Tyler Brooks
Jar candles are a popular choice for candle enthusiasts, but they require a little extra care when it comes to burning and extinguishing. The lid of a jar candle can become stuck due to wax sealing the lid shut, or if carbon dioxide from the burnt candle recycles inside the jar, suffocating the flame. This guide will explore the best methods for extinguishing a jar candle, as well as techniques for safely opening a stuck candle jar.
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What You'll Learn
Use a wick dipper to extinguish the flame
Using a wick dipper to extinguish the flame is a highly recommended method of putting out a candle. It is a simple yet ingenious tool that allows you to put out a candle without any smoke or wax splatter. Wick dippers usually have a long handle with a hook at one end. To extinguish the candle, hold the wick dipper at an angle, with the curved end near the flame. Then, gently push the wick into the wax pool until the flame is extinguished.
The wick dipper method is highly effective in preventing smoke and coating the wick with wax, making it easier to light the candle the next time. It is also useful for fixing drooping or off-centre wicks once a pool has formed.
Using a wick dipper is a preferred method over blowing out the candle, as blowing can cause wax to splatter and can lead to issues like tunneling and unevenness in the wax. Blowing out a candle also causes the wick to emit a lot of smoke, which can alter the scent of the candle, giving it a burnt smell.
Additionally, the lid method of extinguishing a candle can also be problematic. While it does work, it can cause the candle to become smoky and sooty, altering the scent of the wax. Therefore, using a wick dipper is a more effective and smoke-free way to extinguish a candle in a closed jar.
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Use a candle snuffer to extinguish the flame
A candle snuffer is a simple tool used to quickly and safely extinguish a candle's flame. It is a small cone attached to the end of a handle. To use a candle snuffer, simply hold the cone over the candle's flame until it is extinguished. This method helps to prevent wax from spattering and can extend the life of a candle by preventing the wick from smoking.
Candle snuffers are a great way to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any candle display. They come in a variety of styles and materials, from simple metal snuffers to more elaborate designs with decorative handles.
Using a candle snuffer is a preferred method to blowing out a candle, as blowing can cause hot wax to spray and can result in smoke and odour from a smouldering wick. The lid method can also cause similar issues, as smoke can become trapped in the wax, altering the scent and causing a sooty smell.
To avoid these problems, a candle snuffer is an ideal solution. It is a safe and effective way to extinguish a candle, and its small size makes it easy to store and access when needed. Whether you are a candle enthusiast or simply looking for a decorative accessory, a candle snuffer is a useful tool to have on hand.
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Avoid blowing out the candle
Blowing out a candle is a common method of extinguishing it, but it can cause hot wax to splatter, potentially burning your skin or damaging nearby objects. It can also result in a large plume of smoke, which can leave an unpleasant smell and even set off smoke alarms.
If you want to avoid blowing out your candle, you can use a candle snuffer, also known as a douter. These date back to the mid-17th century and are still popular today due to their effectiveness and safety. They work by quickly extinguishing the flame and minimising smoke. Modern candle snuffers are inexpensive and come in various designs, with the most popular being a rounded bell shape.
Another option is to use a wick dipper, which has a long handle that you use to press the wick down into the oil, eliminating oxygen and immediately putting out the flame with little to no smoke. This method also allows you to relight the candle cleanly and quickly, preserving its original fragrance. Antique wick dippers are prized by collectors and candle connoisseurs, and modern versions come in attractive designs as well.
If you want to use the lid of your jar candle to extinguish the flame, you should proceed with caution. While this method can reduce smoke and preserve the candle's fragrance, it can also cause the lid to get stuck due to the vacuum seal created when the oxygen is depleted. Some candle lids are also made of flammable or heat-sensitive materials, so it's important to check before attempting this method. If you do use the lid, slowly place it over the jar, leaving a small gap for heat to escape, and only close it completely once the flame has died down.
By avoiding blowing out your candle and using these alternative methods, you can lengthen the life of your candles, minimise smoke, and preserve their aesthetic appeal and fragrance.
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Avoid putting the lid on a hot candle
While it may be tempting to put the lid on a hot candle to extinguish the flame, there are several reasons why this is not a good idea. Firstly, it can cause the lid to get stuck. As the flame consumes the oxygen inside the jar, it creates a vacuum seal that suctions the lid tightly to the jar, making it extremely difficult to remove. This can be a frustrating and time-consuming problem to fix, requiring hot water, knives, or even a blow dryer to break the seal.
Secondly, covering a hot candle with a lid can lead to soot production and an unpleasant smell. The trapped smoke and soot settle into the wax, causing it to turn black and smell smoky or burnt. This can ruin the appearance and scent of your candle, which is especially undesirable if you have invested in a high-quality product.
Thirdly, not all candle lids are designed to be used for extinguishing. Some lids are purely decorative, made from materials such as wood, plastic, or rubber that can melt or deform when exposed to heat. Using these lids to extinguish your candle can pose a safety risk and damage your candle jar.
Finally, it is important to consider candle safety. While using the lid to extinguish a candle may produce less smoke than blowing it out, there are safer and more effective methods available, such as wick dippers or snuffers. These methods minimise smoke and soot production while also preserving the integrity and scent of your candle.
In conclusion, while it may seem convenient to put the lid on a hot candle, it is best to avoid doing so. By using alternative methods such as wick dippers or snuffers, you can ensure the longevity, appearance, and scent of your candle while also prioritising safety.
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Use hot water to open a stuck candle jar
If your candle jar is stuck, it may be because you have previously burned your candle and replaced the lid, causing it to become stuck to the jar with melted wax. Here are some methods you can use to melt or soften the wax and open a stuck candle jar lid:
Using hot water
Fill a sink with very hot water and submerge the candle jar. Allow the jar to soak for 5 minutes, then attempt to remove the lid. If it still doesn't budge, return the candle jar to the hot water for another 5 minutes. This method will likely remove the label on the jar.
Using a blow dryer
If you have a blow dryer, you can use it to heat the lid on high heat. Keep the dryer moving around the edge of the lid and try opening the jar every 10 to 15 seconds until the lid comes loose.
Using a microwave
If you have a microwave, you can use it to heat the jar. Place the jar in the microwave on 50% heat for 10 seconds. If the jar doesn't open, return it to the microwave for another 10 seconds.
Using a knife
Tap all the way around the edge of the lid with the blade of a butter knife. This may be enough to break the seal keeping the candle jar stuck.
Once you get the lid off the jar, you can enjoy your candle's scent once more.
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Frequently asked questions
A candle goes out when in a closed jar because it cannot vent the carbon dioxide produced in the chemical reaction. Once the oxygen is depleted, the candle cannot burn and suffocates.
To prevent a candle from going out, ensure the jar is short enough that carbon dioxide escapes, allowing fresh air to be vented in.
Using a candle snuffer or a wick dipper is recommended to put out a candle without damaging it or altering its scent.
To prevent the lid from getting stuck, do not place it back on the jar until the candle has cooled down.
If the lid is stuck, try running it under hot water, microwaving the jar, or using a blow dryer to heat up the lid and loosen the seal.
