Your candle collection is officially a thing of envy. You now own several types of candles and even some with three or four wicks. But you’re getting a little tired of setting off the smoke detector every time you blow them all out.
How can you avoid the smoke that comes with extinguishing your candles and ensure a long shelf life for each one?
Great questions, with one simple answer: use a wick dipper. Okay, cool, but what’s a wick dipper?
This complete guide to wick dippers and how to use them will take you from basic candle lover to candle expert. Be sure to read from top to bottom to become a master on how to use a wick dipper.
What Does a Wick Dipper Do?
At its core, a wick dipper is a slender instrument designed to submerge a burning candle's wick into a pool of molten wax. They eradicate the usual puff of smoke and the scattering of soot and wax that accompanies traditional methods like blowing.
The flame is gently extinguished by cutting off the wick's access to oxygen. You can see how much it makes a difference in the video below.
Types of Wick Dippers
Metal Wick Dippers
These are known for their durability and sleek appearance. Their heat-resistant nature makes them a safe choice for extinguishing candles without warping or discoloration.
Ceramic Wick Dippers
These bring a unique flair to your candle rituals. These dippers often feature intricate designs and decorative elements that elevate their visual appeal.
How to Use a Wick Dipper in 6 Easy Steps
Don’t be intimidated by adding a new candle tool to your repertoire. Here’s a foolproof guide on how to use a wick dipper.
Step #1: Place your candle on a level surface.
Position your candle on a flat, stable surface away from drafts. This ensures an even burn and prevents unnecessary dripping.
Step #2: Trim the wick.
Begin by using a wick trimmer to trim the candle wick to around 1/4 inch before lighting the candle. This prevents excessive soot and ensures a controlled and even flame.
Step #3: Let the wax pool.
Allow the candle to burn long enough for the wax to melt and create a pool that reaches the edges of the container. This practice prevents tunneling and maximizes the fragrance throw.
Step #4: Position the wick dipper.
Hold the tool by its handle and position the curved end above the flame, but do not touch it.
Step #5: Submerge the wick.
Gently push the wick into the melted wax, submerging it completely. Keep the wick submerged for a few seconds, allowing the flame to extinguish naturally due to the lack of oxygen.
Step #6: Release the wick.
Slowly lift it and release the wick from its hold. Cover your candle with its lid and place back in cool, dry storage to maintain the scent.
How to Clean Your Wick Dipper
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to keep your wick dipper in top condition:
- Allow it to Cool: Always let the wick dipper cool down before handling it. After extinguishing the candle’s flame, wait a few minutes to ensure it’s no longer hot.
- Wipe Off Wax Residue: Use a soft cloth or paper towel to gently wipe away any wax residue from the tool. For stubborn wax, warm water can help loosen it up. You can also use a cotton swab to get into any nooks and crannies of the handle or curved end.
- Soak in Warm Soapy Water: If there’s wax buildup that’s hard to remove with just a cloth, fill a small dish with warm, soapy water and soak the wick dipper for about 10 minutes. Be careful not to submerge the handle if it's made of wood or other material that could warp or stain.
- Rinse and Dry: After soaking, rinse the dipper with clean water and dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth. Avoid leaving any moisture on the tool to prevent corrosion, especially if it’s made of metal.
- Polish (Optional): For metal wick dippers, you can occasionally polish them with a metal cleaner or a little olive oil to restore their shine and keep them looking like new.
Benefits Of Using A Wick Dipper
ick dippers elevate the candle experience, offering a range of benefits that enhance not only the ambiance but also the longevity of your candles.
Preservation of Wick Integrity
Blowing out a candle can often lead to frayed and uneven wicks. A wick dipper gently submerges the wick into the melted wax, preventing it from bending, breaking, or curling.
Minimal Smoke and Soot
The conventional method of blowing out a candle often results in a cloud of smoke and soot. Using a dipper eliminates these issues. They significantly reduce smoke, maintaining the purity of the air in your space and the cleanliness of your candles.
Preventing Tunneling and Uneven Burning
Tunneling is where a hole forms in the center of the candle while the outer wax remains untouched. It's not only aesthetically displeasing but also leads to wasted wax.
Prolonged Candle Life
Dippers contribute to the overall longevity of your candles. When you use it consistently, you'll find that your candles burn slower and last significantly longer compared to candles extinguished by blowing.
The History Of Wick Dippers
The history of wick dippers dates back to ancient civilizations, where candles served as crucial sources of light. In eras before matches and lighters, maintaining a candle was a top priority.
This is where the concept of the wick dipper began to take shape.
Early Innovations: Wick Snuffers and Tongs
Before the wick dipper as we know it emerged, early candle enthusiasts used tools like candle snuffers and tongs to extinguish candle flames. These devices allowed people to pinch the wick and snuff out the flame without generating excessive smoke or splattering hot wax.
The transition from wick snuffers to wick dippers gained popularity in the 17th and 18th century, as dippers minimized mess and maintained the integrity of the wick for future use.
Wick Dippers in the 19th Century
Wick dippers of this era were common candle tools that often boasted intricate designs and were crafted from various materials, including silver and brass. They were not only functional but also served as decorative pieces, adding a touch of elegance to candlelit spaces.
The use of wick dippers in today's world is a testament to the enduring nature of this ancient practice. While modern lighting methods have evolved, the dipper remains a cherished accessory for those who seek a touch of tradition in their candle rituals.
Tips for Safely Extinguishing Candles
While the wick dipper offers a safe and efficient method, here are additional safety tips to keep in mind when extinguishing candles:
Avoid blowing your candle out.
Blowing out a candle can cause hot wax and sparks to scatter, posing a fire hazard. It can also create smoke and soot, affecting the candle's appearance and fragrance.
Keep an eye on the wick’s height.
After using the wick dipper, check the height of the wick. If it's too low, gently adjust it to around 1/4 inch before relighting to prevent excessive smoking.
Dispose of wick trimmings.
If you've trimmed the wick after using the dipper, make sure to dispose of the trimmed portion properly to prevent any fire hazards.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using a Wick Dipper
The use of a wick dipper doesn’t have to be complicated, but here are a few tips on common mistakes to avoid.
Don’t drown your wick.
Finding the right depth for submerging the wick can be tricky. Too deep, and the flame might struggle to ignite during the next lighting; too shallow, and the wick might remain ignited after using the dipper. Try to get it just right.
Keep an eye on the wax build-up.
Over time, wick dippers can accumulate residual wax. Regular cleaning is necessary to maintain their efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
How to Use a Wick Dipper: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a wick dipper vs a snuffer?
A wick dipper and a snuffer both serve to extinguish a candle flame but in different ways. A wick dipper works by gently submerging the wick into the melted wax, which cuts off oxygen and stops the flame without smoke. In contrast, a snuffer involves placing a bell-like cover over the flame, cutting off oxygen, and extinguishing the candle that way.
What can I use if I don't have a wick dipper?
If you don't have a wick dipper, you can use a few household alternatives. Long tweezers, pliers, or even a spoon can be used to gently push the wick into the melted wax to extinguish the flame.
Metal Wick Dipper from Kalamazoo Candle Company
Are you ready to take your candle experience to the next level? These elegant tools combine functionality with artistry, enhancing every aspect of your candle ritual. Experience the magic of extinguishing candles with ease.
Our metal wick dippers offer a controlled and smoke-free method that preserves the integrity of the wick, enhancing the overall burn of your candles. Get your metal wick dipper today and start burning candles like a true candle connoisseur.
