Brooke Martin
Putting out a candle with your fingers, also known as snuffing out, is a skill that requires practice. It is important to note that you should not attempt to snuff out a candle without first wetting your fingers, as this layer of water protects your skin from burning. With a freestanding candle of at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) in height, you can lick your fingers and quickly grab the wick and release it to extinguish the flame.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Verb to describe action | "Snuff out", “extinguish”, “put out” or “pinch out” |
| Preparation | Ensure candle is at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) high and freestanding |
| Technique | Lick fingers to add protective layer of water, then quickly grab the wick and release |
| Practice | With practice, you can do this without licking fingers |
| Warning | Risk of burning fingers, keep aloe on hand to soothe pain |
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What You'll Learn
Wet your fingers first to prevent burns
To prevent burning your fingers when extinguishing a candle flame, it is important to wet your fingers before you begin. This protective layer of water will act as a barrier between the flame and your skin, preventing burns. You can simply lick your fingers to add this moisture, but it is important not to skip this step.
The next step is to quickly grab the wick of the candle between your thumb and finger, and then let go. This action should extinguish the flame. If the flame does not go out, blow out the candle, and try again. You may need to shorten the wick before relighting the candle and attempting to extinguish it with your fingers.
It is important to note that this technique requires good timing and practice. Even with wet fingers, there is still a risk of burning your fingers, so it is important to be cautious and quick in your movements. Always ensure the candle is freestanding and no taller than 1 inch (2.5 cm) to minimise the risk of fire.
With practice, you may be able to extinguish a candle flame with your fingers without the need to wet them first. However, this requires a good understanding of the timing and technique involved. It is always better to be safe than sorry, so it is recommended to take the necessary precautions and wet your fingers before attempting to snuff out a candle.
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Grab the wick and let go
To snuff out a candle with your fingers, it is important to first ensure that your fingers are wet. This layer of water will protect your skin from burning. You can achieve this by licking your fingers. Once your fingers are wet, you can proceed to grab the wick of the candle. Ensure that the candle is at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) high and freestanding, allowing you to quickly pull your hand away if needed.
Now, you are ready to grab the wick. Do this swiftly and then immediately let go. The flame should be extinguished as a result of this quick action. If the flame is not extinguished on your first attempt, don't panic. Simply blow out the candle, trim the wick to make it shorter, and try again. With practice, you will be able to master the timing and snuff out the candle with your fingers effortlessly.
It is crucial to prioritize safety when attempting to put out a candle with your fingers. Always ensure that you have the ability to quickly move your hand away from the flame to avoid any potential burns. Additionally, be mindful that the wick may continue to burn for a short time after the flame is extinguished, so remain cautious and aware of your surroundings to prevent any accidental fires.
While grabbing the wick and letting go is the fundamental technique for snuffing out a candle with your fingers, there are a few additional tips that can enhance your success and safety. Firstly, it is recommended to practice this technique to perfect your timing. With practice, you may even be able to forego licking your fingers, as some experienced individuals have reported.
Lastly, be mindful of the potential for soot from the wick to transfer to your fingers, which can be easily addressed by washing your hands after successfully snuffing out the candle. Remember, naked flames always carry some level of danger, so it is important to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings when attempting to put out a candle with your fingers.
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Blow out the candle if your fingers get burnt
If you are attempting to extinguish a candle with your fingers and your fingers get burned, it is best to stop and blow out the candle. This is because blowing on the candle will be a faster way to put out the flame and prevent further injury. It will also remove the source of the burn, allowing you to address the injury without the risk of re-injuring yourself.
To blow out a candle effectively, direct a quick, short burst of air at the base of the flame. This will deprive the flame of the oxygen it needs to stay alight and will extinguish it. Be sure to stand back slightly to avoid any potential splatter of hot wax.
If you are unable to blow out the candle, or if doing so risks further injury to your fingers, you could try using an alternative method to smother the flame. A candle can be extinguished by covering it with a non-flammable object, such as a metal lid or a heat-resistant plate. This will deprive the flame of oxygen and put it out.
In the event of a finger burn, it is important to run the affected area under cool water to reduce pain and prevent further damage to the skin. You can then apply a burn cream or a specialised after-burn treatment to the area, following the instructions on the product. If the burn is severe, or if symptoms persist, seek medical attention.
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Cut the wick small with scissors
If you want to put out a candle with your fingers, it is important to first ensure that the candle is at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) high and freestanding. This is to make sure that you can pull your hand away quickly if needed. One way to put out a candle with your fingers is to cut the wick with scissors. You can use a long pair of scissors to cut the wick, even while it is still burning. However, it is important to be cautious and avoid the risk of starting a fire. Naked flames can be dangerous, and the soot from the wick may come off on your fingers.
When using scissors to cut the wick, it is crucial to prioritize safety. Ensure that you are using the appropriate type and size of scissors for this task. Long scissors can help you maintain a safe distance from the flame while cutting the wick. Before cutting, make sure the candle is in a stable position to reduce the risk of accidental knocks or spills.
As you cut the wick with scissors, be mindful of any falling debris or hot wax. The wick and wax can be hot, and cutting the wick may cause molten wax to splatter. Always keep a safe distance and be prepared to move away quickly if needed. It is recommended to have a fire-safe surface or container nearby to place the scissors and any cut pieces of wick to prevent the risk of fire or damage to your surroundings.
While cutting the wick, you can also try using a snuffing technique. This involves gently pressing down on the wick with the scissors while simultaneously cutting it. This technique can help to smother the flame and create a more controlled environment. However, always exercise caution when handling open flames and hot materials.
By following these steps and staying vigilant, you can effectively cut the wick of a candle with scissors while also prioritizing safety. Remember to practice good fire safety habits and always have a plan for handling any unexpected situations. With the right tools and awareness, you can confidently snuff out candles using this method.
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Practice to master the timing
Practice is key to mastering the art of snuffing a candle with your fingers. It is a simple technique, but it requires precision and a good sense of timing. Start with a freshly lit candle, one that has a wick trimmed to about 5mm—this is important as a longer wick will make it harder to judge the timing. Stand close to the candle, but not too close, you need to be comfortable and in a position where you can move your hand and arm freely. Now, focus on the flame, and as you exhale, slowly move your fingers towards it. The key is to judge the distance and speed at which you bring your hand towards the flame. You want to aim to have your fingers about an inch above the flame, and then quickly, but gently, move your hand towards the wick. The movement should be swift but controlled, and the aim is to starve the flame of oxygen by cupping your hand and fingers around the wick. If you move too slowly, the candle will go out naturally, and if you are too fast, you may end up with burnt fingers. It is a fine balance, and it will take a few tries to get the timing right. A good way to practice is to light the candle and then time how long it takes for the wick to burn down—this will give you an idea of the speed at which you need to move your hand. With a little practice, you will be able to judge the distance and speed perfectly, and you'll be able to snuff out the candle with ease. It is a fun party trick, and it is also a useful skill to have—impress your friends and family with your newfound talent!
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Frequently asked questions
First, lick your fingers to add a layer of water that protects your skin from getting burned. Then, quickly grab the wick and let go. If this doesn't work, blow out the candle, shorten the wick, and try again.
Some sources suggest that "snuff out" is the most idiomatic phrase to use. "Extinguish" or "put out" are also correct, with "extinguish" being more formal.
Licking your fingers adds a layer of water to protect your skin from getting burned.
Blow out the candle, and put some aloe on your fingers to soothe the pain.
You can use a long pair of scissors to cut the wick small, even while it is burning, and then put it out with your fingers.
