Jessie Taylor
There are many ways to put out a candle, but some are better than others. Blowing out a candle may be the most well-known method, but it can cause issues like tunneling and unevenness, and the smoke can affect the scent of the candle. Putting the lid on the candle to extinguish it is another popular method, but it can cause the lid to get stuck and create a sooty smell. Using a wick dipper or a candle snuffer are the best ways to put out a candle, as they preserve the quality of the candle wax and fragrance. When the wick is gone and the candle won't light anymore, it's time to stop burning it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to put out a candle | Use a wick dipper, a candle snuffer, or a non-flammable lid |
| How to avoid tunneling | Give the candle a longer burn time during the next use |
| When to stop burning a candle | When the wick is gone or won't stay lit, or when there's about 1/4" of wax left to avoid a fire hazard or heat damage to the container and surface or when there's about 1/2" of wax left |
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What You'll Learn
Blowing out candles
Firstly, blowing out a candle can cause wax to splatter everywhere. It can also cause issues with the wax, such as unevenness and tunneling. Tunneling occurs when the candle does not liquefy to the edge and instead creates a "'memory ring", remembering where it left off and staying that way. Blowing out a candle also causes the wick to emit a lot of smoke, which can leave an unpleasant after-scent and soot on the wick and surrounding area. This can reduce the fragrance of the candle and the enjoyment of the room the candle is in.
If you do choose to blow out a candle, it is recommended to place a lid on top of the candle to restrict airflow and extinguish the flame. However, it is important to note that you should not push the lid down, as this can create a vacuum seal, trapping smoke and causing the lid to become stuck.
Instead of blowing out your candles, it is recommended to use a wick dipper or a candle snuffer. Wick dippers have long handles that are used to quickly press the wick into the melted wax, extinguishing the flame with little to no smoke. Candle snuffers, also known as douters, date back to the mid-17th century and are still popular today. They work well with most candles, quickly extinguishing the flame and minimising smoke.
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Using a wick dipper
Wick dippers usually have a long handle with a hook or curved end. To extinguish the candle, use the wick dipper to quickly and gently submerge the wick into the melted wax and then lift it back out. This will instantly put out your candle with very little to no smoke. The absence of smoke helps to maintain the purity of the air in your space and the cleanliness and original fragrance of your candles.
Before using a wick dipper, ensure your candle is placed on a flat, stable surface away from drafts to ensure an even burn and prevent unnecessary dripping. It is also important to always trim the candle wick to around 1/4 inch before lighting the candle to prevent excessive soot and ensure a controlled and even flame.
After extinguishing the candle, wait a few minutes for 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, warm water can help loosen it up. You can also use a cotton swab to get into any nooks and crannies of the handle or curved end. If there is still wax buildup, fill a small dish with warm, soapy water and soak the wick dipper for about 10 minutes. Be careful not to submerge the handle if it is made of wood or another material that could warp or stain. Finally, rinse the dipper with clean water and dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth.
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Using a candle snuffer
First, it is recommended to burn candles for no more than 4-6 hours at a time. Burning longer than this can cause overheating, leading to uneven wax melting, mushroom-shaped wicks, and excess smoke. When it's time to extinguish the flame, a candle snuffer is an ideal tool to use.
Candle snuffers are typically small metal tools with a long, narrow handle and a concave, bell-shaped end. The handle helps keep your hand away from the hot wax, and some designs even include a weight at the end to aid in pressing down on the wick. To use the snuffer, hold it over the candle and gently lower the bell-shaped end onto the lit flame. Ensure that you don't dip the snuffer into the wax; simply hover it over the wick for about 10 seconds. This will deprive the flame of oxygen, causing it to extinguish quickly and evenly without creating a mess or blowing wax everywhere.
Finally, candle snuffers are not just functional but also decorative. They come in various designs, from antique to modern styles, and can add a sense of sophistication to your space. So, whether you're a candle enthusiast or simply looking for a safe and elegant way to enjoy your candles, a candle snuffer is a great tool to have.
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Putting a lid on it
Putting a lid on a candle is a popular way to extinguish it. However, it is not recommended due to the potential issues it can cause. One of the main issues is that it traps smoke in the candle, which can infuse back into the melted wax and alter its fragrance. This can result in an unpleasant smell and soot on the wick and candle wax, diminishing the candle's aesthetic appeal and the enjoyment of its scent.
To use the lid to extinguish the candle, simply place it lightly on top of the candle without pressing it down. This restricts the oxygen supply to the flame, causing it to go out. However, it is crucial not to seal the lid completely, as doing so can create a vacuum seal that makes it extremely difficult to remove the lid. Many people have experienced this issue, and it can even lead to the candle vessel breaking when trying to remove the suctioned lid.
While using the lid to put out a candle is convenient, it is generally advised to use alternative methods such as a wick dipper or a candle snuffer. These methods effectively extinguish the flame while minimising smoke and preserving the quality of the candle wax and fragrance. A wick dipper involves using a long-handled tool to quickly dip the wick into the melted wax and then lift it back out, instantly putting out the candle with minimal smoke. A candle snuffer, also known as a douter, has been used since the mid-17th century and remains popular today. It typically features a long handle with a bell-shaped end that is placed over the flame to extinguish it.
In conclusion, while putting a lid on a candle is possible, it is not the best method due to the potential for smoke and soot accumulation, as well as the risk of creating a vacuum seal. For a more pleasant candle experience and to prolong the life of your candle, it is recommended to use a wick dipper or a candle snuffer instead. These methods ensure a cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing burn while preserving the original fragrance of your candle.
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When to stop burning
When it comes to burning candles, it is important to know when to stop. Here are some guidelines to help you determine when to stop burning your candle:
Firstly, it is recommended to limit the burning time of your candle to around 4-5 hours. This helps to preserve the fragrance and integrity of the wax. Burning for extended periods can cause the candle to burn down too quickly and may impact the scent and appearance of the wax.
Secondly, keep an eye on the wax level. When there is about a quarter to a half inch of wax remaining, it's time to stop burning the candle. This is important to prevent possible heat damage to the container and the surface it is placed on. Continuing to burn the candle beyond this point increases the risk of the jar getting too hot and potentially causing damage or creating a fire hazard.
Additionally, pay attention to the wick. When the wick is gone or struggles to stay lit, it's time to stop burning the candle. A candle with a missing or dysfunctional wick will not burn properly and may pose a safety risk.
Some people suggest letting the candle extinguish itself when it's close to the bottom. However, this is not recommended as it can be a fire hazard due to the bottom of the candle getting too hot. Instead, proactively extinguish the candle when it's close to the bottom to prevent any safety issues.
Lastly, trust your instincts and the candle. Sometimes, the candle will show signs of being close to the end, such as struggling to stay lit or burning unevenly. When this happens, it's best to stop burning and replace the candle. Remember to extinguish your candle safely using a wick dipper or a candle snuffer to minimise smoke and preserve the fragrance.
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Frequently asked questions
You should stop burning your candle when there's about a half inch of wax left in the jar. This will prevent possible heat damage to your container and surface.
Blowing out a candle is not recommended as it can cause unevenness in the wax and make the wick harder to relight. It can also fill your room with smoke and soot. The best ways to extinguish a candle are to use a wick dipper or a candle snuffer.
A wick dipper is a tool with a long handle and a hook on one end. You use it to quickly dip the wick into the melted wax to extinguish the flame. This method produces very little smoke and preserves the quality of your candle wax and fragrance.
