Jessie Taylor
Blowing out candles is a fun party trick, but it can cause an unsightly mess and even be considered disrespectful to angels and spirits. So, how can you extinguish a candle without causing a sooty mess? One method is to use a candle snuffer, also known as a douter, which has been used since the mid-17th century. Another method is to use a wick dipper, which has a long handle and is used to press the wick down into the oil. If you're feeling adventurous, you can try the Trataka method, which involves meditation and focusing your attention on the flame to extinguish it.
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What You'll Learn
Trataka meditation technique
Trataka is a Sanskrit term meaning "to look" or "to gaze", and it refers to a meditation technique that involves focusing the eyes on an external object. This technique is used to stimulate the ajna chakra, which is said to be the "third-eye chakra" that controls our intuition and mental awareness.
To perform Trataka meditation, it is recommended to start with a few stretches to relax the body. You can sit up tall in a chair or in a cross-legged position with your palms on your knees. Roll your shoulders back, close your eyes, and breathe normally, allowing a gentle smile to rest on your face. Observe your breath as it comes in and flows out, noticing the cool air coming into your nose and the warm air leaving it.
Once you are relaxed, you can begin the Trataka technique. Start by turning down the lights and sitting between 1-1.5 meters from your candle. Keep your gaze soft and relaxed, and look at the flame for 30 seconds without blinking. When your eyes get tired, close them and focus on the afterimage of the flame. Then, perform palming by rubbing your palms together to generate heat and placing them over your closed eyes as you inhale and exhale.
It is important to note that you should not practice Trataka for more than 10 minutes at a time, especially with a candle, and it is recommended to take a two-week break every two months to avoid any retinal damage.
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Using a candle snuffer
To use a candle snuffer, simply place the bell-shaped end over the flame and hold it there for around two to three seconds. This will deprive the flame of oxygen and cause it to go out. Make sure not to dip the snuffer into the wax, as this can cause the wick to smoulder and reignite. Instead, gently hover the snuffer over the wick without dipping it too far down.
Candle snuffers are a great alternative to blowing out a candle, which can blow hot wax and cause smoke and soot to spread. They are also safer than using a lid to extinguish a flame, as this can trap smoke in the wax and alter the scent.
Candle snuffers are an elegant and sophisticated addition to any home, and they can help to preserve the quality and lifespan of your candles. They are an effective and mess-free way to extinguish candles and are suitable for traditional candles, tapers, and pillars.
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Blowing it out
Blowing out a candle is a simple task, but there are some nuances to doing it properly. Firstly, it is important to consider the type of wick and flame. For a classic cotton wick with a small, teardrop-shaped flame, gently blowing it out is a suitable method. Before blowing, hold your hand close to the flame to feel if any heat is coming off. If the room is drafty, shield the flame with your hand placed near the candle base as you blow.
When blowing out a candle, position your face close to the flame, with the wick at mouth level. This way, the air doesn't have to travel far to reach the flame. Avoid hovering directly over the candle to prevent the rising heat from burning your skin. Purse your lips together and exhale suddenly through the small opening.
Some candle enthusiasts dislike blowing out candles because it can create smoke and soot, which may deposit onto surfaces and affect the lingering scent. Blowing out a candle can also cause uneven wax, push wax to the side of the container, and create tunneling. A wick buried in wax is harder to relight.
For these reasons, some people prefer to use tools such as wick dippers or snuffers to extinguish a candle.
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Using your fingers
It is possible to extinguish a candle with your fingers, but it is important to take precautions to avoid injury and prevent fires. Firstly, do not attempt this without ensuring your fingers are wet or coated in liquid. Water is not recommended for extinguishing candles, but wet fingers will protect your skin from the flame. You can also trim the wick with scissors if it is too long, reducing the risk of burning your fingers.
Once you have prepared your fingers, you can pinch the flame between your fingers to extinguish it. Be careful not to hold the wick for too long, as this can still burn your fingers. If you do get burned, blow out the candle immediately and apply aloe to your fingers to soothe the pain. Remember to wash your hands afterward and avoid touching your face or clothing, as the soot from the wick will come off on your skin and leave black marks.
It is important to prioritize safety when attempting to extinguish a candle with your fingers. Naked flames are inherently dangerous, and you should never risk starting a fire. Always be mindful of your surroundings and take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and controlled environment.
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Wick trimmers
Trimming your candle wicks is an essential step in candle maintenance. It helps to extend the life of your candle, prevent smoke and soot, and ensure an even burn. Before lighting your candle, use a wick trimmer or a pair of scissors to trim the wick to around a quarter of an inch. This will prevent the flame from becoming too large. If you notice the flame getting larger or see black soot forming, it's time to trim the wick again.
If you don't have a wick trimmer, scissors are the next best option. However, they may not be as effective for cutting through wooden wicks, and the burnt wick parts may fall into the wax. Another alternative is to use nail clippers, especially when travelling. Toenail clippers are recommended due to their wider, straight shape, which provides more control.
In addition to wick trimmers, there are other tools you can use to extinguish your candle safely and effectively. A candle snuffer, for example, is a long, cone-shaped tool with a piece of velvet or soft material at the end. This method is considered safer than blowing out the candle as you don't need to get close to the flame. Similarly, a candle wick dipper allows you to safely dip the wick into the melted wax, effectively extinguishing the flame and trimming the wick.
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Frequently asked questions
Trataka is a Sanskrit term for a meditation technique that involves concentrating on a small object, often a flame. When a person relaxes and focuses, the candle can be extinguished.
Using a candle snuffer, also known as a douter, is a safe and quick way to put out a candle without creating lingering smoke.
Blowing out a candle can create an unpleasant after-scent and leave soot on the wick and wax. It can also cause the wax to become uneven and push it to the side of the container, making it harder to relight.
A wick dipper is a tool with a long handle that is used to quickly press the wick down into the oil to extinguish the flame. Antique wick dippers are prized by collectors and candle connoisseurs.
