Brooke Martin
There are several ways to extinguish a candle flame, including blowing it out, putting a lid on it, using a wick dipper, or using a candle snuffer. A candle snuffer, candle extinguisher, or douter is an instrument used to extinguish burning candles, consisting of a small cone at the end of a handle. This helps to avoid the problems associated with blowing hot wax and the smoke and odour of a smouldering wick.
Thing(s) to extinguish a candle
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Candle snuffer, candle extinguisher, or douter |
| Description | An instrument used to extinguish burning candles, consisting of a small cone or bell shape at the end of a long handle |
| Benefits | Avoids problems associated with blowing hot wax, smoke, and the odor of a smoldering wick |
| Other methods | Blowing it out, putting a lid on it, using a wick dipper |
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What You'll Learn
Candle snuffers
A candle snuffer, candle extinguisher, or douter is a tool used to put out candles. It consists of a small cone at the end of a long handle. To extinguish a candle, the cone is placed over the flame, smothering it without causing wax to splatter or smoke to fill the room.
Before the mid-19th century, the term "candle snuffer" referred to a scissor-like device with two flat blades and an attached snuffer box. This tool was used to trim the wick of a candle without extinguishing the flame, promoting efficient burning. The trimmed wick would be collected in the snuffer box to prevent it from reigniting.
Today, candle snuffers are commonly used in homes and churches and come in various styles, such as vintage or modern, and different colours, like silver or matte black. They are considered decorative as well as practical and can fit seamlessly into any candle display or home decor style.
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Blowing it out
Blowing out a candle is a popular way to extinguish it, but it is not recommended. Blowing out a candle can cause hot wax to splatter, creating a mess or even causing minor burns. It can also result in a lot of smoke, which can reduce the scent of the candle and cause the wick to emit a smoky odour.
To blow out a candle, one must purse their lips and blow a thin stream of air at the flame. This gust of air should be strong enough to extinguish the flame in one quick blow. However, if the flame sputters and does not go out, you may need to blow more directly on it. Be careful not to blow too hard, as this can cause wax to spray and create a mess or cause burns.
It is important to stand clear of the smoke when blowing out a candle, as the smoke can deposit soot on your skin, clothes, or surroundings. It is also recommended to extinguish candles in a well-ventilated area to prevent smoke from collecting.
While blowing out a candle is a simple and accessible method, it may not be the best choice for those who wish to preserve the condition of their candles or avoid the issues associated with hot wax and smoke. For a cleaner and more efficient alternative, a candle snuffer or wick dipper can be used.
Candle snuffers, also known as candle extinguishers or dousers, are small cones attached to a handle. They are used to cover the flame and deprive it of oxygen, gradually stifling it with minimal smoke. Wick dippers, on the other hand, have a long handle with a hook that dips the wick into the melted wax to extinguish the flame instantly with little smoke.
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Putting a lid on it
Putting a lid on a candle is one of the many ways to extinguish it. However, it is not the most recommended method. When you put a lid on a lit candle, you trap the smoke inside, which can infuse back into the melted wax. This can potentially change the scent of the candle, affecting its cold and warm throw.
The most popular ways to extinguish a candle are blowing it out, using a wick dipper, and using a candle snuffer. Blowing out a candle is a quick and easy method, but it can be messy and cause issues with wax buildup and unevenness. It also releases a plume of thick, dark smoke, which can deposit soot on your skin, clothes, or surrounding surfaces.
A wick dipper is a long handle with a hook on one end. To extinguish the candle, you use the wick dipper to quickly dip the wick into the melted wax and then lift it back out. This method produces very little smoke and instantly puts out the flame.
A candle snuffer, also known as a candle extinguisher or douter, is a small cone or bell-shaped cup at the end of a long handle. To use it, you hold the snuffer over the candle and lower the bell end onto the lit flame. This deprives the flame of oxygen, gradually stifling it and producing minimal smoke or soot. Candle snuffers have been used for centuries and can be found wherever candles are sold. They are still commonly used in homes and churches today.
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Using a wick dipper
A wick dipper is a slender instrument designed to submerge a burning candle's wick into a pool of molten wax. It is one of the best ways to extinguish a candle, as it does not lead to frayed and uneven wicks, unlike blowing out a candle. It also does not lead to a cloud of smoke and soot.
To use a wick dipper, follow these steps:
- Position your candle on a flat, stable surface away from drafts.
- Use a wick trimmer to trim the candle wick to around 1/4 inch before lighting the candle. This prevents excessive soot and ensures a controlled and even flame.
- Allow the candle to burn long enough for the wax to melt and create a pool.
- Hold the wick dipper by its handle and position the curved end above the flame, without touching it.
- Gently push the wick into the melted wax, submerging it completely.
- Keep the wick submerged for a few seconds, allowing the flame to extinguish naturally due to the lack of oxygen.
- Slowly lift the wick dipper and release the wick from its hold.
After extinguishing the candle, it is important to clean the wick dipper to maintain its longevity. Here are the steps to do so:
- Allow the wick dipper to cool down before handling it.
- Use a soft cloth or paper towel to gently wipe away any wax residue from the tool.
- For stubborn wax, use warm water to help loosen it. You can also use a cotton swab to clean the handle or curved end.
- If there is still wax buildup, soak the wick dipper in warm soapy water for about 10 minutes. Avoid submerging the handle if it is made of wood or another material that could warp or stain.
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Pinching it out with fingers
Pinching a candle flame out with your fingers is possible, but it is a risky endeavour that requires caution. It is best performed as a party trick, rather than as a practical method for extinguishing a candle.
To pinch out a candle, you must use your finger and thumb to pinch the wick, depriving the flame of oxygen and extinguishing it. This method is not without its dangers, as it requires touching the wick of a lit candle. If the flame does not go out, you may need to try again or resort to a different method. It is a good idea to practice on an unlit candle first, to get a feel for the process without the risks associated with an open flame.
Pinching a candle out with your fingers can be a neat trick to show friends, but it is not recommended as a regular method for extinguishing candles. The risks associated with touching an open flame are obvious, and it is easy to underestimate the heat of a flame or the speed at which a fire can spread.
There are many other ways to extinguish a candle, including blowing it out, using a lid, a wick dipper, or a candle snuffer. Blowing a candle out can cause an unsightly mess, with hot wax spraying and creating an uneven surface. It also produces a lot of smoke, which can affect the scent of the room and deposit soot. Using a lid can trap smoke, which may infuse back into the wax, altering the scent of the candle.
A wick dipper is a long-handled tool with a hook at the end. This can be used to dip the wick into the melted wax, extinguishing the flame with almost no smoke. The recommended method, however, is to use a candle snuffer, which also minimises smoke. A candle snuffer has a long handle with a bell, cylinder, pyramid, or disc shape at the end. This is placed over the flame, depriving it of oxygen and gradually stifling it.
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Frequently asked questions
A candle snuffer, candle extinguisher, or douter.
A candle snuffer usually has a long handle with a bell, cylinder, pyramid, or disc-shaped structure at the end.
Hold the bell of the snuffer over the wick and lower it onto the lit flame. Once the flame is fully extinguished, remove the snuffer.
Blowing out a candle can cause wax to splatter and leave behind soot and smoke. A candle snuffer extinguishes the flame with minimal smoke and mess.
