Ben Carter
Candles are a great way to add ambiance to any setting, but they can be a little tricky to work with. One of the most common issues is getting a candle to sit straight in its holder. A wobbly candle is not only an eyesore but also a safety hazard, as it could fall over and cause a mess or even start a fire. There are several methods to address this issue, including using a candle adhesive, wrapping the base with aluminium foil, or melting the base of the candle slightly before placing it in the holder. Another issue that candle enthusiasts often face is finding the best way to put out a candle. Blowing out a candle may seem like the easiest method, but it can cause smoke and soot to be trapped inside the vessel, affecting the scent and appearance of the candle. Instead, using a candle snuffer or a wick dipper is recommended as it extinguishes the flame without creating smoke or soot. With these simple tricks, you can enjoy the beauty and elegance of candles safely and confidently.
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What You'll Learn
How to light a candle without a lighter
There are several ways to light a candle without a lighter. Here are some of the most common methods:
Matches
Matches are a traditional and convenient method to light a candle. They can be found at most convenience stores and gas stations, and they are also commonly kept around the house. However, there is a risk of burning yourself, especially if the wick is low and you need to turn your hand at an angle to light it. To avoid this, you can try turning the candle upside down and lighting it that way.
Stovetop
You can use your stove to light a candle by turning on a burner and waiting for it to heat up. Then, simply touch the candle wick to the stovetop, and it should catch fire immediately. This method works best with long, skinny candles as the wick usually won't reach the stovetop on shorter candles. If you have a short candle, you can use another object that can catch fire easily, such as a dry spaghetti noodle or a Q-tip, as a makeshift wick. Place the makeshift wick on the heated stovetop, light it, and then use it to light your candle.
Toaster, Oven, or Space Heater
Similar to the stovetop method, you can use a toaster, oven, or space heater to light a candle. Simply heat up the appliance and use it to light the wick of your candle or a makeshift wick, such as a dry spaghetti noodle or Q-tip.
Battery and Foil
This method can be dangerous and is only recommended as a last resort. You will need a battery (AAA, AA, C, or D) and a strip of aluminum foil. Cut the foil into a strip that is about twice as long as the battery, fold it in half, and pinch the middle to create a crease. Place the ends of the foil strip on the positive and negative ends of the battery, causing a current to run through the foil and heat it up. The middle part of the foil should get hot enough to light the candle wick.
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How to prevent wax tunnelling
Candle tunnelling is a common issue that occurs when a candle burns down the middle, leaving unmelted wax around the edges. This happens when the candle hasn't been burnt long enough during its first use, or the wick is too small for the candle.
To prevent candle tunnelling, it is important to ensure that the entire surface of the candle melts uniformly during the first burn. Here are some methods to achieve this:
Initial Burn
During the first burn, let the candle burn for at least an hour or two, depending on its size. This will allow the entire surface of the wax to melt uniformly, preventing the formation of a tunnel.
Multiple Wicks
Consider using candles with multiple wicks, especially for larger candles. Multiple wicks distribute heat more evenly across the surface of the wax, reducing the chances of tunnelling.
Candle Warmers
Use candle warmers, which are electric devices that melt candles without an open flame. They produce uniform heat, melting the wax evenly from the bottom up and preventing tunnelling.
Wick Dippers
Use wick dippers to extinguish the flame by bending the wick into the melted wax. This coats the wick with wax, promoting a more even burn the next time the candle is lit.
Candle Toppers
Use a candle topper, or an "illuma-lid," which is a lid with holes for ventilation. It stabilizes and distributes the flame uniformly across the surface of the candle, preventing tunnelling.
Aluminium Foil
Wrap aluminium foil around the edges of the candle, leaving an opening in the centre for the wick. This will reflect the heat back to the edges, melting the wax evenly and preventing tunnelling.
Hair Dryer
Use a hair dryer to melt the entire surface of the candle, removing the "memory" of the wax. This will ensure that the wax melts uniformly the next time the candle is lit.
By following these methods, you can effectively prevent candle tunnelling and enjoy an even burn.
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How to prevent wax from dripping
To prevent wax from dripping, you must first identify the cause. One of the main causes of dripping is a draft, which can cause the flame to lean and melt the rim that holds the wax, allowing it to spill. Eliminating drafts or shielding the candle from them can prevent this. Candles positioned under or next to a fan or drafty window may also cause the flame to flicker and the wax to drip.
Another cause of dripping is the proximity of the candle to other candles. If the candle is too close to others, the heat from neighbouring flames can cause irregular melting and dripping as the protective rim melts.
The length of the wick is also important. A long wick can cause a large, flickering, and unstable flame, leading to wax dripping down the side. A wick that is too short can also cause dripping as the flame won't be large enough to burn the wax before it falls off the side. The ideal length for a candle wick is between 1/4 to 1/2 an inch.
If your candle has already started dripping due to air movement or an incorrect wick length, you can correct it by extinguishing the candle and using a small amount of the spilled wax to create a dam and block the channel where the wax is spilling out. Eliminate drafts, then relight the candle, watching it carefully. If the wick is too short, it may help to pour some of the melted wax off the top carefully to increase the wick's length.
A simple hack to keep candles from dripping is to use salt, which helps raise the melting point of the wax. Fill a bowl that is wide and deep enough to fit the candle with two cups of water and two tablespoons of salt. Mix the salt until it dissolves, then add your candles and let them sit for a few hours or overnight.
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How to prevent wax from smoking
To prevent wax from smoking, it is important to follow proper candle care and safety guidelines. Firstly, always trim the wick to a quarter of an inch before lighting the candle and ensure that any debris, such as wick trimmings or matches, is removed from the wax pool. Long or crooked wicks can cause uneven burning, dripping, flaring, and sooting. Trimming the wick will help prolong the life of the candle and prevent the wax from smoking.
Additionally, it is crucial to control the burning time of the candle. Candles should burn for one hour per inch of their diameter. For example, a two-inch candle should burn for no more than two hours. If a candle is not burned long enough to allow the wax to liquefy and melt from edge to edge, it will create a "memory ring." As a result, the candle will continue to tunnel and produce a dangerously large flame. It is recommended that candles should not burn for longer than four hours and should be allowed to cool for at least two hours before relighting.
The environment in which the candle is burned also plays a significant role in preventing wax from smoking. Avoid placing candles near fans, air conditioners, open windows, or crowded areas with people walking back and forth. Additionally, ensure that the candle is not exposed to draughts, as this will cause it to smoke.
When extinguishing the candle, avoid blowing it out, as this will result in incomplete combustion and cause the candle to smoke. Instead, use a snuffer or a wick dipper to extinguish the flame gently. Alternatively, you can use a fire-safe object, such as a metal butter knife, to dip the burning wick into the wax, effectively extinguishing the flame and preventing smoking.
Finally, the quality of the candle itself can impact whether the wax smokes. Excessive essential oils or poor-quality dyes added to the candle can contribute to smoking. Therefore, it is important to choose well-made candles with proper wicks to ensure a clean and smokeless burning experience.
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How to extinguish a candle
There are several ways to extinguish a candle flame, but some are better than others.
Using a Candle Snuffer
A candle snuffer is a metal tool with a long handle and a bell shape on one end. Simply hold the snuffer over the candle and lower the bell end onto the flame. Hold it there for a moment until the flame goes out. This method is preferred as it does not create much smoke or soot.
Using a Wick Dipper
A wick dipper is a long-handled tool with a hook on one end. Use the wick dipper to quickly dip the wick into the melted wax and then lift it back out. The flame will be extinguished instantly, with very little smoke. This method also helps to condition the wick for future use.
Blowing It Out
You can blow out a candle, but this is not recommended. Blowing can cause wax to spray everywhere, and it can also lead to issues like tunneling and unevenness in the wax. Blowing out a candle also produces a lot of smoke, which can affect the scent of the room and leave a sooty mess on the candle and surrounding area. If you do choose to blow out a candle, create a thin stream of air with your lips and blow in one quick gust until the flame is completely extinguished. Stand clear of the smoke to avoid the soot depositing on your skin or clothes.
Using a Lid
You can also put a lid on the candle to extinguish it. However, this method can cause smoke to become trapped in the wax, altering its scent. It can also create a vacuum effect, making it difficult to remove the lid afterward. If you do use a lid, avoid sealing it tightly until the flame is out and the wax has cooled.
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Frequently asked questions
To fix a bent taper candle, run the bent part under lukewarm water. Move the candle back and forth to warm up the wax, but be careful not to soften it too much. Once the wax is warm, bend the candle back to its original shape.
To keep your taper candles straight, use the right candle holders. Ensure the holders are designed for taper candles and have a strong grip. You can also use candle adhesive, or candlestick/wax dots, to secure the candle to the holder. If you don't have candle adhesive, you can use aluminium foil or a rubber band as a temporary fix.
The best way to put out a candle is to use a candle snuffer. This prevents wax and soot from being blown around and protects the quality of the candle.
