Katrina Rosales
Incense is a popular way to add fragrance to your home, and it has been used for this purpose for thousands of years. The most common type of incense is the incense stick, which is made of highly flammable materials and chemicals. It is important to use incense safely, as it can pose a fire risk and cause health issues if not handled correctly. This article will discuss how to put off incense safely and effectively.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most common form of incense | Stick incense or incense sticks |
| Incense stick types | With core in the center, without a core |
| Burning time | 20-40 minutes depending on thickness, length, and quality |
| How to put off incense | Run the lit end under water in the sink, place the burning end in a bowl of sand or water, cut the tip of the incense off with metal scissors and place the ember on a non-flammable surface |
| Precautions | Keep incense away from children, do not inhale or ingest incense ash, wash hands after handling incense ash, burn incense in a well-ventilated area, keep a reasonable distance from smoke detectors, do not burn incense near flammable items |
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What You'll Learn
Using scissors to cut the tip
Using scissors to extinguish an incense stick is a gentle and effective method that keeps the tip of the incense intact and prevents it from breaking off when extinguished. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
First, ensure that the incense stick is secure. If the incense holder is wobbly or unstable, carefully remove the incense stick from the holder and hold it in your non-dominant hand, being careful to grip the non-burning side. Make sure to place a non-flammable surface beneath the burning end of the incense stick to catch any falling embers. A ceramic bowl, plate, or metal tray is ideal for this purpose.
Next, use a pair of metal scissors to cut off the lit end of the incense stick. Cut as close to the lit end as possible, aiming for about 0.5 cm from the tip. This will ensure that the remaining incense stick can be safely discarded without causing any damage. The ember may still be hot when it falls, so be cautious to ensure it does not land on anything flammable.
Once the lit end has been cut off, allow the ember to completely burn out on the non-flammable surface before cleaning it up. Set the ashes aside once the ember is cool. You can dispose of the ashes respectfully, being mindful of the environment, as per the Wiccan Rede.
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Dipping the lit end in water
Dipping the lit end of an incense stick into water is a quick and easy way to extinguish it. This method is particularly useful if you need to leave the room and don't want to leave the incense burning unattended.
To do this, simply dip the tip of the incense stick into a bowl of water and hold it there for a few seconds until the ember is completely extinguished. This method is effective and safe, but it's worth noting that water can affect the quality of the incense and prevent it from burning properly the next time you try to light it.
If you plan on relighting the incense, there are alternative methods you can use to extinguish it while keeping the incense dry. One such method is to use the "ash dipping method". This involves inserting the burning tip of the incense stick directly into a bowl of incense ash and holding it there for 3-4 seconds until the ember is completely extinguished. This method is efficient and works well, especially if you regularly burn incense and keep a bowl of ash nearby.
Another option is to use sand instead of ash. Fill a ceramic pot with sand and, when you're ready to extinguish the incense, simply invert the lit stick into the sand, and it will go out almost immediately. Then, when you're ready to relight the incense, invert the stick again and hold a flame to the end.
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Dipping the lit end in sand
Dipping the lit end of an incense stick into sand is a safe and easy way to extinguish it. This method is advantageous because you don't have to worry about hot embers falling on flammable objects or your hands. Additionally, you don't need to blow out the flame or use any tools; simply bury the incense in the sand and walk away.
To use this method, start by gathering a bowl or glass of sand. The container should be heavy enough to prevent it from toppling over when the incense stick is dipped into it. Next, plug the burning incense head into the sand, burying it about 3-4 cm deep. Allow a few moments for the incense to completely extinguish.
One disadvantage of this method is that the head of the incense may become misshapen, warped, and distorted, making it less aesthetically pleasing than if it had been cut with scissors. Additionally, this method can be quite messy, as sand and ash may spread around the area, requiring some effort to clean up afterward.
Overall, dipping the lit end of an incense stick into sand is a simple and effective way to extinguish the incense, but it may require some trade-offs in terms of the appearance of the incense stick and the potential for messiness.
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Snipping off a piece for an electric burner
If you are using an electric incense burner, you can still follow the general guidelines for putting out incense.
Firstly, it is important to select a heat-resistant incense holder or burner that provides stability and catches falling ash. This helps prevent accidental fires or damage to surfaces. Always keep your incense stick on a burner or holder that is heat-resistant and stable. Burn your incense in a well-ventilated area, and extinguish the incense if you are leaving the room.
To put out an incense stick, you will need to use a snuffer. A snuffer is a small, metal tool that is used to extinguish candles and incense sticks. To use a snuffer, hold the tool close to the top of the incense stick, ensuring that the end of the snuffer is touching the wick of the incense stick. Slowly lower the snuffer down the length of the incense stick until the wick is extinguished.
If you are using an electric burner, another option is to snip off the ember at the tip of the incense stick with a pair of metal scissors. Ensure that the ember falls onto a non-flammable surface and wait until it has completely died out before touching it to clean up.
If you are using an electric burner with a lid, you can also simply place the lid over the burning end of the incense stick and wait for it to go out. You can also gently blow on the end of the stick to help speed up the process.
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Blowing it out (not recommended)
Blowing out incense is not recommended. Incense sticks are made of highly flammable materials, and blowing them out can spread the embers, which can fall on flammable surfaces and start a fire. Blowing out the flame can also disrupt the calm atmosphere and cause uneven burning, leading to a harsh scent.
If you must blow out the incense, do so gently to create a glowing tip that releases fragrance. This method can help you appreciate the soothing aromas without wasting any incense. However, it is important to note that blowing out incense sticks is not the best way to extinguish them, as it can be dangerous and disrupt your aromatic experience.
Instead of blowing out the incense, you can gently sway the stick back and forth to naturally extinguish the flame. This way, the stick will smolder, producing a glowing ember and releasing fragrant smoke. If you are looking to preserve the incense stick for later use, you can try breaking off the currently burning part and dropping it into water. This will extinguish the flame and allow you to relight the stick later.
Another effective method to put out incense without blowing it out is to use sand. Place the lit end of the incense stick in a bowl of sand or a ceramic pot filled with sand. The incense will go out almost immediately, and you can relight it when you are ready. This method ensures that you do not disrupt the calm atmosphere or create a fire hazard by blowing on the embers.
Remember, it is essential to take precautions when burning incense due to the highly flammable nature of the materials involved. Always ensure the area around you is clear of any flammable objects, and never leave burning incense unattended. By following these safety tips and using recommended extinguishing methods, you can create a soothing and safe incense experience.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to put out an incense stick is to run the lit end under water in a cup or in the sink. The water will immediately extinguish the flame and eliminate any fire risks.
If you want to save the remaining incense for later use, instead of submerging the entire lit end in water, you can try cutting off the tip of the incense with a pair of metal scissors, ensuring that the ember lands on a non-flammable surface.
Yes, it is important to remember that incense sticks are made of highly flammable materials and chemicals. Therefore, you should never leave burning incense unattended, especially when you are asleep. Always use a stable holder and place it on a heat-resistant surface. Also, be sure to wash your hands after handling incense ash as it can be irritating to the skin.
