Heidi Norton
Backflow incense, also known as waterfall incense, is a relatively new type of incense that produces smoke that flows downwards instead of upwards. The incense is usually in the shape of a cone with a small, hollow tunnel through the centre, ending in a hole at the bottom. To burn backflow incense cones, light the tip of the cone and wait for it to turn into a glowing ember. Once it starts to smoke, blow out the flame and place the cone on a backflow burner. The smoke will then flow downwards, creating a mesmerizing waterfall effect. It is important to ensure that the burner is away from drafts and air movement to achieve the desired effect. Additionally, proper storage and disposal of the incense cones are important to maintain their fragrance and avoid mess.
How to Burn Backflow Incense Cones
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shape | Cone with a small, hollow tunnel through the centre |
| Burning Time | Approximately 20-30 minutes |
| Aroma Duration | Up to 1 day |
| Lighting Technique | Allow it to burn at least a third down before placing it on the burner |
| Storage | Store away from moisture, sun, and heat in a cold, dark location |
| Clean-up | Use a vacuum or a dustpan and small broom to remove ashes |
| Common Issues | No smoke flowing downwards, wind affecting smoke flow, resin build-up obstructing holes |
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What You'll Learn
Lighting the cone
Lighting a backflow incense cone is different from lighting a traditional cone. You must allow the backflow cone to burn at least a third of the way down before placing it on the burner. Hold the cone and light the tip. Once the tip ignites, wait a second or two, then blow it out. Be careful not to burn yourself. The tip should be glowing red and releasing smoke. When the smoke begins to rise, place the cone in the backflow burner. The smoke will then travel through the burner, creating a pattern. Drafty locations can reduce the smoke's downward movement, so keep windows closed and avoid fans or AC.
The downward flow of smoke in backflow incense is due to the density of the smoke. Incense smoke is denser than air at room temperature because it contains tiny particles. In normal incense, the smoke flows upwards because the heat offsets the weight of these particles. However, in backflow incense, the smoke enters the hollow centre tunnel, where it cools and becomes denser. As a result, when the smoke exits the cone through the bottom, it flows gently downwards.
To ensure the smoke flows downwards, check that the cone is lit by looking for a glowing ember at the tip and visible smoke flowing down the bottom hole when you hold the cone in your hand. Also, make sure the plate holding the cone is clean and that the hole is not blocked by resin from previous cones, as this can reduce airflow and affect burning.
Backflow incense cones typically burn out in 20 to 30 minutes, but the aroma can last up to a day. They are easy to use and safe, with minimal ash scattering and a low fire risk.
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Placement on the burner
When placing a backflow incense cone on a burner, it is important to follow the correct steps to ensure safety and the desired visual and olfactory effects. Firstly, it is crucial to understand the unique characteristics of backflow incense. Unlike traditional incense, which releases smoke that flows upwards, backflow incense is designed to create a downward flow of smoke, forming a mesmerizing waterfall effect. To achieve this, the incense cone has a small, hollow tunnel through its centre, ending in a hole at the bottom.
To place the cone on the burner, start by lighting the tip of the cone. Hold the cone and ignite it with a flame, being careful not to burn yourself. Allow the tip to glow red and release fragrant smoke. Once the cone is lit, gently blow out the flame and wait for a few seconds. It is important to ensure that the cone has burned down at least a third before placing it on the burner. This initial burning allows the smoke to enter and cool within the hollow centre, enabling it to flow downwards when it exits the cone.
When placing the cone on the burner, choose a location that is draft-free. Air movement can disrupt the desired waterfall effect and reduce the amount of falling smoke. Ensure the burner is away from open windows, fans, or any other sources of air currents. Additionally, check that the plate holding the cone is clean and free of any resin buildup from previous cones, as this can obstruct the airflow and affect the burning process.
After placing the cone on the burner, you can expect the smoke to begin travelling throughout the burner, creating a captivating pattern. The aroma from a backflow incense cone can last up to a day, even though the cone typically burns out in 20 to 30 minutes. Remember to always handle the burner and incense cone with care, following safety precautions to avoid any accidents or injuries.
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Troubleshooting
If you're experiencing issues with your backflow incense cone, there are several things you can check. Firstly, ensure that the cone is lit properly. There should be a glowing ember at the tip, and smoke should be visibly flowing down the bottom hole when you hold the cone in your hand. If not, try lighting the cone again, holding it at a slight angle to allow oxygen to reach the ember.
Secondly, check the incense holder. The plate holding the cone should be clean, with the hole unobstructed. If you've used the holder multiple times, resin build-up could be blocking the airflow and affecting the burning of the incense. Additionally, ensure that the hole at the base of the cone is properly aligned with the hole or designated area on the burner. The cone must be securely seated on the burner for the smoke to flow down through the hollow centre.
Another factor to consider is airflow in the room. Moving wind near the incense can accidentally put it out or affect the smoke flow. Ensure there are no drafts or fans blowing directly on the incense. Also, be mindful of the room's ventilation, as backflow incense releases smoke, which may contain particles that irritate sensitive individuals. Burn the incense in a well-ventilated space to prevent smoke buildup.
If you're still experiencing issues, the quality of the incense cone could be a factor. Some lower-quality cones may have a strong, unpleasant smell, or they may not burn effectively. Try experimenting with different brands or making your own cones by drilling a small hole in regular incense cones.
Finally, when disposing of used incense cones, be cautious as the burners can get very hot. One recommended method is to move a trash bag or can close to the incense burner and gently tip the burnt cone into the trash. Alternatively, you can use a vacuum or a dustpan and small broom to clean up the ash, although these methods can be messy. Some people sprinkle a little water on the ash before attempting to clean it up, but this is not necessary and can be cumbersome. Remember to clean your incense burner regularly, and always keep burning incense within sight to prevent accidents.
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Cleaning the burner
Disposing of the Incense Ash:
Start by disposing of the incense ash from the burnt cone. Move a trash bag or can close to your setup and gently tip the entire burnt cone into the trash. This method is considered cleaner and easier than other methods, such as using a vacuum or a dustpan and broom.
Waiting for the Burner to Cool Down:
Before you begin cleaning the burner, it's important to let it cool down. Wait for a few minutes after the incense finishes burning. Use your judgment and ensure the burner is only slightly warmer than room temperature. You can observe the oily residue to gauge the ideal moment; it should be still a little runny and not completely solid.
Once the burner is cool enough to handle, it's time to scrub away the sticky oil residue. Use a sponge and some washing-up liquid to clean the hole opening where the backflow cone is placed. Rinse it under water to remove any remaining residue. Extend this cleaning process to the various parts of the burner that come into contact with the incense smoke. By doing this regularly, you'll maintain a relatively clean burner over time.
Frequency of Cleaning:
It is recommended to clean your backflow incense burner after every 2-3 cone burns. Regular cleaning ensures only a minimal amount of oil buildup, making the task more manageable. However, if you own a concrete backflow incense burner, you don't need to be overly concerned about keeping it spotless. A thin layer of oil residue can actually add a nice patina and character to your concrete burner.
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Storing the cones
- Choose a suitable storage location: Select a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a desk drawer. Ensure this location is out of reach of children and pets.
- Prevent fragrance loss: Keep the incense cones away from elements like moisture, sunlight, and heat. These elements can cause the cones to lose their fragrance over time.
- Separate different scents: Store each scent of incense cones separately to prevent cross-contamination of fragrances. This will help maintain the unique aroma of each variety.
- Consider natural materials: Opt for incense cones with more natural materials and fewer plant oils. These tend to last longer and maintain their fragrance better over time.
- Proper ventilation: While storing the cones, ensure the storage area has proper ventilation. Backflow incense releases smoke, and adequate ventilation helps prevent the buildup of smoke and maintains air quality.
- Avoid flammable objects: Keep the stored incense cones away from flammable objects such as curtains, paper, or fabrics. This is a safety precaution to reduce the risk of accidental fires.
By following these instructions, you can effectively store your backflow incense cones, preserving their fragrance, maintaining their quality, and ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience when using them.
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Frequently asked questions
Lighting a backflow incense cone is similar to lighting an incense stick. Hold the cone and light the tip. Once the tip is ignited, wait a second and blow it out. The tip should be glowing red and releasing smoke. Place the cone on the backflow burner and the smoke will begin to travel through the burner, creating a pattern.
There are a few reasons this could be happening. Firstly, check that the cone is lit and smoke is visibly flowing down the bottom hole. Secondly, check that the plate holding the cone is clean and the hole is not obstructed. Lastly, check for wind flow near the incense as this could be affecting the smoke flow.
Move a trash bag or trash can close to the burner and gently tip the burnt cone into the trash. You can also use a vacuum to suck up the burnt cone or a dustpan and broom, although this can be messy. It is recommended to clean your backflow incense burner after every 2-3 cones.
