Brooke Martin
There are several ways to extinguish a candle flame. The most obvious method is to blow out the flame, but this is not the only way. Other methods include using a wick dipper, a candle snuffer, or simply placing a lid on the candle to prevent oxygen from reaching the flame.
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What You'll Learn
Blowing out the flame
The most obvious way to extinguish a candle is by blowing out the flame. This method is simple and effective, but it does have some drawbacks. Blowing out a candle can cause smoke, which can leave an unpleasant after-scent and soot on the wick and surrounding area. It can also cause uneven wax or push the wax to the side of the container, creating tunneling. This can make the candle harder to relight.
To blow out a candle effectively, it is important to create a thin stream of air that will put out the flame in one quick gust. Be careful not to blow too forcefully, as this can cause wax to spray and create a mess or even cause minor burns. It is also important to stand clear of the smoke when blowing out a candle, as it can deposit soot on your skin or clothes. Whenever possible, extinguish candles in a well-ventilated area to avoid smoke buildup.
While blowing out a candle is the most common method, there are alternative ways to extinguish a candle flame. One alternative is to use a wick dipper to bend the wick into the wax, extinguishing the flame without any smoke. This method also makes it easier to relight the candle. Another option is to use a candle snuffer, a small bell-shaped tool on a long stick, to snuff out the flame. Like the wick dipper, this method produces minimal smoke and soot.
For scented candles, some people recommend avoiding blowing out the flame altogether. Instead, they suggest using a wick dipper or snuffer to extinguish the flame gently and preserve the candle's fragrance.
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Using a candle snuffer
Candle snuffers are an excellent way to extinguish a candle without the smoke and odour of a smouldering wick that results from simply blowing a candle out. They are also superior to blowing out a candle because they prevent wax and soot from being blown around and potentially getting stuck on the inside of your candle vessel.
A candle snuffer, or extinguisher, is an instrument used to extinguish burning candles, consisting of a small cone at the end of a handle. When placed over a lit wick, snuffers keep air away from the flame, causing it to extinguish. Candle snuffers can be used for traditional candles, tapers, and pillars.
To use a candle snuffer, hover it over the wick for roughly 10 seconds without dipping it too far down. This will prevent tiny pieces of the wick from dropping into your wax.
Candle snuffers are also great for maintaining the quality of your candle, allowing it to continue burning properly. It is recommended that candles are burned for no more than 4-6 hours at a time. Burning any longer than that can cause your candle to overheat, leading to uneven burns, mushroom-looking wicks, and excess smoke.
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Dipping the wick in wax
Dipping the wick into wax is one of the most popular ways to extinguish a candle. It is also one of the two most recommended ways to put out a candle, according to some sources.
A wick dipper is a slender, metal tool with a long handle and a hook or curved end. It is specifically designed for candle care. To extinguish a candle using a wick dipper, follow these steps:
- Place your candle on a flat, stable surface away from drafts to ensure an even burn and prevent unnecessary dripping.
- Allow the candle to burn until a pool of wax forms around the wick.
- Hold the wick dipper by its handle and angle the curved end towards the wick.
- Gently press the wick into the pool of wax until it is completely submerged and the flame goes out.
- Keep the wick submerged for a few seconds to allow the flame to extinguish naturally due to the lack of oxygen.
- Lift the wick out of the wax and straighten it, repositioning it for the next use.
Using a wick dipper to extinguish a candle offers several benefits. It prevents the wick from mushrooming or developing a carbon buildup at the tip, which can lead to uneven burning and dripping. Dipping the wick in wax helps it burn more evenly during subsequent uses, reducing the likelihood of smoking or an oversized flame. It also minimizes the smoke, soot, and wax scattering associated with blowing out a candle, maintaining the purity of the air and the cleanliness of the candle. Additionally, coating the wick with wax primes it for future burning, allowing the candle to burn longer and more efficiently and extending its shelf life.
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Wetting your fingers and pinching the wick
If you choose to proceed with wetting your fingers and pinching the wick, there are a few important steps to follow. Firstly, ensure that your candle is freestanding and the flame is at least one inch (2.5 cm) high. This is crucial for two reasons: it allows you to pull your hand away quickly in case of any mishaps, and it ensures that you can easily reach the wick with your fingers.
Before attempting to extinguish the flame, it is imperative to lick or wet your fingers with water. This protective layer of moisture acts as a safeguard, preventing your skin from getting burned. Position your hand about one inch away from the wick, and then quickly grasp the wick with your thumb and forefinger. Immediately release the wick, and your candle should be successfully extinguished.
With practice, you may be able to skip the step of wetting your fingers altogether. However, it is crucial to master the timing first. If the flame is not extinguished on your first attempt, it is recommended to blow out the candle, shorten the wick, and try again. Remember, naked flames pose inherent dangers, so always exercise caution when handling candles.
While the method of wetting your fingers and pinching the wick may be intriguing, it is important to recognise that there are alternative methods available, such as using a wick dipper or long stick to dip the wick into the melted wax. This approach instantly extinguishes the flame and prevents any smoke. Ultimately, the choice of method depends on personal preference and comfort level, but safety should always be the top priority.
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Putting the lid on the candle
Putting the lid on a candle is a common way to extinguish the flame. It involves placing the lid on top of the candle jar to restrict oxygen flow to the flame, thereby depriving it of the fuel it needs to keep burning.
While this method is effective in putting out the flame, it has several drawbacks. Firstly, not all candle lids are designed to be used in this way. Some lids are purely decorative and may be made from materials such as wood or plastic, or contain rubber seals that can melt or deform when exposed to heat. Secondly, using the lid to extinguish a candle can create a vacuum effect, causing the glass to break or the flame to reignite unexpectedly. Thirdly, the lid traps smoke and soot within the jar, leaving a black, sooty residue on the underside of the lid and the inside of the container. This can also settle into the wax, affecting the candle's integrity and scent preservation.
To avoid these issues, it is recommended to use alternative methods to extinguish a candle, such as a wick dipper, candle snuffer, or blowing it out. These methods produce minimal smoke and soot, and do not affect the candle's scent or appearance.
However, if you choose to use the lid to extinguish your candle, it is important to do so with caution. Place the lid gently on top of the jar without pushing down to restrict airflow to the flame. This will prevent the lid from suctioning tightly to the jar, making it difficult to remove.
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