Most of us blow candles out without thinking. It works, but it is not the best way. A puff of air can splash hot wax, push the wick off center and leave a trail of smoke that covers up the fragrance you were enjoying. Here is how to do it better.
Why not just blow out a candle?
- Smoke: blowing out the flame leaves the wick smoldering, which releases a plume of smoke.
- Wax splatter: a strong breath can spray melted wax onto the jar or the table.
- Wick damage: it can bend the wick into the wax or off center, which leads to uneven burning next time.
Option 1: Use a candle snuffer
A snuffer is a small bell on a long handle. Lower it over the flame and hold it for a few seconds. It cuts off the oxygen and the flame goes out with very little smoke.
How to use a snuffer
- Lower the bell gently over the flame. Do not press it into the wax.
- Hold it for two or three seconds.
- Lift it straight up.
For double-wick candles, snuff each wick in turn. Our 12oz candles have two wicks, so this takes only a moment.
Option 2: Use a wick dipper
A wick dipper is a thin hooked tool. Use it to press the lit wick into the melted wax, then lift it straight back up. The flame goes out with no smoke, and the wick gets coated in wax, which helps it light cleanly next time.
How to use a wick dipper
- Hook the wick and gently push it into the melt pool.
- Lift it back up right away and straighten it so it stands centered.
Do not forget the wick trimmer
The third tool every candle lover should own. Trim the wick to about ¼ inch before each burn to keep the flame steady and reduce soot. Regular scissors cannot reach into a jar, and trimming by hand leaves debris in the wax. Our guide to how to make a luxury candle last longer explains why trimming matters.
The Hillight Candle Care Tool Kit
Our Candle Care Tool Kit is a three-piece stainless steel set:
- A 7.1" wick trimmer to cut wicks to the right length.
- An 8.9" wick snuffer to put out flames without splattering wax.
- A 7.9" wick dipper to extinguish without smoke and prime the wick for next time.
It comes in black or silver and makes an easy add-on to any candle gift.
A simple candle routine
- Trim the wick to ¼ inch.
- Light it and let the first burn melt the wax all the way to the edge.
- Burn for two to four hours at a time.
- Put it out with a snuffer or dipper.
- Let it cool and put the lid on.
Want a flame-free option? A Hillight Candle Warmer Lamp melts the wax with no flame at all. Read how candle warmers work.
Snuffer or dipper: which should you use?
Both work. A snuffer is the easiest, especially for a candle that has burned low in the jar. A dipper is the cleanest, because it puts the flame out without any smoke and coats the wick for the next lighting. Many people use the dipper most nights and keep the snuffer for tall jars or tricky angles.
What about blowing out a candle gently?
If you have no tools, cup your hand behind the flame and blow softly toward it instead of hard. It reduces splatter, but you will still get some smoke. Straighten the wick afterward with something heat-safe once the wax has cooled slightly.
Safety reminders
- Never use water to put out a candle. It can make the hot wax spatter.
- Do not move a candle while the wax is liquid.
- Never leave a burning candle unattended, and always put it out before you leave the room or go to sleep.
- Keep candles away from curtains, shelves above, and anything that can catch fire.
- Stop using a candle when about ½ inch of wax is left in the jar.
Caring for your tools
Wipe the snuffer and dipper with a soft cloth while they are still slightly warm to remove any wax. Store them together so they are always in reach. Stainless steel tools last for years with simple care.
A small gift that gets used every day
A candle tool kit is one of the most useful gifts for a candle lover. It costs less than a candle, looks good on a coffee table, and makes every candle burn better. Add one to any gift from our gift sets.
FAQ
Is it bad to blow out a candle?
It is not dangerous, but it causes smoke and can splash wax or bend the wick. A snuffer or dipper is cleaner.
What is the difference between a snuffer and a dipper?
A snuffer covers the flame to cut off oxygen. A dipper pushes the wick into the wax to put it out.
Do I need a snuffer for a double-wick candle?
It helps. Snuff each wick in turn for a clean, smoke-free finish.
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