Jessie Taylor
Putting out a candle with your fingers may seem like a neat party trick, but it can be dangerous if not done correctly. The most common method involves licking your fingers to add a layer of water that protects your skin from burning and then quickly grabbing the wick and letting go. However, it's important to exercise caution when attempting this, as bringing your fingers close to an open flame can result in serious burns. Different types of candles may also require different methods of extinguishment, and it's always a good idea to prioritize safety over a party trick.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Height of candle | At least 1 inch (2.5 cm) |
| Preparation | Lick fingers or use water to add a layer of protection against burning |
| Execution | Grab the wick and release quickly |
| Aftercare | If fingers are burnt, apply aloe |
| Tools | Tweezers, scissors, candle snuffers, or dippers |
| Practice | Try on an unlit candle with dry fingers |
Explore related products
$5.73 $7.99
What You'll Learn
Prepare the candle
To prepare a candle to be extinguished with your fingers, follow these steps:
Firstly, ensure the candle is freestanding and at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) tall. This is important as you will need to be able to quickly pull your hand away from the flame. Position your face close to the flame, but be careful not to hover directly over the candle, as the rising heat could burn you.
Next, lick your fingers. This step is crucial as the layer of water will protect your skin from burning. If you are hesitant to use your saliva, you could try using a small amount of water instead.
Now, you are ready to attempt to extinguish the candle with your fingers. It is important to exercise caution and be aware of the inherent risks involved in bringing your fingers close to an open flame. Practice a few times on an unlit candle with dry fingers before trying it for real.
If you are successful in extinguishing the flame with your fingers, great! But if the flame does not go out, don't panic. Simply blow out the candle, and try again, perhaps with a shorter wick.
Remember, this method of extinguishing a candle is more of a party trick than a practical everyday solution. Always prioritise candle care and safety, and be mindful of the potential dangers of fire.
Church Candles: Why Beeswax?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Wet your fingers
Wetting your fingers is an important step when attempting to extinguish a candle with your fingers. This is because the water acts as a protective layer, preventing your fingers from burning. Candle-making expert Jun Draper and other sources agree that you should not try to put out a candle with your fingers without first wetting them.
There are a few ways to wet your fingers before pinching out the candle. The most popular method is to lick your fingers. This method ensures that your fingers are wet enough to handle the wick without burning yourself. However, you can also use other liquids to wet your fingers, although you should avoid using water as it may ruin the wick.
It is crucial to act quickly once you have wet your fingers. Grab the wick and then let go immediately. If you hold on for too long, you may still burn your fingers. Practising this technique is essential to mastering the timing. With enough practice, you may even be able to extinguish a candle with your fingers without wetting them first.
Remember, attempting to put out a candle with your fingers carries inherent risks, and it is more of a party trick than a practical solution. Always exercise caution when bringing your fingers close to an open flame, and be prepared to try a different method if needed. Candle snuffers, for example, are a popular alternative that can quickly extinguish flames without the same risks as using your fingers.
The Legacy of Joan Rivers: A Life Well-Lived
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Grab the wick
Grabbing the wick is one way to extinguish a candle. However, this method is risky and can result in burns, so it is not recommended. If you do choose to attempt this method, it is important to take certain precautions to minimize the risk of injury. Firstly, ensure that the candle is freestanding and at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) high. Position your face close to the flame, being careful not to hover directly over the candle to avoid the rising heat.
Before grabbing the wick, it is crucial to protect your fingers from the flame. One common method is to lick your fingers, creating a layer of water that acts as a barrier against the heat. Alternatively, you can use tweezers to grasp the wick instead of using your fingers directly. However, this method requires practice and precise timing.
Once your fingers are protected or you have tweezers ready, quickly grab the wick and then let go. The flame should be extinguished. If it is not, blow out the candle, shorten the wick, and try again. It is important to release the wick quickly to avoid burning yourself. With practice, you may be able to extinguish the candle without licking your fingers, but mastering the timing is crucial.
It is worth noting that this method of extinguishing a candle is more of a party trick than a practical solution. There are other effective methods to extinguish candles, such as using a candle snuffer or simply blowing out the flame. These methods are generally safer and more reliable than grabbing the wick with your fingers.
Preventing Candle Sink Holes: Tips for Success
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Blow out the candle
Blowing out a candle is the most obvious way to extinguish it, but it's not always the best method. Blowing out a candle can cause unsightly black buildup on the wax or around the inside of the container, and it can also leave an unpleasant after-scent and soot on the wick. It can also make the wax uneven or push it to the side of the glass container, creating tunneling.
If you want to avoid these issues, there are alternative ways to extinguish a candle, such as using a wick dipper or a candle snuffer. A wick dipper has a long handle, and you use its tip to quickly press the wick down into the oil, eliminating oxygen and immediately putting out the flame with little to no smoke. A candle snuffer works in a similar way, by depriving the flame of oxygen and stifling it gradually.
If you do choose to blow out a candle, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, always make sure you blow out the candle in a well-ventilated area to prevent smoke from depositing soot on your skin, clothes, or surroundings. Secondly, be careful not to blow too hard, as this can cause hot wax to splatter and create a fire hazard. Finally, always make sure the flame has been properly extinguished before walking away from the candle.
Crafting Wine Bottle Candle Covers: A DIY Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Aftercare for fingers and candle
To put out a candle with your fingers without hurting yourself, it is important to follow a few key steps. Firstly, ensure the candle is freestanding and at least one inch (2.5 cm) high. Next, lick your fingers or wet them with water; this protective layer will prevent your skin from burning. Then, quickly grab the wick and release it. If the flame is still alight, blow out the candle.
For your fingers:
- Wash your hands with soap and water to remove any wax or soot residue.
- Apply aloe vera to your fingers to soothe any discomfort or pain.
- If you experience a severe burn, run your fingers under cool water for a few minutes and seek medical advice if necessary.
For the candle:
- If the wick is longer than desired, use a pair of scissors to trim it down.
- Ensure you store the candle in a safe place, away from flammable materials and open flames.
- If any wax has spilled, clean it up promptly to prevent accidents.
Remember, always exercise caution when handling candles and fire. Keep a fire extinguisher or a bucket of water nearby in case of emergencies.
Crystal Candles: Healing Power of Scent and Stones
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Licking your fingers adds a layer of water that protects your skin from getting burned. Then, quickly grab the wick and let go. If the candle doesn't go out, blow it out, shorten the wick, and try again.
Needless to say, attempting to extinguish a candle wick with exposed fingers is risky, as it requires you to touch the wick. The biggest issue is burning yourself, so make sure to release the wick quickly.
You can blow out the flame, use a candle snuffer, or pinch the wick with tweezers and bend it into the liquid wax.
Pouring water on a candle may permanently ruin the wick.
Blowing out a candle can make the wax uneven, push it to the side of the glass container, and create tunneling. A wick buried in wax is harder to relight.
