Jessie Taylor
Blowing out a candle may seem like a straightforward task, but there are actually several factors at play. The process of candle burning is complex, and there are multiple ways to extinguish a candle, each with its own pros and cons. In this discussion, we will explore the science behind how candles are blown out, the different methods for extinguishing a candle, and the potential impact of each method on the candle's fragrance and appearance. By the end, you'll be well-equipped to decide on the best approach for blowing out your candles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons to avoid blowing out a candle | Blowing out a candle can cause issues with the wax, such as unevenness and tunneling. It can also cause the wick to emit a lot of smoke, which can alter the scent of the candle. |
| Alternative methods to blowing out a candle | Using a wick dipper, a candle snuffer, or a lid. |
| How to use a wick dipper | Use the tip of the wick dipper to quickly press the wick down into the oil. |
| How to use a candle snuffer | Hold the snuffer over the candle and lower the bell end onto the lit flame. Once the flame is fully extinguished, remove the snuffer. |
| How to use a lid | Place the lid on the candle jar without pushing down until the flame goes out. Then blow away the smoke to avoid trapping it in the wax. |
| Scientific explanation for how blowing out a candle works | Blowing forcefully on a flame moves the flame away from its fuel source, causing it to burn out due to a lack of fuel. Blowing also dilutes the hot wax vapour, cooling it below the point where the wax and air molecules can react to produce a flame. |
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What You'll Learn
Blowing out a candle with your breath
When you blow out a candle, you are diluting the wax vapour and cooling it below the point where the wax and air molecules can react. The air you blow moves faster than the speed of the flame front, moving the flame away from its fuel source, and the flame burns out due to the lack of fuel. Blowing out a candle can also cause issues with your wax, like unevenness or pushing wax to the side of the glass container, creating tunneling. A wick buried in wax is also harder to relight.
If you want to preserve the quality of your candle, it is recommended to use a wick dipper or a candle snuffer. A wick dipper quickly extinguishes the flame with minimal smoke by dipping the wick into the wax and then lifting it back out. A candle snuffer, also known as a douter, works well with most candles, quickly extinguishing the flame and minimising smoke.
However, if you still want to blow out a candle with your breath, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, wait until the entire surface of the candle has melted before blowing it out. Secondly, try to be delicate and avoid blowing like "The Three Little Pigs" wolf to prevent wax from getting everywhere.
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Using a wick dipper
To extinguish a candle with a wick dipper, use the hook to quickly dip the wick into the melted wax and then lift it back out. This method is quick, simple, and effective, and it prevents issues such as smoke, soot, and wax splatters, which can affect the candle's appearance and fragrance. It also helps to avoid a burnt, smoke-scented room, preserving the original fragrance of the candle.
Wick dippers are particularly useful for scented candles, as they eliminate oxygen and immediately extinguish the flame, minimising smoke. This helps to maintain the purity of the air and the cleanliness of the candle. Additionally, they prevent the wick from bending, breaking, or curling, which can make it harder to relight.
After using a wick dipper, it is important to check the height of the wick. If it is too low, gently adjust it to around 1/4 inch before relighting to prevent excessive smoking. Metal wick dippers can be polished with a metal cleaner or olive oil to restore their shine.
Overall, wick dippers offer a range of benefits that enhance the ambiance and longevity of candles, making them a recommended method for putting out candles.
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Using a candle snuffer
First, it is important to burn your candle for no more than 4-6 hours at a time. Burning it for longer periods can cause overheating, leading to uneven burns, mushroom-shaped wicks, and excess smoke. When it's time to extinguish the flame, a candle snuffer is the best tool to use.
Candle snuffers are bell or cylinder-shaped cones with handles. They work by depriving the flame of oxygen, gradually stifling it. To use a candle snuffer, hover it over the lit wick without touching the wax. This will extinguish the flame without creating smoke or soot. Pay close attention to how you hold the snuffer to avoid accidentally dipping the wick into the wax.
You can find candle snuffers in various shapes and sizes, including bell, cylinder, pyramid, or disc shapes. They are typically made of metal and are inexpensive, making them a great addition to any candle enthusiast's collection.
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Putting a lid on it
Putting a lid on a candle to extinguish it is a popular method, but it is not recommended. While it will put the candle out, it can cause issues with the wax and wick. The lid traps the smoke inside, which can infuse back into the wax and alter the scent. This can result in an unpleasant smell, with the candle wax smelling burnt. The lid method can also make the candle wick and wax more sooty.
If you do choose to use the lid method, it is suggested that you do not put the lid on tightly. Place the lid on the jar without pushing down until the candle goes out, and then blow the smoke away. This prevents smoke from getting trapped in the wax and altering the scent.
To avoid the issues caused by the lid method, it is recommended to use a wick dipper or a candle snuffer instead. A wick dipper is used to quickly dip the wick into the melted wax and then lift it back out, extinguishing the flame with very little smoke. A candle snuffer, also known as a douter, works well with most candles and extinguishes the flame quickly with minimal smoke.
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Why blowing out a candle works
Blowing out a candle is a quick and effective way to extinguish the flame. It is a method that has been used for centuries, from birthday candles to scented candles. However, some people prefer to use alternative methods, such as candle snuffers or wick dippers, to avoid the unpleasant after-scent of smoke and soot on the wick.
When you blow on a candle, you are blowing away the flame activity from the wick. The air you blow moves faster than the speed of the flame front, pushing the flame away from its fuel source, which is the wax vapour above the wick. This disruption in the chemical reaction causes the flame to burn out due to a lack of fuel.
The breath you exhale contains a mixture of gases, including nitrogen, oxygen, and trace amounts of carbon dioxide. While oxygen is essential for combustion, carbon dioxide is not the primary factor in extinguishing a candle. Instead, it is the forceful movement of air and the displacement of oxygen that leads to the flame being blown out.
Additionally, blowing on a candle dilutes and cools the wax vapour, lowering the temperature below the point where the wax and air molecules can react. This super-cooling effect is similar to how water extinguishes fires by providing a barrier between oxygen and fuel, as well as dissipating heat energy.
While blowing out a candle is a common practice, it is important to note that it can cause uneven wax or push the wax to the side of the container. This can make the wick harder to relight and may affect the fragrance of scented candles. For those who wish to preserve the aesthetics and scent of their candles, using a wick dipper or a candle snuffer is recommended.
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Frequently asked questions
While blowing out a candle is a popular method, it is not recommended due to the risk of hot wax being blown everywhere. It can also cause issues with your wax, such as unevenness and tunneling. Additionally, blowing out a candle can cause the wick to emit a lot of smoke, altering the scent of the candle.
Yes, there are a few alternative ways to blow out a candle. One way is to use a wick dipper to bend the wick into the wax, extinguishing the flame without any smoke. Another way is to use a candle snuffer, also known as a douter, to quickly extinguish the flame and minimize smoke.
When you blow out a candle, you are simultaneously diluting the wax vapour and cooling it below the point where the wax and air molecules can react and sustain the fire. The forceful movement of air displaces the surrounding air, particularly oxygen, which is essential for combustion.
Blowing out a candle can cause the wick to emit smoke, which can alter the scent of the candle. It can also leave soot on the wick and the candle wax, affecting the fragrance and appearance of the candle. Additionally, blowing out a candle can cause issues with the wax, such as unevenness and tunneling, impacting the overall quality of the candle.
