Quck answer
To put out a candle safely, follow these steps:
1. Use a candle snuffer: Gently place the snuffer over the flame to cut off the oxygen supply. Hold it for a few seconds until the flame is extinguished.
2. Use a metal spoon or lid: Carefully place a metal spoon or lid over the flame, smothering it and causing it to go out.
3. Use water: If the candle is in a suitable container, pour a small amount of water into it to extinguish the flame. Be cautious not to use too much water, as it can cause the wax to splatter.
4. Blow it out: Traditional but effective, blow on the flame until it’s extinguished. Be careful not to blow too hard, as it can cause hot wax to spray.
Remember, never leave a burning candle unattended and always exercise caution when dealing with open flames.
Candles enhance the scent of a room and create a pleasant atmosphere with their flickering flames. Learn the proper ways to safely and effectively put out a candle. Fire is hazardous, so exercise caution when using lit candles in your home, especially if there are pets or children present.
Blow It Off
The first and most obvious method of extinguishing a candle’s flame is to blow it out. This method is effective and reliable. However, blowing out the candle allows air to reach it, causing it to continue smoking and smoldering. This can eliminate the pleasant scent of the candle and replace it with a smoky odor reminiscent of a recently extinguished birthday party candle. While blowing out the candle works, it may not be the most fragrant method.
Snuff It
Another way to put out a candle is to use a snuffer. A snuffer, also known as an extinguisher, is a small metal cone- or bell-shaped object that is placed over the wick and flame, thereby extinguishing the flame. Snuffers are still available and in use today, despite being considered antiques. They are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased at most stores that sell candles or through online retailers.
If you don’t have a candle snuffer, there’s no need to rush out and buy one. You can easily make your own by shaping a piece of foil into a slightly larger than thimble-sized form. If you use a sufficiently large sheet of aluminum foil, you can twist one end to create a long handle for the snuffer, keeping your fingers away from the extinguishing flame.
Snuffers work best on narrow or taper candles as they can cover the entire top wax area, cutting off the flame’s oxygen supply.
Suffocate the Flame
Another method of extinguishing a candle is to place a lid on it. Many candles sold today come in jars with matching lids. If you keep the lid, you can use it to put out the flame. Simply place the lid on top of the jar without pressing it down or securing it tightly. The lid seals off the candle, preventing new air from entering and causing the flame to consume all the oxygen within its enclosed environment. This method produces minimal smoke or smoldering, and any smoke that is produced when the flame goes out remains within the jar, not permeating the room with an unpleasant odor.
If the lid has been accidentally discarded, don’t worry. Select a dish or plate with a base larger than the opening of the candle jar and place it on top. However, be cautious not to use plastic or a cherished dish that you don’t want to get stained with soot.
Last Resort
If you still need to extinguish a candle and all other methods fail, the flame will eventually burn out by itself once it reaches the end of the wick. However, if the flame becomes uncontrollable, contact the fire department or use a fire extinguisher. Personal safety always takes precedence over a candle.
