What is the best way to put out a candle? In most cases, use a candle snuffer or gently blow out the flame, then check that the wick is no longer glowing.
Using the candle’s ordinary storage lid is not usually the method we recommend unless the manufacturer specifically says that the lid has been designed for extinguishing the flame.
And one method should always be avoided: never use water to put out a candle.
How to Put Out a Candle Safely
Extinguishing a candle is simple, but doing it carefully helps prevent hot wax from splashing, keeps the wick in better condition and makes sure the flame really is out before you leave the room.
The simplest methods are:
- use a candle snuffer
- gently blow out the flame
- use another extinguishing method only if the candle manufacturer specifically recommends it
Afterwards, check the wick carefully. A flame may disappear while the tip of the wick continues to glow, so make sure it is completely extinguished.
Do not touch or move the candle until the wax and vessel have cooled.
Can You Put Out a Candle with the Lid?
Sometimes — but only if the lid is intended to be used that way.
Covering a flame removes its supply of oxygen, which will eventually extinguish it. That does not mean every decorative or storage lid should automatically be used as a candle snuffer.
Candle lids are made from different materials and are designed in different ways. Some manufacturers specifically sell metal lids that can safely extinguish the flame, while others explicitly warn customers not to use their lids for this purpose.
The sensible rule is therefore to follow the instructions supplied with your individual candle.
If the manufacturer does not say that the lid is suitable for extinguishing, use a snuffer or gently blow the flame out instead.
Why We Prefer Not to Use the Candle Lid
For a normal container candle, the lid is primarily useful after the candle has cooled.
Using a separate snuffer keeps a hot, sooty lid away from the wax and removes any uncertainty about whether the lid material was designed to be exposed directly to a flame.
Once the candle has completely cooled, replace the lid to help keep dust, wick trimmings and other debris away from the wax.
The Best Ways to Put Out a Candle
1. Use a candle snuffer
A candle snuffer is designed specifically for the job.
Place the bell of the snuffer carefully over the flame until it goes out, then remove it once you are sure the wick is no longer burning.
This method avoids blowing directly onto the pool of liquid wax and is particularly useful for candles with larger or deeper containers.
2. Gently blow out the flame
Despite some common candle advice online, gently blowing out a candle is an acceptable way to extinguish it.
The important word is gently. Blowing forcefully across a large pool of hot liquid wax can cause splashing.
Blow steadily towards the flame, check that the wick is completely out and leave the candle undisturbed while it cools.
3. Use a lid only when instructed
If the candle manufacturer explicitly states that its lid is designed to extinguish the candle, follow those instructions.
Otherwise, do not assume that a decorative glass, wooden or metal lid is intended to be placed over a burning candle.
Never Put Out a Candle with Water
Water is one extinguishing method you should avoid completely.
Pouring water onto hot candle wax can cause the wax to splatter. The sudden temperature change may also damage a hot glass container.
If you need to extinguish a normal candle, use a snuffer or gently blow it out instead.
Should You Use a Wick Dipper?
A wick dipper is another candle-care tool sometimes used to extinguish a flame.
It works by briefly pushing the burning wick into the liquid wax, cutting off the flame, before lifting the wick back into an upright position.
If you use one, return the wick to the centre before the wax begins to set.
A snuffer is simpler for most people, but both tools avoid blowing directly across the melted wax pool.
Why Is My Candle Smoking After I Put It Out?
A small amount of smoke immediately after extinguishing a candle is normal. The hot wick can continue releasing vapour for a short time after the flame disappears.
If your candle produces excessive smoke while it is actually burning, the problem may instead be a wick that is too long or a flame being disturbed by a draught.
Once the candle has cooled, trim the wick to around 6 mm / ¼ inch before lighting it again.
What Should You Do After Extinguishing a Candle?
Once the flame is out:
- check that the wick has stopped glowing
- leave the candle on its heat-resistant surface
- do not touch or move the vessel while it is hot
- allow the wax to cool and solidify
- replace the lid only once the candle has cooled
- trim the wick before the next burn
A Few Other Candle Safety Basics
- Never leave a burning candle unattended.
- Keep candles away from children and pets.
- Keep them away from curtains, bedding, paper and other materials that can catch fire.
- Avoid open windows, fans and other draughts.
- Place the candle on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
- Keep the wax pool clear of matches and wick debris.
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maximum burn time.
- Do not burn a container candle all the way to the bottom.
For more detail, see our complete Candle Care Guide.
So, How Should You Extinguish a Candle?
For most candles, the answer is straightforward: use a candle snuffer or gently blow out the flame.
Do not use water, and do not assume that the candle’s lid is designed as an extinguisher unless the manufacturer specifically tells you that it is.
Then check that the wick is completely out and allow everything to cool before moving or covering the candle.
It only takes a few seconds, but it is one of the most important parts of good candle care.
More candle guides: read our Candle Care Guide, learn how to fix an uneven-burning candle, or find out where to place scented candles safely.
