Blowing Out Candles vs Snuffing

Blowing out candles and snuffing are two common ways to extinguish candles, but there are important differences between the two methods. In this blog article, we will explore these differences and discuss the pros and cons of each technique.

Blowing out candles is the most common way to extinguish a candle. It involves blowing air onto the flame, which causes it to go out. While this method is quick and easy, it has some downsides. First, blowing out a candle can create a lot of smoke and can sometimes splatter wax around the candle. This can be messy and potentially hazardous if the wax gets on clothing or other flammable materials. Additionally, blowing out a candle can sometimes cause the wick to move, making it harder to light the next time.

Snuffing a candle, on the other hand, involves using a specialized tool called a snuffer to extinguish the flame. The snuffer is a small cone-shaped object that is placed over the candle to cut off the oxygen supply and extinguish the flame. Snuffing is a much cleaner and safer way to put out a candle, as it doesn’t create any smoke or wax splatter. Additionally, snuffing a candle can help to preserve the wick and make it easier to light the next time.

While snuffing may seem like the obvious choice, it does have some downsides as well. Snuffers can be expensive and may not be readily available in all households. Additionally, snuffing a candle can take longer than blowing it out, which may be inconvenient in certain situations.

Pros & Cons for Snuffing vs Blowing

Here are some pros and cons for snuffing out a candle vs blowing it out:

Pros of snuffing out a candle:

  • It’s a much cleaner and safer way to extinguish a candle, as it doesn’t create any smoke or wax splatter.
  • Snuffing a candle can help to preserve the wick and make it easier to light the next time.
  • Using a snuffer can be a fun and stylish way to put out a candle, as there are many different snuffer designs available.

Cons of snuffing out a candle:

  • Snuffers can be expensive and may not be readily available in all households.
  • Snuffing a candle can take longer than blowing it out, which may be inconvenient in certain situations.
  • If the snuffer is not placed properly, it can actually spread the flame and make it more difficult to extinguish the candle.

Pros of blowing out a candle:

  • Blowing out a candle is a quick and easy way to extinguish the flame, and is usually the go-to method for most people.
  • You don’t need any special tools to blow out a candle, making it a more accessible option for everyone.
  • Blowing out a candle can be a fun activity, especially for children at birthday parties.

Cons of blowing out a candle:

  • Blowing out a candle can create a lot of smoke and can sometimes splatter wax around the candle, which can be messy and potentially hazardous.
  • Blowing out a candle can sometimes cause the wick to move, making it harder to light the next time.
  • If you blow too hard, you can actually spread the flame and make it more difficult to extinguish the candle.

In general, both snuffing out and blowing out a candle are effective ways to extinguish a flame, but each method has its pros and cons. The choice between the two methods ultimately depends on personal preference and the situation at hand. Whatever method you choose, always practice proper candle safety and never leave a burning candle unattended.

 

How to Trim a Candle Wick Before Lighting it

Trimming a candle wick is an essential step in candle care, as it can help to ensure a cleaner and safer burn. When a wick is too long, it can create a larger flame and produce more smoke, so it’s important to trim it down to about a quarter of an inch (or 6mm) before lighting the candle. Here are the steps to follow to trim a candle wick before lighting it:

  1. Check the wick: First, make sure the candle has cooled completely before you start trimming the wick. Then, inspect the wick and remove any excess debris or burnt pieces.

  2. Measure the wick: Using a ruler or a wick trimmer, measure the wick to ensure it’s about a quarter of an inch (or 6mm) long. If the wick is longer, use a pair of scissors or wick trimmers to cut it down to size. Be sure to cut the wick straight across, as angled cuts can cause the wick to burn unevenly.

  3. Dispose of the trimmed wick: Once you’ve trimmed the wick, dispose of the trimmed portion in a trash bin. Avoid leaving it on the candle, as it can catch fire or cause the candle to burn unevenly.

  4. Light the candle: After trimming the wick, you’re ready to light the candle. Use a long match or a lighter to ignite the wick, and enjoy a clean, even burn.

By trimming your candle wick before lighting it, you can help to ensure a safer and more enjoyable candle-burning experience. Remember to always trim the wick to a quarter of an inch (or 6mm) and to dispose of the trimmed portion properly. With these simple steps, you can extend the life of your candles and create a warm, inviting ambiance in your home.

Candle Extinguishing: FAQ

  • Should you blow out a candle or put the lid on?

    To extinguish a candle, it's best to blow it out gently and steadily, making sure not to blow wax around or splatter the flame. Avoid putting a lid on a candle while it's still burning, as it can cause the jar to crack or explode due to the build-up of heat and pressure.

     

  • How do you put out a candle so it doesn't smoke?

    To put out a candle without smoking, use a candle snuffer or gently blow on the flame until it extinguishes. Avoid blowing out the candle forcefully or using water to put it out, as this can create smoke and damage the wick.

  • Is it bad to blow out a candle?

    Blowing out a candle is generally safe, but it can create smoke and splatter wax if done too forcefully. It's important to make sure the wick is completely extinguished and not smoldering, as this can be a fire hazard.

  • How do you extinguish a candle without blowing it out?

    To extinguish a candle without blowing it out, use a candle snuffer, a metal lid, or a wet paper towel to smother the flame. This can help prevent smoke and splattering wax, while also keeping the wick intact.

  • How do you extinguish a candle from a jar?

    To extinguish a candle from a jar, use a candle snuffer or gently blow on the flame until it goes out. Avoid using water or putting a lid on the jar, as this can cause the jar to crack or explode due to the build-up of heat and pressure.