Maddie James
There are many ways to extinguish a candle flame, but not all methods are created equal. Blowing out a candle may be the most well-known method, but it can cause issues with your wax, such as unevenness and tunneling, and the smoke can reduce the scent of the candle. Similarly, using the lid to suffocate the flame can alter the wax's scent and cause the lid to get stuck. To avoid these issues, candle enthusiasts recommend using a wick dipper or a candle snuffer. A wick dipper is used to quickly dip the wick into the wax, instantly putting out the flame with very little smoke. A candle snuffer, also known as a douter, is a small bell-shaped tool on a long stick that is placed over the flame to extinguish it.
How to smolder a candle
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Blowing out a candle | Can cause smoke, which disrupts the lingering candle scent and coats the inside of the candle vessel with soot |
| Using a candle snuffer | Extinguishes the flame, minimizing smoke |
| Using a lid | Can trap smoke in the candle, altering the scent |
| Using a wick dipper | Extinguishes the flame without smoke by dipping the wick into the wax |
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What You'll Learn
Using a wick dipper
Wick dippers are a great way to extinguish a candle without causing smoke or damaging the wick. They are slender, curved metal tools with a long handle and a hook at one end. They are designed to submerge the wick into the pool of molten wax, cutting off the oxygen supply and gently extinguishing the flame.
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 dripping. Allow the candle to burn until the wax has melted and formed a pool. Hold the wick dipper by its handle and position the curved end above the flame, without touching it. Then, gently push the wick into the molten wax, fully submerging it. Slowly lift the wick out of the wax and release it from the dipper.
After extinguishing the candle, you can cover it with its lid and store it in a cool, dry place to maintain the scent. To care for your wick dipper, always let it cool down before handling. Use a soft cloth or paper towel to wipe away any wax residue. For stubborn wax, you can use warm water or gently heat the dipper with a hairdryer to soften the wax. If you want to restore the shine of a metal wick dipper, you can occasionally polish it with metal cleaner or a little olive oil.
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Blowing it out
Blowing out a candle is a quick and easy way to extinguish the flame. However, it is not the best method, as it can cause issues with the wax, such as unevenness and tunneling. Blowing out a candle can also result in wax being blown everywhere, and the wick emitting a lot of smoke. This smoke can leave an unpleasant smell in the room and coat the inside of the candle vessel with soot. It can also alter the scent of the candle, which is a particular problem with scented candles.
If you do choose to blow out a candle, it is recommended to wait until the entire surface of the candle has melted before doing so. This is because, if you blow out the candle before the wax has fully melted, the candle will remember where it stopped melting and will only melt up to this point in the future. This will result in a coating of unusable wax being left along the inside of the vessel.
To avoid getting wax everywhere, try blowing gently and be careful not to lean over the candle as you do so. You can also try to blow out the candle from a distance to avoid getting hot wax on your skin.
Some people believe that blowing out a candle shows disrespect to angels and spirits.
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Putting a lid on it
Putting a lid on a candle to extinguish it is a popular method, but it is not recommended. While it may seem like a convenient way to put out a candle, especially if the candle came with a lid, this method can actually cause more harm than good.
One of the main issues with putting a lid on a candle to extinguish it is that it traps the smoke inside the vessel. This can result in the smoke being infused back into the melted wax, altering the scent of the candle. The smoke can also leave soot on the wick and candle wax, which is not only unappealing but can also affect the fragrance of the candle when it is relit.
Additionally, putting the lid on a candle while it is still hot can create a vacuum effect, causing the lid to suction to the vessel. This can make it difficult to remove the lid and, in some cases, even cause the vessel to break.
Another issue with this method is that it can be dangerous. Depending on how tightly the lid is placed on the vessel, it may not allow for proper ventilation, potentially causing a build-up of heat and smoke. This could create a fire hazard, especially if there are flammable materials nearby.
Therefore, while putting a lid on a candle may seem like a quick and easy solution, it is advisable to use alternative methods such as a wick dipper or a candle snuffer to extinguish candles safely and effectively without altering their scent or causing damage to the candle vessel.
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Using a candle snuffer
Candle snuffers are a great way to extinguish a candle without creating a mess. They are also known as candle extinguishers and have been used since ancient times. Snuffers are superior to blowing out a candle as they prevent wax and soot from being blown around and protect your wick and wax in the process. They are also safer than simply putting a lid on the candle, which can create a vacuum effect and cause the smoke to alter the wax.
A candle snuffer is a small handheld tool that consists of a long handle with a bell or cone-shaped end. They come in various materials, such as brass, silver, stainless steel, and even glass. When using a candle snuffer, hold it by the handle with a firm grip. Position the extinguishing end of the snuffer above the candle flame, just above the wick. Slowly lower the snuffer until the extinguishing end covers the flame completely. Hold it in place for a few seconds to ensure the flame is extinguished.
Gently lift the snuffer away from the candle, keeping it level to avoid any residual smoke or wax drips. Set the snuffer aside and enjoy the ambiance of your candlelit space. By using a candle snuffer, you can extinguish the flame safely and minimise smoke and hot wax splatters, maintaining a clean and enjoyable candle experience. Candle snuffers are easy to use, safe, and provide a quick and efficient way to put out a candle. They are also relatively inexpensive and can be found at local retailers or online.
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Using a pencil
To use a pencil for this purpose, you will need to follow a few simple steps. First, ensure that your candle has been burning for a while and has created a small pool of liquid wax around the wick. The amount of time this takes will vary depending on the type and size of your candle, but you will generally need to burn it for at least an hour to create a decent-sized wax pool.
Once you have a sufficient amount of liquid wax, take a standard pencil and hold it firmly in your dominant hand. You want to grip it tightly enough that it won't slip, but not so tightly that you break the pencil or cause yourself discomfort. Position the pencil so that one end is resting on a flat surface, such as a table or counter, and the other end is near the candle wick.
Now, use the pencil as a lever to carefully push the wick into the liquid wax. Be gentle and precise to avoid spilling hot wax. The wick should be fully submerged in the wax. You may need to hold it in this position for a few seconds to ensure that the flame is completely extinguished. Then, slowly lift the wick back out of the wax using the pencil. Your candle should now be successfully smoldering, and you can return the pencil to your stationery collection!
Using this method has the added benefit of helping to prepare your wick for future use. The process of dipping the wick in wax helps to coat it and improve its condition, which can lead to better burns in the future. So, not only is this method smoke-free, but it can also help your candles burn more efficiently and effectively over time.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to use a wick dipper or a candle snuffer to smolder a candle. Using a wick dipper involves dipping the wick into the wax, which will instantly put out the candle with very little smoke. A candle snuffer, on the other hand, involves holding the bell-shaped end over the flame until the flame goes out.
Blowing out a candle can cause issues such as unevenness and tunneling, and it can also emit a lot of smoke, altering the scent of the candle. Using a lid can also alter the scent of the candle and cause issues with soot.
Other ways to put out a candle include blowing it out, putting a lid on it, or using household items such as scissors, tweezers, or a butter knife to dip the wick into the wax.
If you choose to blow out a candle, wait until the entire surface of the candle has melted before doing so. This will prevent the candle from leaving a coating of unusable wax along the inside of the vessel.
