Here is what we shared about why you shouldnt blow on Scent Snob, your source for candle, diffuser and fragrance coverage.
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Before opening our candle store, I used to blow out our candles or use a snuffer and then quickly vacate the room to avoid the billowing smoke. I didn’t know there was any other option.
Now I cringe when others blow out candles. Here’s why:
- If you blow out taper candles, the wax can spray all over the table (and for over zealous people, all over the room) causing a messy clean up.
- Blowing out candles created substantial smoke. (Some people like that smell. I’m not one of them.)
- For candles in a container, blowing out candles can push the wick down into the wax. When the wax solidifies, the wick is buried (see photo above) and can get damaged when dug out.
- Blowing a candle out in a container can create substantial soot on the container.
None of these consequences are pretty. That’s why now I always use a wick snuffer/tweezer to extinguish our candles. I dip the snuffer/tweezer down into the wax just beneath the surface and gently draw it up pinching the wick until the flame is extinguished. (Be careful to not pull the wick out of the candle.) This helps in several ways:
- It coats the wick with melted wax to help it stay upright so it doesn’t flop down and get buried in the wax.
- Coating the wick with wax helps the candle relight easier.
- It cleans any fragrance bloom (mushroom) off the top of the wick for a cleaner look when the candle is not in use.
- Candle tweezers can be used on container candles as well as tapers and pillar candles.
- It extinguishes the candle without any soot or smoke at all!! This is my favorite benefit.
What’s your favorite way to extinguish candles?
Tips for enjoying why you shouldnt blow
If you are enjoying why you shouldnt blow, a few simple habits help you get the most from it. Whether why you shouldnt blow is new to you or an old favorite, it is worth a closer look.
- Trim the wick to about a quarter of an inch before every burn so the flame stays steady and clean.
- On the first burn, let the wax melt all the way to the edges of the container to help prevent tunneling.
- Keep the candle away from drafts, fans and anything flammable, and never leave a burning candle unattended.
- Stop burning when about half an inch of wax is left in the container, and let it cool fully before relighting.
For background, see this overview of scented candles on Wikipedia.
We hope this post on why you shouldnt blow was useful. For more home fragrance ideas, take a look at the related posts below.
A quick scent guide
Fragrance families help you shop. Floral, fruity, woody, fresh and gourmand scents each have a mood, and knowing which you enjoy makes choosing much easier.
Start small when you try something new. A single candle, a sample or a small bottle lets you live with a scent before you commit to more.
Think about where the scent will live. Bright citrus and green notes tend to suit kitchens and bathrooms, while warm spice, vanilla and wood often suit living rooms and bedrooms.
Seasons change what we want to smell. Many people reach for light, airy scents in spring and summer, and richer, warmer scents in fall and winter.
Questions about why you shouldnt blow
What is why you shouldnt blow?
Why you shouldnt blow is the subject of this Scent Snob post. The article above shares what we wrote about it, and the brand or retailer is the best place to confirm current details.
Where can I learn more about why you shouldnt blow?
Start with the links in this post, then check the brand’s own website or a trusted retailer for up-to-date information and availability.
How do I choose a scent like why you shouldnt blow?
Wick Care Habits That Keep a Candle Burning Clean
How you put a candle out is only half the story. The wick needs a little attention each time, and a few minutes of care can add real life to a favorite jar.
Before relighting, check the wick. Trim it to about a quarter inch with proper scissors or a wick trimmer, and make sure it stands straight in the center. A bent wick burns unevenly and pushes wax to one side.
Always remove trimmings from the wax, because loose bits can flare up. Let the candle cool and set before you move it, since a liquid pool can slosh and splash.
A lid also helps. Covering a container after it has cooled keeps dust off the wax and holds the fragrance in, so the next burn smells as good as the first.
- Trim the wick before every burn
- Keep the wick centered
- Pick out debris from the wax
- Store with the lid on
Think about the room, the season and the mood you want, then try a small size or sample first if you can.
