Extinguishing candles may not be a job that needs to be described in detail, but you'll be surprised at the number of ways to do it and the effect each method has on the candle. Do you just blow out the fire or is it better to use something else to put it out? Is it safe to use your fingers if there are no other tools nearby? The short answer is that different methods can be used for different purposes.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Blowing the Candles
Step 1. Position the face near the fire
Approach until you are only a few inches with your axis parallel to your mouth. This way, the air won't travel too far to reach the fire, so the candle can be extinguished more easily.
Do not position yourself directly over the candle as the heat rising from the flame can burn you
Step 2. Pinch your lips and blow
Exhale immediately through the mouth. The key is to create a small airflow to extinguish the candle in one quick puff. Keep blowing until the fire is completely extinguished.
- If the fire is fluttering, but not extinguished, it is possible that the direction of blowing is not directly on the wick.
- Do not blow too hard as this will splatter the molten wax and cause a mess or even minor burns.
Step 3. Stay away from smoke
Once the fire goes out, the candle will release a thick, dark plume of smoke. Keeping your distance from the extinguished candle will prevent the smoke from depositing soot on your skin or clothes and making them stink.
- If possible, extinguish the candle in a well-ventilated area to prevent smoke from accumulating.
- In the long term, extinguishing a candle can form an unsightly black buildup on the candle or around the inside of the container.
Method 2 of 4: Using a Candle Extinguisher
Step 1. Take a candle snuffer
Some people don't like the messy soot caused by blowing candles. For these people, a metal candle extinguisher can be a cleaner and more efficient alternative. This is a very handy tool to have on hand if you want your candle to look clean and new for as long as possible.
- Candle extinguishers have been used for centuries to extinguish fire lamps with as little smoke as possible.
- You can find candle extinguishers in various sizes at candle shops.
Step 2. Cup the candle chime above the wick
This bell is a small metal cup mounted on the end of a long handle. As you lower the bell over the fire, the oxygen level will decrease and will gradually extinguish the fire. Unlike blowing out candles, using an extinguisher like this will not produce too much smoke or soot.
- Some candle extinguishers are cylindrical, pyramidal, or disc-shaped, rather than round bells.
- Keep hands at a safe distance from fire to prevent accidents.
Step 3. Cup the extinguisher over the candle until the fire is completely extinguished
You may notice a small plume of smoke rising from the rim of the bell. Place the bell above the wick for at least one full second. After that, cover the candle with the lid and store the extinguisher in a safe and unobtrusive place.
- If the candle extinguisher is held in place for a short period of time, the fire may re-ignite and you will be forced to extinguish it again.
- Be careful when handling metal extinguishers while they are hot.
Method 3 of 4: Dipping the Wick in the Wax
Step 1. Extinguish the candle with a wick dipper or tweezers
Point the clamp from the side of the wick, not from the top. Hold the clamp firmly and steadily.
- If you don't have wick tongs, just use a long, thin object like chopsticks or paper clips to put out the fire.
- In some cases, pressure from wick clamps or tweezers can extinguish the fire immediately.
Step 2. Dip the wick into the melted wax
Bend the wick until it is angled and completely submerged in the melted wax. This will extinguish the fire without producing an unpleasant odor or smoke.
- Immediately lift the wick back so it doesn't sink into the pool of molten wax.
- Wick tweezers, tweezers, and other tools are best suited for extinguishing the flames of slender candlestick types with small puddles (the hollows that form when the candle near the wick burns faster than the rest).
Step 3. Erect the axis
Lift the wick from the candle and straighten it so that it stands on its own. Be careful not to break or tear the wick while straightening. Allow the candle to cool before tackling the wick any further.
Dipping a wick in melted wax has the added benefit of making it easier to rekindle and burning longer later
Step 4. Cut the wick
Once the wax has dried, use a wick trimmer to trim the scorched and burnt ends. The 3mm length is enough to keep the wick burning brighter and longer later. Discard the burnt end of the wick along with any other debris that may have fallen into the candle-this can pose a fire hazard if the candle is re-lit.
- A pair of manicure or nail clippers can be used as a substitute for regular wick clippers.
- Make it a habit to cut the candle wick after each use. A fresh wick will burn more evenly and this can extend the life of the candle.
Method 4 of 4: Extinguishing Fire with Fingers
Step 1. Lick the fingertips
Lick your fingertips to slightly wet them. Most people prefer to use the thumb and forefinger, but you can use any two fingers. The idea is to wet both fingers sufficiently to extinguish the wax with a light touch.
- Wetting your fingers will also help protect your skin from the heat.
- If there is a water source near you (such as a sink or drinking water glass), just wet it with the water.
Step 2. Clamp and release the wick immediately
In one lightning motion, pinch the axis between the two fingers. The liquid on the finger will make the fire go out as soon as it is touched. Remove as quickly as possible so as not to burn.
- You will feel a warm sensation for a moment. However, once the fire is extinguished, the heat will dissipate immediately.
- Don't worry if you hear a hiss because it's just the sound of liquid evaporating from your fingertips.
Step 3. Be careful not to burn the skin
Of course, trying to extinguish a candle wick with your bare hands is risky because you have to touch it directly. Always be careful, whenever you move any part of your body near a burning candle. If the fire doesn't go out, try again or put it out some other way.
- Practice a few times on an unlit candle (with dry fingers) before you attempt to extinguish one that is actually lit.
- This danger of using your fingers to extinguish candles is only worth showing off as a party trick rather than a practical, everyday solution.
Tips
- Try using different methods on different types of candles. A candle placed in a deep jar, for example, may be difficult to reach with your fingers or a candle extinguisher, but can be blown out easily.
- Visit your local wax or craft store for special tools such as candle holders, extinguishers, wick tweezers, and wick scissors.
- To prevent hollows from forming, leave the candle burning until the entire top is melted.
Warning
- Always make sure the fire is completely extinguished before you turn away from the candle. Unattended candles can present a fire hazard.
- Never extinguish a candle by pouring water or other liquid on it. This method can permanently damage the wick.
- Be careful whenever you put your hand near a blazing fire. Remember, fire is dangerous and even a small one can result in severe burns or other accidents.
