Jessie Taylor
There are several ways to turn off a candle, but some are better than others. Blowing out a candle is simple and straightforward, but it can cause issues with your wax, like unevenness and tunneling. It can also leave an unpleasant after-scent and soot on your wick. Another option is to put a lid on the candle, but this can trap smoke and leave soot on the wick and wax, affecting the fragrance. Using a candle snuffer is a popular method that minimises smoke, and using a wick dipper can extinguish the flame without any smoke, but it can be tricky to get right.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Blowing it out | The simplest method, but can cause smoke, soot, and uneven wax |
| Using a lid | Can trap smoke, cause soot, and ruin the candle's scent |
| Using a wick dipper | Instantly extinguishes the flame, prevents smoke, and makes the wick easier to relight |
| Using a candle snuffer | Quickly extinguishes the flame and minimises smoke |
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What You'll Learn
Using a candle snuffer
To use a candle snuffer, hold it over the candle flame, ensuring that the bell end covers the flame without touching the wax. This creates a sealed environment that prevents oxygen from reaching the flame, which is essential for combustion. Hold the snuffer in place until the flame goes out completely. You may see a small wisp of smoke escape from around the edges of the bell, but this method produces significantly less smoke and soot than blowing out a candle.
Candle snuffers are a great way to protect your wick and wax while extinguishing the flame. They are also affordable and can add a sense of sophistication to your home decor. After using a candle snuffer, remember to cover the candle with a lid and store the snuffer in a safe place.
It is important to note that metal candle snuffers can get hot, so be careful when handling them. Additionally, ensure that the snuffers do not come into contact with the melted wax to avoid any mess. Overall, candle snuffers provide a delicate and effective way to turn off your candles while preserving their shape and lifespan.
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Blowing it out
Blowing out a candle is a straightforward way to extinguish the flame. However, it does come with some potential issues. Firstly, blowing out a candle can cause wax to splatter everywhere. It can also lead to issues such as tunneling and unevenness in the wax, making it harder to relight. Additionally, the force of blowing out a candle can cause the wick to emit a lot of smoke, which can leave an unpleasant after-scent in the room.
Despite these potential drawbacks, some people still prefer to blow out their candles. If you choose to do so, it is recommended to wait until the entire surface of the candle has melted before blowing to avoid a coating of unusable wax along the inside of the vessel. It is also important to be delicate when blowing, rather than using too much force.
Some people also believe that blowing out candles is a sign of disrespect to angels and spirits, so it is worth considering alternative methods if this is a concern.
One alternative method is to use a wick dipper, which is a long-handled tool with a hook or tip at the end. This method involves quickly dipping the wick into the melted wax to extinguish the flame, and then lifting it back out. This approach minimises smoke and is said to improve the condition of the wick for future burns.
Another option is to use a candle snuffer, which is a tool in the shape of a stick with a bell at the end. To use this, hold the bell over the flame until the candle is fully extinguished. This method also minimises smoke and is considered safe and effective.
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Using a wick dipper
- Position your candle on a flat, stable surface, away from any drafts to ensure an even burn and prevent dripping.
- Before lighting your candle, use a wick trimmer to trim the wick to around 1/4 inch. This prevents excessive soot and ensures a controlled flame.
- Light your candle and enjoy! When you're ready to extinguish the flame, simply hold the wick dipper over the flame for a few seconds to heat up the metal.
- Use the wick dipper to quickly dip the wick into the melted wax and then lift it back out. This will instantly put out the flame with minimal to no smoke.
- Allow the wick dipper to cool down before handling it. Use a soft cloth or paper towel to wipe away any wax residue. For stubborn wax, you can use warm water or soak the dipper in warm, soapy water for about 10 minutes. Be careful not to submerge any wooden parts.
- Finally, rinse and thoroughly dry the wick dipper to prevent corrosion, especially if it's made of metal.
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Putting a lid on it
Placing a lid on a candle is a popular way to extinguish a candle, but it is not without its issues. If you have a scented candle that comes in a jar with a lid, you can place the lid on the jar while the flame is still lit. This will prevent oxygen from reaching the flame, and the candle will be extinguished. However, this method can cause the lid to become suctioned to the jar, and it may even break. It can also trap smoke in the candle, infusing it back into the melted wax and changing its scent. This can also result in the jar becoming dirty and covered in soot.
To avoid these issues, it is recommended that you do not put the lid on too tightly. Simply place the lid on the jar without pushing down until the flame goes out, then blow the smoke away. This will prevent smoke from becoming trapped in the wax.
Another way to avoid the issues associated with putting a lid on a candle is to use a wick dipper. This is an age-old method that involves using a long-handled tool to dip the wick into the melted wax, instantly extinguishing the flame with very little smoke. This method also makes the wick easier to relight.
A candle snuffer is another effective way to extinguish a flame without smoke. Simply hold the bell-shaped end of the snuffer over the flame until it is extinguished, then remove it. This method works well to minimise smoke and preserve the quality of the candle wax and fragrance.
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Using a non-flammable lid to suffocate the flame
Firstly, the lid traps the smoke in the candle, infusing it back into the melted wax. This can change the scent of the candle, which is undesirable, especially in the case of scented candles. Secondly, the trapped smoke can fill the vessel with soot, making it dirty and black. This ruins the aesthetic appeal of the candle. Thirdly, putting the lid back on a hot candle can cause the lid to suction to the vessel and even break it.
Despite these drawbacks, some people still prefer to use the lid to put out their candles. If you choose to do so, it is recommended to not put the lid on too tightly. Simply place the lid on the jar without pushing down until the flame goes out. Then, blow away the smoke to prevent it from getting trapped in the wax.
It is important to note that this method may not work with all candles. It is specifically intended for candles that come in a jar with a non-flammable lid. Always exercise caution when handling candles and ensure that the lid is made of non-flammable material to avoid any potential hazards.
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Frequently asked questions
Using a wick dipper to extinguish a candle is a popular way to avoid creating smoke. Simply dip the wick into the melted wax to instantly put out the flame.
A wick dipper is a long-handled tool with a hook or tip at one end. This is used to dip the wick into the wax to extinguish the flame.
Yes, you can use the candle's lid to put out a candle. However, this method can cause the lid to get stuck and it may also result in a smoky smell.
Yes, you can use a candle snuffer or simply blow out the candle. However, blowing out a candle may cause wax to get pushed to the side of the container and create tunneling.
