You might be surprised at how many different ways there are to put out a candle, and the effects each has on the life of the candle.Is it better to blow out the flame or use another object to stifle it?If there isn't anything else around, is it safe to use your fingers?For different purposes, different methods will work best.
Step 1: Place your face close to the flame.
You can move in until you are a few inches away.The air won't have to travel as far to reach the flame, which will allow you to put it out easier.The heat from the flame may burn you if you hover over it.
Step 2: Blow your lips together.
Quickly exhale through the opening in your lips.The candle will be put out by a thin stream of air.The flame will be completely extinguished if you keep blowing.You may not be blowing directly on the flame if it doesn't go out.Blow too forcefully and you can cause a big mess or even minor burns.
Step 3: Stand away from the smoke.
The smoke from a candle is thick and dark.If you keep your distance from the candle, the smoke will not cause you to smell or deposit soot on your skin.If you can, make it a point to extinguish your candles in a well-ventilated area.Black wax can accumulate around the inside of the container if you blow out your candles.
Step 4: You can grab a candle snuffer.
Some people don't like the sooty mess left by blowing out a candle.A metal candle snuffer can be used by these people.If you want to keep your candles looking new and clean, you should have these on hand.For hundreds of years snuffers have been used to extinguish fire lights.Wherever candles are sold, candle snuffers of various sizes can be found.
Step 5: Place the snuffer over the bell.
The small metal cup at the end of the long handle is the bell.When you lower the bell over the flame, it deprives it of oxygen.This will not create as much smoke or soot as blowing out the candle.The candle snuffers may look like a cylinder, pyramid or disc.Keep your hand away from the flame.
Step 6: The flame should go out completely if you hold the snuffer in place.
Smoke may escape from around the edges of the bell.For at least one second, keep it over the fire.Store the snuffer in a safe place after covering the candle with a lid.The flame may reignite if you don't hold the snuffer long enough.While metal snuffers are still hot, be careful handling them.
Step 7: Take hold of the wick with a dipper or pair of tweezers.
Rather than directly over the top, bring the dipper around the sides of the wick.Hold the wick steady by getting a secure grip on it.If you don't have a dipper on hand, you can use a chopstick or paperclip to force the wicks down.The flame may be put out on its own if the pressure from the wick dipper or tweezers is enough.
Step 8: The candle wax needs to be pressed into the wicks.
When the liquid wax is fully submerged, bend the wick at an angle.The flame will be killed without any unpleasant smells or smoke.If you don't pull the wicks out right away, you'll lose it inside the wax pool.You will have the most success if you use wick dippers, tweezers and other tools on free-standing candles with minimal tunneling, which occurs when the wax around the wick burns down faster than the rest of the candle.
Step 9: Straighten the candle.
If you want the wax to stand up on its own, remove the wick and smooth it out.Don't break it or pull it out of the candle while you're doing this.Let the wax cool.Extinguishing the candle in its own wax allows it to light easier and stay lit longer.
Step 10: It is a good idea to trim the wick.
After the wax has dried, use a wick trimmer to remove the burnt tip.The perfect length is 18” (.31 cm).If the debris that fell into the wax reignites, it can present a fire hazard.A pair of manicure scissors or nail clippers is an acceptable substitute for a traditional wick trimmer.Every time you use your candles, trim the wicks.A candle that burns evenly can last longer.
Step 11: You can Lick the tips of your fingers.
Run the pads of your fingers over your tongue.Any two fingers will suffice for most people.To stifle the candle with a light touch, the idea is to wet them just enough.You can protect your skin from the heat of the flame by rubbing your fingers.If there is a source of water nearby, you can prepare your fingers that way as well.
Step 12: Pinch and let go quickly.
You can grasp the wick between your fingers.As soon as you make contact, the flame should die.Don't take any chances by letting go immediately.You might feel a warm sensation.The heat will go away after the flame is out.There is nothing to worry about when it comes to the sizzling sound you hear.
Step 13: Don't burn yourself.
Attempting to extinguish a candle with exposed fingers is risky since it requires you to actually touch it.Any part of your body that is close to a burning candle should always be kept away from it.Try again or use a different method if the flame doesn't go out.You should practice on an unlit candle with dry fingers.The danger of using your fingers to put out a candle makes this more of a neat party trick than a practical solution.