Antonio Mcgowan
Incense sticks are a popular way to add fragrance to your home, but they can be a fire hazard if not handled properly. Incense sticks are made of highly flammable materials, so it's important to take precautions when burning them. In this article, we will discuss the dos and don'ts of incense stick use, including how to stop an incense stick from burning to avoid potential hazards. We will also explore the different types of incense stick holders available and provide tips on how to safely enjoy the aromatic experience of incense sticks in your home.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken to burn an incense stick | 20-40 minutes depending on its thickness, length and quality |
| Incense stick type | Core in the center or no core |
| Incense holder | Heat-resistant holder or burner to catch falling ash |
| Incense material | Pure and scented naturally |
| Incense stick length | 21cm/8.25" |
| Incense stick thickness | 1.5-2mm/~1/16" |
| Extinguishing the incense stick | Use a designated snuffer, tap the burning end on a fireproof surface, or use a small wire coil around the stick |
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What You'll Learn
Using a designated incense snuffer
To use an incense snuffer, hold the tool close to the top of the incense stick, ensuring that the end of the snuffer is touching the wick. Slowly lower the snuffer down the length of the stick until the wick is extinguished. This method allows you to control the burn time of the incense stick, deciding at the time of lighting how much of it you want to burn.
If you are using an incense burner with a cover, you can also use the lid as a snuffer by placing it over the burning end of the incense stick and waiting for it to go out. Alternatively, you can gently blow on the end of the extinguished stick to speed up the process. Once the incense stick is completely out, it can be removed from the fire-proof container and disposed of appropriately.
It is worth noting that there are other methods to extinguish an incense stick without a designated snuffer. One method involves using a small wire coil or a piece of aluminium foil to create a barrier that prevents the incense from burning further. Another method is to use a fire-proof container with a lid, such as a ceramic pot with sand, to invert the lit stick and put it out.
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Breaking the stick into pieces
Breaking an incense stick into pieces is one way to put it out, but it is not recommended. While it is possible to break the stick into short pieces, this can make it harder to hold or burn the incense afterwards. It can also be dangerous, as you risk burning your fingers.
If you do choose to break the incense stick, it is important to do so carefully. One method is to press the lit tip of the stick against a heat-resistant surface, such as concrete, ceramic, glass, or metal, with some force until the piece with the ember breaks off. Ensure that the ember stays on a non-flammable surface and wait for it to completely die out before disposing of it safely.
Another option is to use a pair of metal scissors to cut the tip of the incense, including the part with the ember, and let it land on a non-flammable surface. This method provides more control and may be safer than breaking the stick with your hands.
It is worth noting that breaking or cutting the incense stick may not be the most effective way to put it out, as it can be messy and wasteful. There are other methods you can consider, such as using sand or incense ash to extinguish the ember, which may be more efficient and preserve the fragrance better.
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Using aluminium foil to cover the stick
Incense has been used for centuries across various cultures to create a serene, fragrant atmosphere, ideal for meditation, relaxation, and spiritual practices. While burning incense, it is important to prioritise safety and use it correctly to truly enjoy the soothing fragrance it provides.
One simple, effective, and reusable hack to stop an incense stick from burning is to use aluminium foil. Take a piece of aluminium foil and fold it a few times into a strip. Then, bend that strip in half over the glowing tip of the incense stick. This will extinguish the flame. You can also form a little tube out of aluminium foil and put that over the incense stick to make it extinguish itself at any point. This acts as a miniature candle snuffer.
Alternatively, you can try putting the incense stick in an airtight container with very little space. The lack of oxygen will put it out. You can also try a small spring clip. It is a loose fit on the incense stick but does not slide on its own because of the shallow angle. The burn will extinguish soon and it is not hot enough to scorch the paint.
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Burying the stick in sand, salt, rice or grain
Burying a burning incense stick in sand, salt, rice, or grain is a simple and effective way to extinguish it. This method not only puts out the flame but also provides a safe and controlled way to enjoy your incense. Here's a step-by-step guide to doing it:
First, prepare your incense stick by lighting it with a match or lighter. Ensure the incense is immersed in the flame until it ignites and a small flame is visible. Blow out the flame and let the incense stick burn until you see a small glowing ember.
Next, prepare your chosen material: sand, salt, rice, or grain. Fill a bowl or cup with your chosen substance, ensuring there is enough to completely cover the ember of the incense stick. Then, simply invert the burning incense stick and gently place the ember-end into the bowl. The incense stick should go out almost immediately, usually within 5 to 10 seconds.
This method is not only effective but also allows for easy relighting. To do so, simply remove the incense stick from the bowl, invert it to its proper position, and relight when needed. Natural incense, which is often more expensive, tends to be easier to relight than synthetic incense.
While this method is a great way to safely extinguish your incense, always ensure you follow general incense safety guidelines. Use a heat-resistant holder or burner to catch falling ash, and never leave a burning incense stick unattended. Keep incense out of the reach of children and pets, and always allow ample time for the stick to cool down before disposing of it.
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Blowing out the flame
If you are looking to preserve the fragrance and prevent ash from scattering, it is recommended to gently sway the incense stick back and forth to naturally extinguish the flame. This method ensures that you can enjoy the soothing fragrance without overwhelming the senses.
When lighting an incense stick, it is important to use the inner blue part of the flame as it is cooler and provides a more controlled burn. Allow the incense stick to ignite gently and burn evenly without producing excess smoke. Once you see a small flame, let it burn for a few seconds before gently blowing out the flame.
If you are unsure whether the incense has been lit properly, you can check the tip of the incense stick. A small glowing ember and a small amount of smoke indicate that the incense is burning correctly. If you do not see the ember or smell the scent, you may have accidentally extinguished the incense and will need to relight it.
While blowing out the flame is an option, it is important to be cautious as it can make the flame burn stronger. It is recommended to gently sway the incense stick to naturally extinguish the flame and preserve the fragrance.
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Frequently asked questions
You can put it under water, but you won't be able to relight it. Alternatively, you can cut off the tip and relight it later, or use a small spring clip to starve the incense of oxygen.
Always use a heat-resistant incense holder made from crystal, metal, or ceramic. Keep the incense away from children and flammable objects, and never leave it unattended. Do not burn incense in your bedroom, as this can expose you to harmful chemicals and increase your risk of respiratory problems.
You can use an oil diffuser to enjoy the scent of incense without burning it. Alternatively, you can break off a bit of the incense stick and put it on an electric burner to make the scent last longer without being overpowering.
Yes, you can extinguish and relight incense sticks multiple times. However, if you put the incense stick in water, you will not be able to relight it.
