Ben Carter
Kerosene lamps and candles are a great way to light up a room, but they need to be handled with care. Blowing out a candle may seem like the most obvious solution, but it's not always the best option. In this article, we'll explore different methods for extinguishing kerosene candles, including the use of a wick dipper, a candle snuffer, and simply blowing on the flame. We'll also discuss the importance of trimming the wick and provide step-by-step instructions for safely turning off your kerosene candle to prevent accidents and maintain the lifespan of your candle.
Characteristics and Values of 'How to Turn Off Kerosene Candle'
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Blowing air towards the flame | Creates smoke and soot |
| Using a lid | Prevents oxygen from reaching the flame |
| Using a wick dipper | Instantly extinguishes the flame, prevents smoke, re-coats the wick with wax |
| Using a candle snuffer | Prevents smoke and soot, preserves the shape and lifespan of scented candles |
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What You'll Learn
Blowing on the flame
If you do choose to blow out a candle, 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. To blow out the candle, position your face close to the flame, with the wick at mouth level, and pursed lips together to blow. Be careful not to blow too forcefully, as this can cause hot wax to spray, and stand clear of the smoke to avoid getting soot on your skin or clothes.
Instead of blowing out a candle, it is recommended to use a wick dipper or a candle snuffer to extinguish the flame and preserve the quality of the wax and fragrance.
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Using a candle snuffer
To use a candle snuffer, hold it over the lit wick without touching the wax. Make sure that the snuffer does not dip into the melted wax. Hold the snuffer in place for around two to three seconds, or until you see a small wisp of smoke escape from around the edges of the bell. This will deprive the flame of oxygen, causing it to go out.
Candle snuffers are widely available and can usually be found wherever candles are sold. They are an affordable and aesthetically pleasing addition to your home, providing a sophisticated way to extinguish your candles safely and effectively.
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Using a wick dipper
To use a wick dipper, first, position your candle on a flat, stable surface away from drafts to ensure an even burn and prevent dripping. Allow the candle to burn until the wax melts and creates a pool. Hold the wick dipper by its handle and position the curved end above the flame, without touching it. Then, gently push the wick into the melted wax, submerging it completely, and keep it submerged for a few seconds.
Slowly lift the wick dipper and release the wick from its hold. Allow the wick dipper to cool down before handling it, as it will be hot. 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. Avoid submerging the handle if it is made of wood or a similar material.
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Covering the flame with a lid
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 extinguish it in a few seconds. This method is also useful for preserving the lifespan of scented candles by preventing the fragrance from escaping, a phenomenon known as "cold throw".
A candle snuffer is another tool that works similarly to a lid. It is a small, hollow container with a handle. When placed over the flame, it creates a seal, cutting off the oxygen supply to the flame and causing it to go out. This method is often preferred over blowing out the flame as it helps to prevent smoke and soot from spreading. It also helps to preserve the shape and lifespan of scented candles.
If you don't have a lid or a snuffer, you can use any long metal tool, such as a spoon or an unbent paper clip, to gently press the lit candle wick into the wax pool, instantly extinguishing the flame. This method, known as the "wick dipper" technique, produces almost no smoke and re-coats the wick with wax for a clean flame when you relight it. However, some burnt wick residue might fall into the wax pool.
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Lowering the wick
To turn off a kerosene lamp, you must lower the wick. This is done by turning a knob on the outside of the lamp, if it has one, in a counter-clockwise direction. Keep turning the knob until the wick is barely visible at the tip of the burner sleeve. If your lamp does not have a wick control knob, you can adjust the wick by hand, either by trimming it with scissors or pulling it down further into the font.
The wick should be cut straight across, and any loose threads should be removed. You can also shape the wick by rounding its corners a little to protect the lamp from overheating. However, cutting the wick straight is easier and still works well.
When you are done using the lamp, try lowering the wick until you can no longer see the flame. This should extinguish the flame. If the flame is still alight, cup your hands above the chimney and blow a quick puff of air towards it. Avoid blowing down into the chimney, as this may damage it.
It is important to note that you should not let a kerosene lamp continue to burn when you are not using it. This wastes fuel and poses a fire hazard.
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Frequently asked questions
Kerosene lamps should not be extinguished in the same way as a candle. To extinguish a kerosene lamp, turn the wick down until the flame goes out. If the flame is still there, blow a quick puff of air towards the chimney.
Using a candle snuffer or a wick dipper can help to prevent smoke when extinguishing a candle.
A candle snuffer is a tool used to extinguish a candle without blowing it out. It consists of a small, hollow container with a handle. When placed over the flame, it creates a seal and deprives the flame of oxygen.
A wick dipper is a long metal tool with a flat handle on one end and a thin tip with a bent hook on the other. Use it to gently push the lit wick into the wax, extinguishing the flame, and then pull the wick back up.
Using a candle snuffer may create slightly more smoke than a wick dipper. Using a wick dipper may result in burnt wick residue falling into the wax.
