How to Properly Extinguish Candles: Do’s and Don’ts

iwasthinkingnatural
Written By iwasthinkingnatural

Passionate about nature and sustainability, and attracting people away from technology and into nature. 

Understanding the Benefits of Proper Candle Extinguishing

Did you know that how you extinguish your candles can have an impact on the environment, and even influence your own candle-using experience? Properly putting out your candles can maximize the scent throw and prevent overheating, thereby reducing the environmental footprint of your candles. Scent throw refers to how far the fragrance from a burning candle spreads in a room. A better scent throw means your candle works more efficiently and lasts longer – reducing your overall consumption. Overheating problems can be avoided by not burning the candle all the way down, as suggested in this candle care guide. A higher temperature can result in too rapid wax consumption, leading to a shorter candle life and more frequent replacements. Therefore, practicing the right way to extinguish candles is a small step towards more sustainable living.

Extinguishing Candles Safely: The Do’s

To extinguish a candle safely and effectively, using a snuffer is highly recommended. A snuffer helps suffocate the flame without creating smoke or causing the hot wax to splatter. If a snuffer isn’t available, you may want to consider dipping the wick into the melted wax and then straightening it. Not only does this technique put out the flame without causing excess smoke, but it also primes the wick for the next burn. For more safe and efficient ways of putting out candles, check out this extensive guide on candle care.

What Not to Do: The Don’ts of Extinguishing Candles

While extinguishing candles may seem straightforward, there are common mistakes to watch out for. First, avoid allowing your wick to get too long, as it can lead to unnecessary soot. Always trim it before lighting. Second, placement matters. Avoid placing your candles in drafty spaces, as drafts may cause the flame to flicker, leading to soot formation and uneven burning. Lastly, be cautious with your soot removal strategies to prevent adding more pollutants to your environment. You can find helpful insights on these and other common mistakes in this comprehensive candle care article.

Maximizing the Life of Your Candles

To optimize the life of your candles, always allow the wax to melt across the entire surface when burning. This prevents tunneling and ensures an even burn throughout the life of the candle. Another valuable tip is to always store your candles in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight to prevent color fading and fragrance loss. Cleaning the surface of your candles regularly also helps improve the burning process and extend their lifespan. For more tips on prolonging the life of your candles, refer to this informative candle care resource.

Sustainable Practices in The World of Candles – A Nature Lover’s Perspective

For nature lovers, using candles efficiently does double duty— it adds a cozy ambiance to your space while also supporting sustainability. By burning and extinguishing candles properly, you reduce waste and extend the usage period of each candle. These practices align well with sustainable living concepts by enhancing resource use efficiency and minimizing environmental impact. Ultimately, mastering the art of sustainable candle extinguishing practices combines safety, economy, and environmental conservation— values that are deeply intertwined with respecting and preserving nature.

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