Anisha Riggs
Incense is a popular way to add fragrance to your home or to create a calming atmosphere for meditation or yoga. However, it's important to know how to put it out properly to avoid fire hazards and other dangers. There are several methods to put out incense, including snapping the stick, pressing the lit tip against a heat-resistant surface, using water, or even licking your fingers and pinching the incense. Some methods are more effective than others, and certain approaches may be better suited for preserving the incense for future use.
How to put out incense:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Incense type | Stick, cone, coil |
| Incense core | Yes, no |
| Extinguishing methods | Snap in half, blow out, press into a heat-resistant surface, use water, cover with aluminium foil, use sand |
| Safety considerations | Keep out of reach of children and pets, do not touch immediately after burning, ensure embers are extinguished to prevent fire |
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What You'll Learn
Using water to put out incense
Incense is a popular way to add fragrance to your home, but it's important to use it safely. Incense sticks are made of highly flammable materials, so it's important to take precautions when burning them. Never leave burning incense unattended, and make sure to keep it away from any flammable objects. Always ensure the area around you is clear of any flammable objects before lighting incense. This includes things like curtains, towels, and clothes.
If you need to put out an incense stick, one way is to run the lit end under water in the sink. The water will extinguish the flame immediately and eliminate any potential fire risks. This is a simple, effective, and recommended method. However, if there is still a fair amount of incense left, you may want to use another method so you can easily relight it later.
Some people suggest dipping the whole incense stick in water, dabbing off the excess, and immediately lighting it. The stick will be dry enough that a little bit of water won't prevent it from burning. But if you soak it in water until it's soggy, you'll have to wait for it to dry before lighting it again.
Another method is to break off the lit tip of the incense stick on a fireproof surface. Once the tip is broken off, the incense stick will stop burning, and only the broken-off lit end will continue to burn away.
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Snapping the stick in half
Putting out an incense stick by snapping it in half is a straightforward process. However, it is important to note that this method is only suitable for incense sticks without a core. Japanese incense, such as Shoyeido or Baieido, typically fall into this category.
To snap the incense stick in half, start by holding the unlit end of the stick. Then, with a quick and firm motion, bend the stick until it breaks. This action will cause the lit end to snap off, separating the burning ember from the rest of the stick. The ember will then be able to cool down and extinguish safely on its own.
It is important to ensure that the ember lands on a non-flammable, heat-resistant surface. Suitable surfaces include concrete, ceramic, glass, or metal. Avoid placing the ember on flammable materials such as wood, fabric, plastic, or paper/cardboard, as they could catch fire.
Additionally, be cautious when handling the remnants of the incense stick, as they may still be hot. Allow several minutes for the stick to cool down before touching it.
By following these steps, you can effectively put out an incense stick by snapping it in half, ensuring a safe and controlled extinguishing process.
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Using a bowl of sand
When using a bowl of sand to put out incense, it is recommended to use natural sand rather than coloured or "play" sand, as these types of sand may contain chemicals that can release an unpleasant and potentially toxic aroma when the burning end of the incense stick comes into contact with them. White sand is a popular choice for incense burners, as it is fine, clean, and effective at keeping the incense upright. The size of the grains is also important, as extremely fine grains of sand can significantly change how the material behaves.
To use this method, fill a burn-safe bowl with sand and place the lit incense stick into the sand. The sand will help to extinguish the incense by restricting oxygen flow. You can also use a flattening tool to smooth out the sand and create a level surface for the incense.
Some people choose to mix the ashes from burned incense into the sand to create a more even surface and promote even burning. However, it is important to note that ash can allow the incense to continue burning, so it is recommended to use a bowl with sand to encourage the incense to stop burning. Additionally, be cautious when handling and disposing of the ash, as it may contain silica, which can be hazardous to inhale.
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Using aluminium foil
Aluminium foil can be used to put out incense sticks. It can also be used as a barrier between the incense and the burner, to make cleaning easier and to avoid direct contact with charcoal.
To use aluminium foil to burn incense, you can form a cup with the foil that is approximately the same diameter as the charcoal, leaving a quarter-inch lip. The cup can be manipulated with forceps and placed on the charcoal after it is hot. Incense can then be added and left on the heat until it reaches its maximum incense effect. The cup can be removed with forceps before the incense scorches.
Alternatively, you can drape the aluminium foil over a shallow, fire-safe dish, pinching it around the rim to keep it in place. If you are using resins that liquefy when heated, you should turn up the inner edge of the foil or dent it slightly. Place the resin or herbs on the foil and light a tea light, setting it so that the flame touches the foil.
If you are burning charcoal tablets, you can place the tablet in a charcoal burner or censer, which should be insulated with stones, ceramic pieces, or sand, and placed on a burn-proof surface. The tablet can be lit by holding its edge with forceps over a match or lighter. Once the tablet is glowing red and covered in white ash, it is ready to be used.
To extinguish a tablet before it has fully burned, it should be quenched in a container of cold water.
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Blowing it out
Blowing out an incense stick may seem like a quick and easy solution, but it can have some drawbacks. Firstly, blowing on the incense stick can disrupt the calm atmosphere you may have intended to create with the incense. It can also cause the ash from the incense to scatter, creating an untidy space and a potential fire hazard if the ash is still burning. Blowing out the flame can also lead to uneven burning, resulting in excess smoke and a harsh, burnt scent. This can be unpleasant and may diminish the quality of the fragrance you intended to enjoy.
However, if you are careful and aware of these potential issues, blowing out your incense stick can be a viable method of extinguishing it. It is important to note that blowing on the incense stick may cause the flame to burn stronger initially, so a gentle approach is best. You can gently blow on the end of the stick to put out the flame, being mindful not to spread the ash. Once the flame is out, you will need to wait for the red-hot coal at the end to cool down before placing it back in the incense holder.
If you are looking for alternative methods to blowing out your incense, there are a few options to consider. One method is to gently sway the incense stick back and forth to naturally extinguish the flame. This technique preserves the fragrance and prevents ash from scattering. Another option is to use a small metal tool called a "snuffer" to smother the flame. This ensures the flame is put out quickly and effectively without causing any mess or disrupting the atmosphere.
Additionally, if you are using incense sticks, you can repurpose the leftover pieces to bring more fragrance to your space. You can collect the remnants from burnt incense sticks and turn them into powder incense, allowing you to fully utilise the incense and enjoy its aroma.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to put out incense. One way is to place the burning end in a bowl of sand or water. Alternatively, you can press the lit end against a heat-resistant surface until the ember breaks off.
Incense sticks are made of highly flammable materials, so it is important to take precautions when burning them. Keep incense away from flammable objects and always monitor it while it is burning. Do not leave the room with incense burning and ensure it is kept out of the reach of children and pets.
Yes, you can put out incense and relight it later. However, if you put the incense in water, it may not burn properly the next time.
To extinguish incense in an incense holder, use the holder to smother the tip of the incense stick. Alternatively, you can blow out the incense, but be aware that blowing can disperse burning embers.
When incense is properly extinguished, there will be no glowing ember, smell, or ash.
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