Brooke Martin
There are many ways to extinguish a candle, but some are better than others. Blowing out a candle may seem like the obvious choice, but it can cause issues with your wax, like tunneling and unevenness, and it can also leave behind a sooty mess. Putting a lid on the candle is another option, but this can trap smoke and leave your candle smelling burnt. So, what is the best way to put out a candle? Using a candle snuffer is a cleaner, more efficient alternative. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to properly snuff out a candle, as well as offer tips for getting the most out of your candles.
How to Properly Snuff a Candle
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Method | Using a candle snuffer |
| Steps | Hold the bell-shaped end of the snuffer over the wick, depriving it of oxygen. Keep it there for at least one second after the flame goes out. |
| Benefits | Minimal smoke, preserves wax and fragrance, prevents mess, and protects the quality of the candle. |
| Other Methods | Using a wick dipper, blowing it out, or putting a lid on it. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Using a candle snuffer
Candle snuffers, also known as douters, date back to the mid-17th century. They are usually bell-shaped but can also be cylinders, pyramids, or discs. They are typically made of metal and have long handles.
To use a candle snuffer, hold it over the candle, ensuring that the bell end is lowered onto the lit flame. Keep the snuffer in place until the flame goes out completely—this may take roughly 10 seconds. Be careful not to let the snuffer touch the melted wax, as this can cause the wick to become buried and harder to relight.
After extinguishing the flame, cover the candle with a lid and store the snuffer in a safe place. Using a candle snuffer helps to protect the quality of your candle, ensuring that it continues to burn properly and preserving its fragrance.
Training Candles: A Step-by-Step Guide to Success
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Blowing it out
One of the most common and instinctive methods of extinguishing a candle is by blowing it out. While this method is simple and doesn't require any additional tools, there are a few techniques to ensure it's done effectively and safely. The key is to use a gentle, controlled breath, avoiding a strong gust of air that could scatter hot wax or embers. Cup your hand slightly around the candle as you blow, directing your breath and containing the flame. A quick, short breath is usually best, and you may need to repeat this a few times for larger wicks or candles that have been burning for a while.
For taller or larger candles, you may need to get closer to the flame to ensure your breath reaches it effectively. Be mindful of your hair and any loose clothing, keeping a safe distance to avoid any potential contact with the flame. If you're concerned about hot wax splattering, you can use a candle snuffer, which is a small, bell-shaped tool specifically designed to extinguish candles. Simply hold the snuffer over the flame, and gently blow through the snuffer to extinguish the candle without the risk of wax splatter.
Another technique is to use a 'hissing' method, where you gently blow through pursed lips, creating a soft, gentle stream of air. This method is particularly useful for smaller candles or tea lights, where a strong gust of air could blow them over. It's also a good technique for when you want to avoid any potential smoke from blowing out the candle, as it gently starves the flame of oxygen.
For those who enjoy the ritual of blowing out candles, there are a few extra considerations to keep in mind. Always ensure the candle is on a stable, heat-resistant surface, and never leave a burning candle unattended. If you're blowing out multiple candles, work from the center outwards to avoid accidentally knocking over any neighboring candles. Finally, be mindful of any nearby flammable objects, such as curtains or paper decorations, and always ensure candles are blown out completely before leaving the room.
Remember, while blowing out a candle is a quick and easy method, it can be less precise than other methods like snuffing or dipping. It's important to be mindful of your surroundings and take care when using this technique, especially around young children or pets. With a little practice, you can master the art of gently and safely blowing out candles.
Commanding Candles: Do as I Say Ritual
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Using a wick dipper
A wick dipper is a slender, elegantly designed metal instrument used to care for and maintain candles. It is one of the two recommended ways to put out a candle, the other being a candle snuffer.
Wick dippers are about 8 inches long with a bend at one end. The bend is used to push the wick gently into the wax pool, extinguishing the flame without smoke or soot. This action also coats the wick with wax, priming it for the next burn and allowing for an even burn throughout each use. The wick dipper minimises the smoke and soot associated with blowing out candles, prevents the wick from "mushrooming", and ensures the wick does not splatter hot wax.
To use a wick dipper, first, allow your candle to burn until a pool of wax forms around the wick. Then, hold the handle of the wick dipper and angle the curved end towards the wick. Next, gently press the wick into the wax pool until it is submerged and the flame extinguishes. Finally, lift the wick back up out of the wax, repositioning it for the next use.
After using the wick dipper, check the height of the wick. If it is too low, gently adjust it to around 1/4 inch before relighting to prevent excessive smoking. If you've trimmed the wick after using the dipper, make sure to dispose of the trimmed portion properly to prevent any fire hazards.
Candle Flames: Degrees of Heat and Light
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Putting a lid on it
If your candle came with a non-flammable lid, you can use it to extinguish the flame. Simply place the lid over the candle to suffocate the flame by cutting off its oxygen supply. However, this method is not without its drawbacks. Lids trap the smoke inside, leaving soot on the wick and candle wax, which can affect the fragrance of the candle.
If you are using a lid to extinguish your candle, it is important to exercise caution. Ensure that the lid is made of non-flammable material, as using a flammable lid can be dangerous. Also, be careful not to touch the hot lid after extinguishing the flame, as it can cause burns.
While using a lid is a convenient option, it is worth considering other methods that can effectively extinguish a candle without producing smoke or soot. One popular method is to use a wick dipper, which is designed to bend the wick into the wax, immediately extinguishing the flame without emitting any smoke. This method also helps prepare the wick for the next use.
Another option is to use a candle snuffer, which has been used for centuries to extinguish candle flames with minimal smoke. Candle snuffers are available in various shapes, such as a bell, cylinder, pyramid, or disc, and can be found wherever candles are sold. To use a snuffer, simply place the bell or cup-shaped end over the wick, depriving the flame of oxygen and gradually stifling it.
Profiting from Three White Soldiers: A Trader's Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Pinching the wick with licked fingers
Position your hand about one inch away from the wick and grasp it as quickly as possible before releasing. With practice, you may be able to skip the step of wetting your fingers. If the flame does not extinguish, blow out the candle, shorten the wick, and try again. This method is particularly useful for candles in deep containers or lanterns where the wick is hard to reach.
Although pinching the wick with licked fingers can be effective, there are other safer alternatives. Using a candle snuffer, for example, is a recommended option by fire safety experts. This method involves slowly lowering the snuffer over the flame to extinguish it completely. Similarly, a wick dipper can be used to put out a candle without any smoke or wax splatter.
If you choose to use your fingers, take extra caution to avoid burning yourself. Ensure your fingers are wet and quickly pinch the wick, releasing it immediately. Keep in mind that water should not be poured directly onto the candle, as it can cause hot wax to spurt out and potentially cause burns. Always prioritise safety when handling candles and open flames.
Rushlights: A Brighter, Cheaper, and Longer-Lasting Alternative to Candles
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Using a candle snuffer is the best way to extinguish a candle. A candle snuffer is a bell or cylinder-shaped cone with a handle on one end. To put out your candle, hold the snuffer over the candle and lower the bell end onto the flame. Once the snuffer fully covers the flame, hold it there for a moment until the flame goes out.
Using a candle snuffer is a cleaner and more efficient alternative to blowing out a candle. It minimises smoke and soot, preserving the quality and fragrance of the candle.
Blowing out a candle can cause wax to splatter and create issues like tunneling and unevenness. It also emits a lot of smoke, which can affect the fragrance of the candle.
Yes, there are a few other ways to extinguish a candle. One way is to use a wick dipper or a pair of tweezers to bend the wick into the wax, extinguishing the flame without any smoke. Another way is to use the candle's lid to suffocate the flame, but this can trap smoke and alter the scent of the wax.
