Katrina Rosales
Incense sticks have been used for centuries to create a fragrant and serene atmosphere. However, incense sticks are highly flammable and can pose a fire hazard if not properly extinguished. To reuse incense, allow it to cool completely, then gently tap off any loose ash or residue to expose the unburnt incense. You can then relight the incense when you are ready. There are several methods to extinguish incense, including snapping the stick, smothering it in a bowl of sand, or pressing it against a heat-resistant surface.
How to put out incense to reuse:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Blowing it out | It is not recommended to blow out incense like a candle as it can disperse burning embers. |
| Using water | While incense can be put out using water, it can affect the quality of the incense and prevent it from burning properly when reused. |
| Using sand | Incense can be put out by placing the burning end in a bowl of sand. |
| Snapping the stick | Incense can be extinguished by bending the stick until it snaps in half. |
| Using a foil tube | A small piece of aluminium foil can be used as a collar or a hat to prevent the incense from burning further. |
| Using a wire coil | A small wire coil can be placed around the stick to make the heat dissipate and lower the coal temperature, thus preventing combustion. |
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What You'll Learn
Dipping incense in water
Dipping the tip of an incense stick in water is a straightforward way to extinguish it. However, some people advise against this method as it can affect the quality of the incense and make it harder to light the next time.
If you want to dip your incense in water, fill a small glass with clean water. Take the incense stick out of its holder, holding the unlit end, then dip the burning tip into the water. Don't douse the entire stick in water, or you may ruin the fragrance. The tip should immediately go out. Remove the incense from the water and allow it to dry thoroughly before reuse.
If you want to avoid using water, there are other methods to extinguish incense sticks. One method is to insert the burning tip of the incense stick directly into a bowl of incense ash and hold it there for 3-4 seconds until the ember is completely extinguished. Another method is to cut or break off the lit tip of the incense, then the end will burn itself out, leaving the rest of the stick intact for reuse.
If you have leftover pieces of incense sticks, you can repurpose them by turning them into powder incense. Gather the remnants and crush them into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle, grinder, or any suitable tool. Choose a heat-resistant holder or charcoal to burn the powdered incense.
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Using sand to extinguish
Incense sticks are made of highly flammable materials and chemicals, so it's important to extinguish them properly to avoid fire hazards.
One way to put out incense sticks is to use sand. Fill a bowl or cup with sand and gently push the incense stick into the sand until it stands upright on its own. You can use any kind of sand, but some people prefer clean, sifted sand that doesn't contain debris, microbes, or dormant insects that might be found in random handfuls of beach sand. You can sift and rinse the sand yourself and then sterilize it in an oven. However, be aware that sand can affect the burning of the incense. It can extinguish the incense or make it harder to burn, especially if the incense has a bamboo core.
If you're using incense with a bamboo core, you have more options for extinguishing it, and the material just needs to be otherwise clean. When the burning end of the incense stick touches the sand, it can create an unpleasant and possibly toxic aroma.
Natural sand is recommended over "play" sand or coloured sand, as these types of sand often contain added chemicals.
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Bending the stick to snap
Bending the stick until it snaps is a quick and easy way to extinguish an incense stick. This method is suitable for Japanese incense, such as Shoyeido or Baieido, which does not have a core. By snapping the stick in half, you can control the amount of incense you use, making it ideal for small spaces or shorter burn times.
To extinguish an incense stick by bending and snapping, start by holding the stick over a heat-resistant surface or container to catch any falling embers. Then, firmly grip the stick on either side of the burning end and carefully bend it until it breaks. This will smother the burning end, cutting off its oxygen supply and extinguishing the flame.
It is important to exercise caution when handling burning incense. Always ensure that the incense is placed in a holder or stand to prevent it from toppling over and starting a fire. Keep the incense away from flammable objects, and never leave it unattended. If you need to leave the room, extinguish the incense first by snapping it or dipping the tip in water.
After snapping and extinguishing the incense, you can reuse it by relighting the broken end. Alternatively, you can enhance your smudging rituals by adding essential oils to the wick or using the incense sticks as kindling for a fire. Proper storage of used incense sticks is crucial; keep them in a dry place away from moisture to prevent unwanted smells and maintain their reusability.
In conclusion, bending and snapping is an effective method for extinguishing incense sticks, particularly those without a core. By following safety precautions and proper handling techniques, you can safely reuse incense sticks and create a relaxing atmosphere in your space.
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Using a foil collar
- Take a small piece of aluminium foil and size it down so that it fits over the tip of your lit incense stick.
- Fold the foil a few times and then wrap it around the glowing end of the incense stick.
- Over time, the aluminium foil will start to absorb the heat from the ember. This method also disrupts the flow of oxygen. Without oxygen, the glow will eventually die out.
- Make sure not to touch the tip of the incense stick until the foil has completely cooled down, as it will absorb a lot of the heat.
It is important to note that how you put out an incense stick will impact how you can reuse it. If you accidentally cut the end of the incense stick too short or damage it, you may find it challenging to relight it. Therefore, using the foil collar method ensures that you can successfully relight the incense stick whenever you choose to do so.
Once the incense stick has been put out using the foil collar method and has cooled down, it is ready to be relit. You can use a match or a lighter to ignite the incense stick, just like you would a candle wick. Ensure that the incense is immersed in the flame until it ignites and a small flame is visible. Allow the flame to burn for a few seconds, then fan or blow it out. If you see a small glowing ember, the incense has been successfully lit.
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Reusing incense remnants
Incense sticks are a great way to bring fragrance and tranquility to your space. However, sometimes they may not fully burn in one session, leaving behind remnants that can be reused and relit. Here are some ways to put out incense sticks to reuse them later:
Using sand or water:
The most common method to put out incense sticks is by placing the burning end in a bowl of sand or water. This will cause the embers to go out quickly, and you can then relight the incense when needed. However, some people prefer not to use water as it can affect the quality of the incense and prevent it from burning properly the next time.
Snapping the stick:
Another way to put out incense sticks is by bending the stick until it snaps in half. This method is suitable for incense sticks without a core, such as Japanese incense (Shoyeido or Baieido). You can then relight the incense by breaking off a bit of the stick and placing it on an electric burner.
Using a foil tube:
You can also create a "collar" or "hat" by wrapping a piece of aluminum foil around the incense stick. This will prevent the incense from burning further and allow you to relight it later.
Using a heat-resistant surface:
You can press the lit tip of the incense stick against a heat-resistant surface, such as concrete, ceramic, glass, or metal, until the piece with the ember breaks off.
Using an incense holder:
You can also use your incense holder to put out the ember by smothering out the tip.
Creating incense powder:
If you have multiple remnants, you can collect and crush them into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or a grinder. This powder can then be burned as incense.
Remember to always allow the incense stick to cool down completely before handling and relighting it. Also, ensure that any loose ash or residue is removed before relighting to ensure a clean and even burn.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to put out incense sticks. One way is to place the burning end in a bowl of sand or water. Another way is to blow it out like a candle, although this may disperse burning embers. You can also snap the stick in half or smother the tip with the incense holder.
Allow the incense stick to cool completely before handling. Check the remaining length of the incense stick and its burnt end. If there is any loose ash or residue, gently tap the stick to remove it. This helps to expose the unburnt incense and ensures a clean and even relight.
Light the incense stick with a match or lighter. Ensure that the incense is immersed in the flame until a small flame is visible. Allow the flame to burn for a few seconds, then fan or blow out the flame. If you see a small glowing ember, then the incense has been lit.
It generally takes 20-40 minutes for an incense stick to burn completely, depending on its thickness, length, and quality.
