Brooke Martin
Blowing out a candle may seem like the simplest way to extinguish it, but it's not always the best method. Blowing out a candle can cause issues with the wax, such as unevenness and tunnelling, and the smoke emitted can affect the scent of the candle. So, what are the alternatives? Two popular methods are using a candle snuffer or a wick dipper. A candle snuffer, also known as a douter, is a long-handled tool with a bell-shaped end that quickly extinguishes the flame with minimal smoke. A wick dipper is a long-handled tool that presses the wick down into the oil, immediately extinguishing the flame. Both methods are effective in preserving the quality of the candle and its fragrance.
What to do after blowing out a candle
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use of fingers | Wet your finger with a bit of water and then use that damp finger to touch the wick |
| Use of tools | Candle snuffers, Wick dippers, Scissors, Butter knives, Tweezers |
| Use of lid | Put the lid on the candle to put it out |
| Use of water | Use water to blow out soy candles |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Use a candle snuffer
Using a candle snuffer is a great way to put out a candle without causing smoke or ruining the scent. Candle snuffers, also known as "douters", have been used since the mid-17th century and are still popular today due to their effectiveness and safety.
A candle snuffer typically has a long handle with a bell-shaped end. To use it, simply hold the snuffer over the candle and lower the bell end onto the flame. Ensure that the snuffer fully envelopes the flame and hold it there until the flame is completely extinguished. It is important to avoid letting the snuffer touch the melted wax, as this can cause smoke and affect the scent of the candle.
Using a candle snuffer is a preferred method to blowing out a candle, as blowing can cause hot wax to spray, create issues with wax tunneling and unevenness, and allow the wick to emit a lot of smoke. Blowing out a candle can also be dangerous, as it can cause the hot wax to splatter and burn the skin.
Additionally, the use of a candle snuffer helps to preserve the quality of the candle wax and fragrance. It quickly extinguishes the flame and minimizes smoke, making it a safe and effective choice for candle care. Antique candle snuffers are also beautifully designed and highly collectible, adding a touch of elegance to the candle-extinguishing ritual.
Overall, using a candle snuffer is a simple, safe, and elegant way to put out a candle while preserving its quality and fragrance. It is a time-tested method that has been trusted for centuries and continues to be a popular choice for candle enthusiasts.
The Meaning of Catholic Candles
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Wet your finger with water first
Blowing out a candle is a widely accepted way of extinguishing the flame. However, it is not always the best method. Blowing out a candle can cause issues with the wax, such as unevenness and tunneling. Tunneling occurs when a candle is blown out before the entire surface has melted, causing the candle to only melt to that point in the future, leaving a coating of unusable wax. Blowing out a candle can also cause you to blow wax everywhere, and the wick to emit a lot of smoke, reducing the effect of the candle's scent.
If you do choose to blow out a candle, it is recommended that you wet your finger with water first. This ensures that the flame will not spark or sputter, and it helps the candle burn evenly and last longer. This method is especially effective for soy candles, as it helps to extinguish the flame quickly without leaving any smoke.
To use this method, simply wet your finger with a bit of water and then use your damp finger to touch the wick. This will extinguish the flame without causing any issues with the wax or releasing contaminants into the air. This method is healthier for your lungs and makes it easier to relight the candle.
Overall, while blowing out a candle is a common and acceptable method of extinguishing the flame, it is important to consider the potential issues it can cause. Using water to blow out a candle can help mitigate some of these issues, especially for soy candles.
Winter Solstice Candles: Choosing the Right Colors
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cover with a glass
A widely-accepted way of extinguishing a candle is to blow it out and then cover it with a glass. This method is effective for soy candles as soy wax holds the flame better and takes longer to put out after being blown out because it cools slowly. However, using the traditional method of blowing out and covering with a glass, soy wax also extinguishes quickly without leaving any smoke.
To blow out a soy candle correctly, wet your finger with a bit of water and then use that damp finger to touch the wick. This ensures that the flame will not spark or sputter, and no bad contaminants will be released into the air. This method will also help your candles last longer and burn evenly. You will also have an easier time relighting your soy candles.
Covering a candle with a glass after blowing it out is a safe and healthy way to extinguish the flame. It is a simple and effective method that can be used for any type of candle, but it is especially effective for soy candles. This method ensures that the flame is completely extinguished and prevents any smoke from being released into the air. It is also a quick and easy way to put out a candle, which can be helpful in an emergency situation.
Overall, the method of blowing out a candle and covering it with a glass is a safe and effective way to extinguish a flame. It is important to follow proper safety precautions when handling candles, and this method can help to reduce the risk of fire hazards.
Candle Sales: When Do They End?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Use a wick dipper
Using a wick dipper is a safe and effective way to put out a candle. Wick dippers have long handles, and you use the tip to quickly press the wick down into the melted wax. This immediately eliminates oxygen and puts the flame out with little to no smoke.
Wick dippers are an excellent alternative to blowing out a candle, which can cause hot wax and sparks to scatter, posing a fire hazard. Blowing out a candle can also lead to frayed and uneven wicks, and the smoke can affect the candle's fragrance.
To use a wick dipper, gently submerge the wick into the melted wax. Be careful not to submerge it too deeply, or the flame might struggle to ignite the next time you light the candle. If the wick is too shallow, it might remain ignited after using the dipper. After using the wick dipper, check the height of the wick. If it's too low, gently adjust it to around a quarter of an inch before relighting to prevent excessive smoking.
You can purchase a wick dipper, or make your own by bending a paper clip. Metal wick dippers can be polished with metal cleaner or olive oil to keep them looking new.
Sand and Fog: Handcrafted Candles, Where Are They From?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Avoid blowing out the candle
Blowing out a candle may seem like the easiest and most convenient way to extinguish it. However, there are several reasons why you should avoid doing so.
Firstly, blowing out a candle can cause hot wax to splatter, which can be a safety hazard. It can also lead to issues with the wax, such as tunneling and unevenness, affecting the overall quality of the candle.
Secondly, when you blow out a candle, you introduce a significant amount of air, particularly oxygen, to the flame. This can result in the candle relighting itself due to the presence of vaporized wax or gas escaping from the still-warm wick, which is often referred to as the "candle relight" or "candle trick."
Additionally, the act of blowing out a candle can disrupt the fragrance of the candle. The smoke produced from blowing it out can negatively impact the scent of the candle, reducing its cold throw and residual warm throw in the room.
To avoid these issues, it is recommended to use alternative methods such as a candle snuffer or a wick dipper. A candle snuffer, also known as a douter, has been used since the mid-17th century. It effectively extinguishes the flame with minimal smoke and preserves the quality of the candle's wax and fragrance. Similarly, a wick dipper allows you to quickly press the wick down into the oil, extinguishing the flame with little to no smoke. These methods ensure a safer and more aesthetically pleasing experience when enjoying your candles.
Flameless Candles: Realistic or Not?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Blowing out a candle is a widely accepted way of extinguishing it. However, it is not recommended as it may cause unevenness in the wax and release smoke. To properly blow out a candle, wet your finger with a bit of water and use that damp finger to touch the wick.
After blowing out a candle, it is recommended to cover it with a glass to prevent the release of smoke.
Some alternatives to blowing out a candle include using a candle snuffer, a wick dipper, or a lid.
