhere |
| Using a lid | Not recommended as it can create a vacuum effect and trap smoke in the wax, altering its scent |
| Wick dippers | Recommended as they extinguish the flame with minimal smoke and improve the condition of the wicks |
| Candle snuffers | Recommended as they extinguish the flame without the risk of hot wax being blown everywhere |
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What You'll Learn
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 a quarter of an inch. This prevents excessive soot and ensures a controlled and even flame. Allow the candle to burn until the wax melts and creates a pool that reaches the edges of the container. This prevents tunnelling and maximises the fragrance throw.
Once you are ready to extinguish the candle, 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. Keep the wick submerged for a few seconds, allowing the flame to extinguish naturally due to the lack of oxygen.
After extinguishing the candle, slowly lift the wick dipper and release the wick from its hold. Allow the wick dipper to cool down before handling it. Use a soft cloth or paper towel to gently wipe away any wax residue from the tool. 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 wax buildup, soak the wick dipper in warm soapy water for about ten minutes, being careful not to submerge any wooden parts that could warp or stain.
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Using a candle snuffer
- Identify the bell of the snuffer. The bell is the small metal cup at the end of the long handle. Some candle snuffers may resemble a cylinder, pyramid, or disc instead of a rounded bell.
- Place the bell of the snuffer over the wick of the candle. Ensure that the snuffer does not touch the melted wax.
- Lower the bell over the flame until it is fully enveloped. The flame will be extinguished as it is deprived of oxygen.
- Hold the snuffer in place for a moment until the flame is completely out.
- Remove the snuffer from the extinguished candle.
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Blowing it out
Blowing out a candle is a simple task, but there are a few things to keep in mind to do it properly and safely. Firstly, ensure you are blowing out the candle for the right reasons. Some people believe that blowing out a candle shows disrespect to angels and spirits, so you may want to consider using a different method if this is a concern for you.
When you are ready to blow out the candle, position your face a few inches away from the flame, with the wick at mouth level. This will make it easier to extinguish the flame. Be careful not to hover directly over the candle, as the rising heat from the flame could burn you.
Purse your lips together and blow a thin stream of air onto the flame. A gentle, quick gust should be enough to extinguish the candle. Be careful not to blow too forcefully, as this could cause hot wax to spray, resulting in a mess or minor burns. Keep blowing until the flame is completely extinguished.
If you are blowing out a scented candle, be aware that the smoke may alter the scent of the room and the wax. Blowing out a candle can cause issues such as tunneling and unevenness in the wax, and the wick emitting smoke may reduce the fragrance of the candle. For these reasons, some people prefer to use a wick dipper or candle snuffer to extinguish their candles. However, if you are careful and follow the proper steps, blowing out a candle is a perfectly acceptable method.
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$13.99
Putting a lid on it
While it is possible to put out a candle with a lid, it is not recommended. The lid of a candle jar is designed to preserve the scent and protect the wax from dust, but it is not meant to extinguish the flame.
Using a lid to put out a candle can cause smoke and soot to become trapped within the jar. This residue can settle on the underside of the lid, the insides of the container, and even the wax itself, leaving a black, sooty mess. Not only does this look unappealing, but it can also alter the scent of the candle, causing it to smell burnt.
In addition, 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 jar, making it difficult to remove. Some candle lids are also purely decorative and may be made from materials such as wood, plastic, or rubber seals that can melt or deform when exposed to heat.
Therefore, while using a lid to extinguish a candle may seem like a neat trick to minimise smoke, it is not the best method to preserve the appearance and scent of your candle. Instead, consider using a wick dipper or a candle snuffer, which are safer alternatives that will keep your candles looking and smelling beautiful.
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Pros and cons of each method
Blowing out the Candle
Pros: This method is straightforward and does not require any additional tools.
Cons: Blowing out a candle can cause hot wax to spray onto your face or surroundings. It can also cause issues with the wax, such as tunneling and unevenness. Additionally, the wick will continue to smolder, emitting smoke that can reduce the scent of the candle and linger in the room.
Using a Lid
Pros: Using a lid to extinguish a candle is convenient, as it does not require any additional tools.
Cons: This method can create a vacuum effect, trapping smoke inside the jar and altering the scent of the wax. It can also be unsafe, as the lid may get stuck or suctioned to the jar, requiring extra force to remove it.
Wick Dipper
Pros: Wick dippers are inexpensive, easy to use, and effective at extinguishing the flame with minimal to no smoke. They improve the condition of the wicks by coating them with a new layer of wax, which can enhance future burns.
Cons: Wick dippers may not be readily available in your household, requiring a separate purchase. Additionally, if the candle is full, you may need to use scissors or another tool to dip the wicks into the wax.
Candle Snuffer
Pros: Using a candle snuffer is a safe and effective method to extinguish a candle. It eliminates the risk of hot wax spraying and minimizes smoke.
Cons: Similar to wick dippers, candle snuffers may not be readily available, requiring a separate purchase. It is important to ensure that the snuffers do not come into contact with the melted wax to avoid potential mess or damage to the snuffer.
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Frequently asked questions
Using a wick dipper or a candle snuffer is the best way to extinguish a candle. A wick dipper involves dipping the wick into the melted wax to instantly put out the candle with very little smoke. A candle snuffer extinguishes the flame by enveloping it with its bell-shaped end.
Some other common ways to put out a candle include blowing it out, putting a lid on it, or tipping it over to drown the wick.
Blowing out a candle or putting a lid on it are not recommended as they can cause issues like wax tunneling and unevenness. Blowing out a candle can also cause the wick to emit a lot of smoke, altering the scent of the candle. Similarly, putting a lid on a candle traps the smoke, infusing it back into the wax and possibly changing its scent.
Using a wick dipper or a candle snuffer reduces the amount of smoke emitted when extinguishing a candle, preserving the scent of the candle. These methods also help improve the condition of the wicks for future burns by reducing the smoldering of the wick and providing a new coating of wax.
