Chloe Adams
There are many ways to put out a candle, but not all methods are equally safe or effective. Blowing out a candle, for example, can cause hot wax to splatter, potentially burn your skin, or damage nearby objects. It can also result in a large plume of smoke, which can leave an unpleasant smell and even set off smoke alarms. Similarly, using water to douse the flame can cause hot wax to spurt out, creating a mess and possibly causing burns. Instead, candle enthusiasts recommend using a wick dipper or a candle snuffer.
Characteristics and methods of extinguishing a candle
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Blowing out the candle | Most common method but can cause hot wax to splatter, potentially burn skin, damage objects, and cause smoke. |
| Using a lid | Can trap smoke and infuse back into wax, altering scent and causing soot. Can also cause the lid to suction and break. |
| Using a wick dipper | Reduces smoke, prevents wax splatter, preserves fragrance, and makes relighting easier. |
| Using a candle snuffer | Minimizes smoke, preserves wax and fragrance, safe for deep containers, and aesthetically pleasing. |
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What You'll Learn
Using a candle snuffer
A candle snuffer is a small handheld tool, usually made of metal, with a long, narrow handle and a bell or cylinder-shaped cone on one end. The long handle keeps the user's hand away from hot wax. The concave top of the cone is placed over the lit wick, cutting off the oxygen supply to the flame and causing it to extinguish.
To use a candle snuffer, first trim the wick to the desired length using a wick trimmer. Start by trimming off any blackened or charred parts of the wick, then trim it to anywhere from 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch. Next, hold the snuffer over the candle and lower the bell-shaped end onto the lit flame. Make sure the snuffer does not go into the melted wax. Once the snuffer fully envelopes the flame, hold it there until the flame goes out completely. Finally, remove the snuffer from the extinguished candle.
Candle snuffers can be purchased from various retailers, including Amazon and eBay, and often come in sets with wick trimmers and wick dippers. These sets can be an affordable and sophisticated addition to any home.
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Blowing it out
Blowing out a candle is a popular method of extinguishing it. However, it is not the most recommended way to do so. Blowing out a candle can cause the wax to splatter and create a mess. It can also cause issues with the wax, such as tunneling and unevenness. Additionally, the smoke emitted from the wick can reduce the fragrance of the candle and cause a sooty buildup on the wax or the inside of the container.
If you do choose to blow out a candle, there is a technique to it. First, position your face close to the flame, with the wick at mouth level. Be careful not to hover directly over the candle, as the heat rising from the flame may burn you. Then, purse your lips together and blow a thin stream of air onto the wick. Continue blowing until the flame is completely extinguished. Be mindful not to blow too forcefully, as this can cause hot wax to splatter and result in minor burns.
After blowing out the candle, stand clear of the smoke to prevent it from depositing soot on your skin, clothes, or the surrounding area. It is also recommended to extinguish candles in a well-ventilated area to minimise the impact of smoke.
While blowing out a candle is a quick and convenient method, it may not be the best option if you want to preserve the quality and fragrance of your candle. Other methods, such as using a wick dipper or a candle snuffer, are often recommended as they produce less smoke and minimise the mess created by blowing out a candle.
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Using a wick dipper
- Allow your candle to burn until a pool of wax forms around the wick.
- Hold the handle of the wick dipper and angle the curved end towards the wick.
- Gently press the wick into the wax pool, ensuring it is fully submerged, and hold it there until the flame extinguishes.
- Lift the wick back up out of the wax, and reposition it for the next use. This helps ensure that your candle is ready to be lit again with no hassle.
Wick dippers are usually slender, metal tools with a long handle and a curved or hooked end. They are designed to be dipped into the molten wax, extinguishing the flame without the smoke and mess associated with traditional methods like blowing.
After using the wick dipper, it is important to maintain and clean it. Wipe off any excess wax with a paper towel or soft cloth while it is still soft. For a deeper clean, soak the dipper in warm water and mild dish detergent for 5-10 minutes to loosen any remaining wax. Ensure the dipper is completely dry before storing it to prevent rust or damage. For metal wick dippers, you can occasionally polish them with metal cleaner or olive oil to restore their shine.
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Putting a lid on it
Putting a lid on a candle is a popular way to extinguish it. However, this method has several drawbacks. Firstly, it traps the smoke inside the candle, which can infuse back into the melted wax and alter its scent. This can result in an unpleasant smell and even set off smoke alarms. Secondly, the lid method can make the candle vessel sooty and dirty, turning it black. Lastly, placing the lid on the candle while it is still hot can cause the lid to suction to the vessel and potentially break it. Therefore, while putting a lid on a candle is a convenient way to extinguish it, it is important to be aware of these potential issues and consider using alternative methods such as a wick dipper or a candle snuffer to preserve the quality of the candle and its fragrance.
When using the lid method to extinguish a candle, it is important to slowly place the lid over the candle jar, leaving a small gap for the heat to escape. This helps to prevent the buildup of smoke and reduces the risk of the lid suctioning to the vessel. However, even with this technique, there is still a possibility of smoke being trapped inside the candle, which can affect its scent.
To avoid the issues associated with the lid method, some people prefer to use a wick dipper or a candle snuffer to extinguish their candles. A wick dipper is a simple tool with a long handle that allows you to quickly dip the wick into the melted wax, extinguishing the flame with minimal smoke. This method also coats the wick with wax, making it easier to light the next time. Candle snuffers, also known as douters, have been used since the mid-17th century and are still popular today. They come in various shapes, such as a bell, cylinder, pyramid, or disc, and work by depriving the flame of oxygen, gradually stifling it. Both wick dippers and candle snuffers are effective ways to extinguish candles while preserving the quality of the wax and fragrance.
While the lid method is a convenient way to put out a candle, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks, such as altering the scent of the candle, causing soot buildup, and the risk of breaking the vessel. Alternative methods like wick dippers and candle snuffers offer a more effective and smoke-free way to extinguish candles while preserving their quality and fragrance.
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Using water to douse the flame
To use water to extinguish a candle, you would simply pour or spray water onto the flame. However, due to the potential risks mentioned, it is generally advised to use other methods to safely put out a candle.
Some alternative methods for extinguishing a candle include using a wick dipper or a candle snuffer. A wick dipper allows you to put out the candle by dipping the wick into the melted wax, extinguishing the flame with minimal smoke. A candle snuffer is a tool with a long handle and a bell-shaped end that is placed over the flame to deprive it of oxygen and gradually stifle it. These methods are safer and more effective than using water and help preserve the quality of the candle wax and fragrance.
Another commonly used method is blowing out the candle. However, this method can cause hot wax to splatter, potentially resulting in burns or damage to nearby objects. It also produces a large amount of smoke, which can leave an unpleasant smell and set off smoke alarms. Therefore, while blowing out a candle is a popular option, it may not be the safest or most advisable method.
In conclusion, while using water to douse the flame of a candle is possible, it is not recommended due to the potential risks of hot wax spurting and cracking candle holders. Instead, it is preferable to use methods like wick dippers, candle snuffers, or even blowing—being cautious of the potential dangers—to safely extinguish candles and maintain their quality.
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Frequently asked questions
The best ways to put out a candle are using a wick dipper, a candle snuffer, or a lid. Blowing out a candle can cause hot wax to splatter and damage your skin or objects nearby.
Use the wick dipper to quickly dip the wick into the melted wax and then lift it back out. This will instantly put out your candle with very little smoke.
Hold the snuffer over the candle and slowly lower the bell end onto the flame. Once the flame is extinguished, hold the snuffer in place for a moment before removing it carefully.
Using a lid to put out a candle traps smoke in the candle, which can infuse back into the wax and possibly change its scent. It can also cause the lid to suction onto the vessel and cause it to break.
