Chloe Adams
Scented candles are a popular choice, with 75 to 80% of candles sold in the US being scented. When making scented candles, it is important to consider the type of wax, fragrance, and wick used, as well as the correct dosage and temperature for adding the fragrance. The fragrance load can affect the scent throw, and using too much fragrance oil can be a fire hazard. The type of wick used should be suitable for the wax, and wicks should be trimmed to ensure the candle burns properly and safely.
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What You'll Learn
Using a candle snuffer or wick dipper
Using a candle snuffer is a great way to extinguish a candle without causing a mess. Candle snuffers are bell or cylinder-shaped cones with handles on one end. They are usually made of metal and can be crafted from silver or brass. To use a candle snuffer, simply place the bell over the flame and wait until the flame goes out. Make sure not to submerge the bell into the wax, as this can cause debris to drop into your wax. It's also important to note that the snuffer may be hot after extinguishing the flame, so be careful not to touch it.
Candle snuffers are a great way to protect the quality of your candle and are superior to blowing out a candle, as they prevent wax and soot from being blown around. They also prevent the wick from emitting a lot of smoke, which can reduce the effect of the candle's fragrance.
Wick dippers are another excellent tool for extinguishing candles. They are slender metal instruments, about 8 inches long, with a bend at one end. To use a wick dipper, gently submerge the wick into the melted wax, which will cut off the oxygen and stop the flame without producing smoke. Wick dippers are a great way to minimise mess and maintain the integrity of the wick for future use. They can also be used to remove debris from the wax pool and to adjust a shifted wick.
Both candle snuffers and wick dippers are effective tools for extinguishing candles, and they can also add a sense of sophistication to your space. They are affordable and easily accessible, making them a great addition to any candle enthusiast's collection.
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Blowing it out gently
Position yourself close to the candle, ensuring that you are comfortable and have a steady stance. Take a deep breath, and then slowly exhale a gentle stream of air towards the flame. Direct the airflow softly and steadily towards the flame, imagining that you are gently pushing the flame away with your breath. It is important to maintain a relaxed and calm breath, as a forceful or aggressive blow can cause hot wax to splatter or the flame to suddenly extinguish, resulting in smoke.
The key to success is to be gentle and controlled in your approach. Start with a soft breath, and if needed, increase the force very gradually until the flame goes out. It is a delicate process, and with practice, you will develop a feel for the right amount of breath required.
For best results, ensure that you are blowing directly at the base of the flame, where it meets the wick. This is the weakest point of the flame, and targeting this area will help to extinguish it more effectively. Additionally, try to maintain a consistent distance from the candle as you blow. This will help to ensure that your breath remains gentle and controlled throughout the process.
Blowing out a candle gently is a skill that can be easily mastered with a little patience and practice. It is a useful technique to have, especially when dealing with multiple candles or when you want to avoid any potential mess or smoke from a sudden extinguishment. Remember to take your time, focus on your breath, and enjoy the calming process of gently blowing out your candles.
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Drowning the wick
Firstly, you will need a suitable tool to drown the wick, such as a long-handled dipper or a long-stemmed metal spoon. This tool should be heat-resistant and have a thin, flat edge. Ensure your chosen tool is easily accessible before you begin burning your candle.
Once you are ready to extinguish the candle, carefully approach the candle with your chosen tool. It is important to act slowly and with caution to avoid any hot wax splashes. Gently tilt the vessel containing the candle to one side, just enough to allow the edge of the dipper or spoon to reach the wick.
Next, use the flat edge of the dipper or spoon to press the wick into the melted wax. Ensure that the wick is fully submerged and held in place for a few seconds. This action deprives the flame of its fuel source, effectively extinguishing it. It is important to note that you should not use water or any other liquid to drown the wick, as this can be dangerous and cause the hot wax to splatter.
After successfully drowning the wick, maintain the position of the tool for a few moments to prevent the wick from floating back to the surface and relighting. Once the wick is thoroughly soaked and cooled, you can release it. Ensure that the wick remains submerged in the wax until the next use.
By following these steps, you can safely and effectively extinguish a candle by drowning the wick. This method helps to prevent the smoke and soot that can be associated with other extinguishing methods, such as blowing out the candle. With practice, you will be able to master this technique and enjoy your candles with a reduced impact on air quality.
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Fire safety precautions
Candles are a common source of home fires, but there are several precautions you can take to significantly reduce the risk of fire and increase safety.
Firstly, never leave a burning candle unattended. Always ensure it is within your line of sight so that you can keep an eye on it. Keep candles away from anything that may catch fire, such as furniture, drapes, bedding, carpets, books, paper, and flammable decorations. A good rule of thumb is to keep a distance of at least three inches between burning candles. This prevents them from melting each other or creating drafts that could cause improper burning.
It is also important to keep candles out of the reach of children and pets. Do not place candles where they can be knocked over by anyone, including pets. Avoid touching or moving a candle while it is burning or when the wax is liquefied. Discontinue burning a candle when half an inch of wax remains in the container or two inches for pillar candles.
Before lighting a candle, trim the wick to a quarter of an inch. Long or crooked wicks can cause uneven burning, dripping, or flaring. Always use a heat-resistant and sturdy candle holder that is large enough to contain any drips or melted wax. Avoid drafts, vents, or air currents to prevent rapid or uneven burning, sooting, and excessive dripping.
Finally, consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look, smell, and feel like real candles without the fire risk.
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Preventing smoke
To prevent smoke when snuffing out a candle, there are several things to keep in mind when making and burning your candle.
Firstly, it is important to select a suitable fragrance for your candle. Fragrances designed for candles are ideal, as traditional perfumes may contain ingredients that do not burn properly and can cause smoke. The flashpoint of a fragrance is key—this is the temperature at which the fragrance can ignite. Integrate your fragrance at a temperature below its flashpoint, which should be at least 65°C. You can also mix a perfume with a lower flashpoint with one that has a higher flashpoint to achieve an average of 65°C or more.
When selecting a wick, ensure it is the right size and type for your candle container. Using a wick that is too small can result in the wax not burning across the full diameter of the candle and can affect the scent throw. Zinc core wicks, for example, may not perform well in natural waxes like soy because they may not get hot enough to burn the wax properly.
To avoid smoke, keep your wick trimmed. Trimming the wick can prevent smoke, soot, mushrooming, and large flames. For paraffin candles, trim the wick to 1/4 inch, for soy candles, trim to 1/8 inch, and for wooden wicks, trim just above 1/4 inch.
Additionally, avoid using crayons to dye your candles, as they can clog the wick and cause poor burning. Crayons can also affect the scent throw and produce an unpleasant smell. Instead, opt for candle dyes in liquid or block form, which work well with different types of waxes.
Finally, do not put your candle in the refrigerator to speed up the cooling process. This can cause the glass to crack or shatter, create wet spots or sinkholes, and weaken the scent throw. Instead, allow your candle to cool down slowly to avoid these issues.
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Frequently asked questions
Most waxes will not hold more than 12% fragrance. Store-bought candles contain an average of about 6% fragrance, while premium candles contain up to 10%. To calculate the amount of fragrance oil to add, multiply the percentage by the weight of the wax.
You can use either synthetic fragrances or natural fragrances such as essential oils. However, it's important to choose fragrances that are specifically designed for candles, as traditional fragrances may contain ingredients that don't burn properly.
There are two methods for calculating the dosage: Calculation Based on Total Weight (wax + fragrance) and Method 2, which calculates the precise fragrance concentration in the wax. You can also use a wax and fragrance calculator to determine the necessary amounts.
It's important to stir the fragrance into the wax sufficiently and add the fragrance at the correct wax temperature. Additionally, make sure to use the right size and type of wick, and always do a test burn to ensure your candle burns properly.
