Ben Carter
There are several ways to extinguish a candle flame, but not all methods are recommended. Blowing out a candle, for example, can cause hot wax to splatter and may result in uneven burning and tunnelling. Similarly, while placing a lid on a candle will eventually starve the flame of oxygen, it traps smoke which can infuse back into the wax and alter the scent. Using a wick dipper or a candle snuffer are better options. A wick dipper coats the wick in wax, making it easier to relight, while a candle snuffer extinguishes the flame with minimal smoke.
Characteristics and Values of Candle Snuffing Methods
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Blowing it out | May cause wax to splatter, tunneling, and unevenness. Also emits a lot of smoke. |
| Putting a lid on it | Traps smoke inside, which can infuse back into the wax and alter its scent. |
| Using a wick dipper | Instantly puts out the flame with minimal smoke by dipping the wick into the melted wax. Coating the wick in wax also makes it easier to relight. |
| Using a candle snuffer | Extinguishes the flame by enveloping it with a bell-shaped tool at the end of a long handle. |
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What You'll Learn
Blowing out a candle
When you are ready to blow out the candle, it is recommended to wait until the entire surface of the candle has melted. This is because if you blow out the candle before the top layer of wax has melted all the way across, the candle will only melt to that point in the future, leaving unusable wax along the inside of the vessel. Blowing out a candle in this way can also cause smoke, which can disrupt the lingering candle scent and coat the inside of the vessel with soot.
Some candle enthusiasts recommend using a snuffer or a wick dipper instead of blowing out a candle. A snuffer is a small, bell-shaped tool on a stick that can be used to extinguish the flame without creating smoke. A wick dipper is used to bend the wick into the wax, extinguishing the flame. These methods can help to protect the wax from being blown astray and prevent the wick from turning to ash, making it easier to relight.
However, ultimately, it is safe to blow out a candle gently with your breath if that is your preference.
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Using a candle snuffer
Candle snuffers are an excellent way to extinguish a candle without causing a mess or damaging the wick. They are usually small, metal tools with a long handle and a bell or cone-shaped end. The bell or cone is placed over the flame, cutting off the oxygen supply and extinguishing the candle. This method is preferred over blowing out a candle, as it prevents hot wax from splattering and protects the wick and wax. It also minimises smoke and soot.
To use a candle snuffer effectively, follow these steps:
- Hold the snuffer by its long handle and place the bell or cone-shaped end over the wick. Ensure you do not dip the snuffer into the wax; instead, gently hover it over the wick.
- Keep the snuffer in place for at least 10 seconds or until you see the flame go out completely. You may notice a small wisp of smoke escape, which is normal.
- After extinguishing the candle, cover it with a lid to prevent dust or debris from settling on the wax.
- Store the candle snuffer in a safe, accessible place for future use.
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Using a wick dipper
A wick dipper is an elegant, slender, metal tool, about 8 inches long with a bend at one end. It is used to gently submerge the wick of a candle into the pool of molten wax, cutting off the oxygen supply and extinguishing the flame without generating smoke. This method of snuffing out a candle minimises mess, maintains the integrity of the wick for future use, and enhances the overall burn of the candle.
To use a wick dipper, simply bend the wick at an angle with the curved end of the dipper until it is fully submerged in the wax. This process needs to be done gently, and at the right depth, to ensure the flame is extinguished. If the wick is submerged too deeply, it may struggle to ignite the next time, and if it is not submerged deeply enough, the wick may remain ignited.
Wick dippers can also be used to adjust and centre the wick. If a candle has been burned on an uneven surface, or for longer than recommended, the wick can shift out of centre. To fix this, extinguish the flame and then carefully push the wick at its exposed base with the dipper. Additionally, wick dippers can be used to remove any debris from the wax pool, such as pieces of a burnt wick or match.
Wick dippers require regular cleaning due to the accumulation of residual wax over time. They are a durable, elegant, and heat-resistant candle accessory that adds a touch of tradition to any space.
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Putting a lid on it
Using the lid to snuff out a candle is a popular method, but it comes with some potential issues. Firstly, it traps smoke in the candle, which can infuse back into the melted wax and possibly change its scent. The smoke can also cause the inside of the candle vessel to become dirty and turn black.
If your candle is still hot when you put the lid on, the lid can become suctioned to the vessel and may even break. If there is a lot of empty space in the container, the flame can continue burning for a short time, creating a vacuum seal that makes the lid hard to remove.
To avoid these issues, it is recommended to wait until the candle has cooled down before putting the lid back on. Additionally, ensuring that the wick is trimmed and the candle has burned evenly can help prevent excess smoke and soot buildup.
While it is not the best method, using the lid to snuff out a candle can be effective if done carefully and with consideration for the potential issues. It is important to note that this method may not be suitable for all types of candles, especially those with deep jars that make it difficult to access the flame.
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Pros and cons of each method
Blowing out a candle
Pros: It's quick and easy, and you don't need any extra tools.
Cons: Blowing wax everywhere, causing issues with the wax such as tunneling and unevenness, and allowing the wick to emit a lot of smoke, which can reduce the scent of the candle.
Putting a lid on the candle
Pros: It's a simple method that doesn't require any additional tools.
Cons: Trapping smoke in the candle, which can infuse back into the wax and alter its scent.
Using a wick dipper
Pros: Wick dippers are a quick and easy way to extinguish a candle, with very little smoke produced. Coating the wick in wax also makes it easier to relight.
Cons: It can be difficult to access the wick if the candle is in a narrow container.
Using a candle snuffer
Pros: Candle snuffers are a smoke-free way to extinguish a candle, and they're particularly effective for scented candles.
Cons: Candle snuffers can be more expensive than other methods, and they require careful handling to avoid getting the bell end into the melted wax.
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Frequently asked questions
The four most popular ways to put out a candle are blowing it out, putting a lid on it, using a wick dipper, and using a candle snuffer.
Blowing out a candle can cause wax to splatter everywhere. It can also cause issues with the wax, such as tunneling and unevenness. Additionally, the wick will emit a lot of smoke, reducing the effect of the candle's fragrance.
A wick dipper is a long-handled tool with a hook at one end. To extinguish a candle, use the wick dipper to quickly dip the wick into the melted wax and then lift it back out. This method produces very little smoke and coats the wick in wax, making it easier to relight.
A candle snuffer is a long-handled tool with a bell-shaped end. To extinguish a candle, hold the snuffer over the flame and lower the bell end until it envelops the flame. Hold it there until the flame goes out completely, then remove the snuffer.
Putting a lid on a candle traps the smoke, which can infuse back into the melted wax and alter its fragrance.
