What is the best way to extinguish a candle?

What is the best way to extinguish a candle?

Candle that is smoking after being blown out
Candle that is smoking after being blown out
   


Blowing a candle out may be quick but it will also increase indoor air pollution and soot on walls and ceilings.  Soot is the black waxy residue that you often see on candle jars.  The excess smoke that is given off is actually incomplete burned candle.  When you blow out a candle the wick will often still glow red and incomplete combustion will occur which results in the smoke and soot.  Snuffing will also result in a lot of smoke being released as the wick struggles for air.  When you lift the snuffer you are also be releasing smoke and soot into the air.  Smoke particles can also be breathed in before they are deposited on your living space.  And that may not be the healthiest option.

Candle wick dipper being used to extinguish a flame
Candle wick dipper being used to extinguish a flame
The absolute best way to extinguish a candle is to dip the flame back into the melt pool and then lift and re-set the wick.  Not only does this minimize excess smoke and soot but it also re-primes the wick giving it a more accesable fuel source when it is re-lit.  The flame will more immediately have fuel and your flames will be smaller and have less of a "flare time" when the candles is re-lit.  Flare time is when the candle flame is momentarily large as the flame struggles to find fuel.  As it struggles more smoke and soot is released.  By giving your flame more fuel you reduce the flare time.

When dipping your wick into your wax be sure to use a non-flammable object such as a metal dipping stick or even a piece of coat hanger so that it doesn't catch on fire.

Remember - Don't blow it.  Dip it :)
Till next time!

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.