Jessie Taylor
Candles are a great way to enhance the ambiance of a room and create a cozy atmosphere. However, candle safety is important to prevent accidents and keep your home and loved ones safe. One common question that arises is whether candles should be covered after they are blown out. While some people believe that using a lid to extinguish a candle is a convenient way to prevent smoke from circulating, it is not recommended. This is because the lid can trap smoke and soot within the jar, leaving a black, sooty residue on the underside of the lid and on the insides of the container. Additionally, the soot can settle into the wax, affecting the appearance and scent of the candle. Instead, it is advised to use a wick dipper or a candle snuffer to extinguish the flame safely and elegantly while also preserving the beauty and fragrance of the candle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Putting out candles with a lid | May harm the candle's appearance and scent |
| Produces less smoke than blowing out the candle | |
| Traps smoke and soot within the jar | |
| May cause the lid to turn black | |
| Can settle soot into the wax | |
| May melt or deform the lid | |
| Blowing out candles | May cause hot wax to splatter |
| May not fully extinguish the flame | |
| Using a candle snuffer | Prevents debris from falling into the wax pool |
| Looks elegant and sophisticated | |
| Produces slightly more smoke than using a wick dipper | |
| Wick dippers | Coats the wick with melted wax |
| May use any long metal tool, such as a spoon or an unbent paperclip |
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What You'll Learn
Candle lids are not meant for extinguishing flames
Secondly, using a lid to put out a candle can affect its appearance and scent. The flame's combustion reaction between oxygen and hydrocarbons (wax) produces water vapour, carbon dioxide, and heat. When the oxygen supply is cut off by placing a lid on the candle, the reaction stops, and the flame extinguishes. While this method produces less smoke than blowing out the candle, it traps smoke and soot within the jar. This can leave black, sooty residue on the underside of the lid and on the inside of the container, giving your candle jar an undesirable appearance. Additionally, the trapped soot can settle into the wax, affecting the pristine look of your candle, especially if you prefer clean, white-coloured soy wax.
Another reason to avoid using the lid to extinguish your candle is to maintain the fragrance and lifespan of scented candles. When the wax is exposed to open air, the fragrance escapes, a phenomenon known as "cold throw". By keeping the lid on, you can prevent the scent from dissipating and preserve the candle's lifespan. Instead of using the lid, opt for tools like wick dippers or snuffers, which can effectively extinguish the flame while maintaining the candle's beauty and fragrance. Snuffers, in particular, are useful for preventing debris from falling into the wax pool, especially when the wick has started to mushroom.
Lastly, candle safety is of utmost importance. While using a lid to extinguish a candle may seem safer than blowing it out, it is crucial to follow recommended candle care guidelines. Always ensure your candles are placed away from drafts to burn more evenly and safely. Never leave a burning candle unattended, and keep them out of reach of children and pets. Additionally, burning your candle for no more than 4 hours at a time prevents overheating. By following these guidelines and using appropriate extinguishing methods, you can safely enjoy your candles while maintaining their aesthetic appeal and longevity.
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Using a candle snuffer is a better alternative
Using a candle snuffer is a safer alternative to blowing out candles or using a lid to extinguish the flame. Blowing out candles can cause hot wax to splatter and may not fully extinguish the flame, leading to possible hazards. Using the lid to put out a candle can harm its appearance and scent, and it may not be suitable for all candle types.
A candle snuffer is a better alternative as it is a safer and more effective way to extinguish a candle. It prevents debris from falling into the wax pool, especially when the wick has started to mushroom. Using a snuffer also reduces the risk of hot wax splattering and ensures the flame is completely extinguished, reducing the possibility of hazards.
Additionally, a candle snuffer can help maintain the candle's beauty and fragrance. Unlike blowing out a candle, using a snuffer reduces the moisture added to the wick and prevents the escape of fragrance, preserving the lifespan of scented candles.
For those who practice magic and spiritual rituals, a candle snuffer is also recommended. Blowing out a candle is believed to flush down spiritual energy incurred during rituals, while using a snuffer allows the mystical aura to remain accessible when the candle is relit.
Overall, using a candle snuffer is a safer, more efficient, and aesthetically pleasing alternative to blowing out candles or using a lid. It helps maintain the candle's appearance, scent, and longevity while also reducing potential safety hazards.
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Lids can trap smoke and soot, leaving a black residue
Although using a lid to put out a candle is better than blowing it out, it is not recommended. Lids can trap smoke and soot, leaving a black residue on the underside of the lid and the insides of the container. This can also settle into the wax, spoiling the appearance of the candle. This is particularly undesirable if you are using a clean, white-coloured wax.
The lid can also become damaged by the heat of the flame. Some candle lids are made from wood or plastic, or contain rubber seals that can melt or deform when exposed to heat.
There are better ways to extinguish a candle that will preserve its appearance and fragrance. Using a wick dipper or snuffer is safer and will maintain the beauty of the candle. A snuffer is a long-stemmed metal rod with a small cone or bell at the end. The cone or bell is hovered over the flame and lowered until it touches the surface of the wax, cutting off the oxygen and extinguishing the flame. This method also prevents debris from falling into the wax pool.
Lids are best used decoratively and to keep candles clean by preventing dust and debris from entering the candle. They also preserve the lifespan of scented candles by preventing the fragrance from escaping when the wax is exposed to open air.
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Blowing out candles is not ideal, it may not extinguish fully
Blowing out candles may not be the best idea as it can cause hot wax to splatter and may not fully extinguish the flame, leading to possible hazards. It is also not the best method to preserve the lifespan of your candle. When you blow out a candle, you might end up with wax splatters and an uneven burn the next time you light it.
Using a lid to extinguish a candle is also not recommended. While it will technically work by depriving the flame of oxygen, it can also trap smoke and soot within the jar, leaving a black, sooty residue on the underside of the lid and on the insides of the container. The trapped soot can also settle into the wax, affecting the appearance of your candle. Furthermore, not all candle lids are meant to be used for extinguishing. Some lids are purely decorative and may be made of flammable or heat-sensitive materials that can melt or deform when exposed to heat.
Instead, consider using a wick dipper or a snuffer. Wick dippers have long handles that you use to quickly press the wick down into the oil, eliminating oxygen and immediately putting out the flame with little to no smoke. Snuffer work similarly to stop the oxygen supply to the flame, and they also prevent debris from falling into the wax pool. Both methods are safer and more effective than blowing out candles and help maintain the beauty and fragrance of your candles.
So, the next time you're ready to extinguish your candle, reach for a wick dipper or a snuffer instead of blowing it out or reaching for the lid. You'll be able to enjoy your candles for longer and keep your space looking and smelling beautiful.
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Candle care and safety tips to keep in mind
Candles can be a delightful addition to your home, but it's important to follow some simple guidelines to ensure their safe use and maintenance. Here are some candle care and safety tips to keep in mind:
Extinguishing Candles Safely:
- Avoid blowing out candles as it can cause hot wax to splatter and may not fully extinguish the flame.
- Do not use the lid to put out the candle. While it may deprive the flame of oxygen and extinguish it, the lid can trap smoke and soot, leaving a black residue on the lid and inside the container. It can also affect the appearance and scent of the candle.
- Instead, use a wick dipper or a candle snuffer. A wick dipper coats the wick with wax, while a candle snuffer is a long-stemmed metal rod with a small cone that cuts off the oxygen and extinguishes the flame elegantly and with minimal smoke.
General Candle Care and Safety:
- Place candles in a spot away from drafts to ensure even and safe burning.
- Never leave a burning candle unattended, and keep them out of reach of children and pets.
- Burn your candle for no more than 4 hours at a time to prevent overheating.
- Trim the wick regularly to prevent smoking and maintain an even burn.
- Keep the lid on when not in use to preserve the scent and prevent dust and debris from settling on the candle.
- Reuse leftover wax from old candles to create new ones or use it in wax melt warmers.
By following these simple tips, you can enjoy your candles while maintaining their beauty and fragrance and ensuring the safety of your space.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you shouldn't put out a candle with the lid. This is because the lid traps smoke and soot within the jar, leaving black, sooty residue on the underside of the lid and on the insides of the container.
Alternatives to putting out a candle with a lid include using a wick dipper or a candle snuffer.
Using a wick dipper or a candle snuffer produces less smoke than blowing out a candle and prevents debris from falling into the wax pool.
Never leave a burning candle unattended and keep them out of reach of children and pets. Place your candles in a spot where they won't be affected by drafts to ensure they burn more evenly and safely.
