Antonio Mcgowan
Incense waterfalls, also known as backflow incense, are a relatively new type of incense. They are designed so that the smoke flows in the opposite direction of regular incense, creating a waterfall effect. To set up an incense waterfall, you will need a backflow burner, which can be purchased online, and specially-made backflow incense cones. First, light the tip of the incense cone with a pair of tweezers and hold it in the flame for 10-15 seconds. Then, blow out the flame and place the cone on top of the burner, ensuring the holes in the cone and burner align. Finally, enjoy the calming effects of your incense waterfall!
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right incense cone
Type of Incense Cone
Firstly, ensure you are using backflow incense cones specifically designed for waterfall burners. Standard incense cones will not produce the desired waterfall effect as they lack the necessary hole at the bottom. This hole allows the smoke to flow downwards, creating the signature cascading smoke effect. Some people have experimented with drilling holes in regular cones, but pre-made backflow cones are your best bet for a reliable result.
Burn Time
Backflow incense cones tend to burn faster than traditional cones due to their hollow structure. On average, they last around 10 to 15 minutes, with some cones lasting up to 30 minutes. If you want a longer-lasting experience, look for upgraded cones that are designed to burn slower.
Fragrance
The fragrance of the incense cone is an important consideration, especially if you intend to use the waterfall burner for aromatherapy or meditation. Incense cones come in a variety of fragrances, from sandalwood to more unique scents. Choose a fragrance that is pleasant to you and suits your intended purpose, whether it's relaxation, spiritual rituals, or simply enjoying a pleasant aroma in your space.
Smoke Output
Backflow incense cones produce more smoke than traditional incense sticks. While the thicker smoke contributes to the waterfall effect, it's important to consider the ventilation in your space. Ensure you have proper airflow by opening a window or door to prevent the room from becoming too smoky. Additionally, be mindful of pets, as the smoke may pose a threat to their respiratory systems.
Quality
Given the mixed reviews of incense cones, it's worth checking the quality of the cones before purchasing. Some users have reported issues with cones burning too quickly, not burning at all, or emitting an unpleasant smell. Reading reviews and purchasing cones from reputable sources can help ensure you receive a quality product.
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Lighting the cone
Firstly, choose your favourite backflow incense cone. It is important to ensure you are using a backflow cone, as regular cones will not produce the desired waterfall effect. Check the bottom of the cone to make sure there is a small hole, which is necessary for the smoke to flow downwards.
Next, light the tip of the cone. You can use tweezers to protect your hands from the flame. Hold the flame to the tip of the cone for a few seconds. It is recommended to keep the tip immersed in the flame for up to 10-15 seconds. However, exercise caution and watch the flame; if the tip catches fire earlier, remove the flame.
After the flame has burned for a moment, gently blow it out. You should now see a glowing ember at the tip of the cone, and smoke flowing down through the bottom hole. If the smoke is rising instead of falling, this may be due to a lack of ash build-up.
Finally, place the cone on top of the burner on a heat-safe surface. Ensure the base of the cone is stable, and that the hole of the cone aligns with the metal hole on the backflow burner. Now, you can enjoy your incense waterfall!
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Placing the cone on the burner
When placing the cone on the burner, ensure that the base of the cone is stable. The cone should be placed on top of the burner on a heat-safe surface. The hole at the bottom centre of the cone should align with the metal hole on the backflow burner. This will allow the smoke to transfer from the hole of the cone to the hole of the holder.
If you are using a handmade incense cone, you may need to keep the tip of the cone immersed in the flame for longer—up to 10-15 seconds. You can also try keeping the flame lit and waiting for it to die down naturally, instead of blowing it out.
If you are using a regular cone, ensure that there is a hole at the bottom for the smoke to pass through. If there is no hole, you can try drilling a small hole at the bottom of the cone with a hand drill.
It is important to note that the burner will only create the waterfall effect when used with incense cones. If you use incense sticks, the smoke will rise instead of flowing downwards.
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Cleaning the burner
Cleaning your incense burner is an important step in maintaining its functionality and ensuring a smooth flow of smoke. It is also necessary to clean your burner to prevent the buildup of potentially toxic materials.
To clean your burner, start by removing any ash or debris from the inside of the burner with a small brush, like an old toothbrush, or a soft paintbrush. If there is any stuck-on residue, use a damp cloth to wipe it away. Be sure not to scrub too hard to avoid scratching the surface of the burner.
Next, fill a bowl or bucket with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap or washing-up liquid. Lather the liquid and then immerse the burner in the water. After a few minutes, the ash will have loosened, and you can use a soft-bristled brush to clean the burner thoroughly. You can also use a cotton cleaning cloth or tweezers to remove any remaining gunk. If there is oily grime on your burner, you can use a small amount of nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol to dissolve it. Be aware that alcohol can also strip the top layer from your burner, so test it on a small area first.
Once you have removed all traces of debris, rinse the burner thoroughly with lukewarm water. Use a clean, soft cloth to wipe away any remaining soap residue and water droplets from the burner. Ensure that all soap is completely washed away and that the burner is completely dry before using it again. If you live in a humid climate, or if it has been raining recently, let the burner air dry for several days before using it to prevent moisture buildup.
If you have a wooden burner, never submerge it in water as this could cause damage or discolouration. Instead, use a damp cloth with a mild soap solution to wipe down the burner, ensuring that you wring out all excess moisture first.
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Extinguishing the cone
When you are done enjoying the incense waterfall, you can extinguish the cone. It is difficult to put out a backflow incense cone and keep it for later use. While it is not recommended to use water to put out stick incense, it is recommended for backflow incense cones. The best way to put out a cone that has not been fully burnt is to immerse it in a cup of water. You can also sprinkle a little water on the ash before cleaning it up. However, some people may find this cumbersome.
Another way to extinguish the cone is to turn it upside down so that the point faces downwards. This will cause the cone to go out due to a lack of oxygen. However, this method may not be as effective as using water.
It is important to note that the quality of the cones can affect the experience. Some cones on the market may smell unpleasant due to inferior ingredients such as wood dust. Handmade cones or cones with better ingredients may provide a better experience.
Additionally, it is recommended to clean your incense waterfall after every 2-3 cones burnt. This will help maintain the functionality and appearance of the burner. If the burner is not cleaned regularly, the ash can build up and make it more difficult to clean. There are simple and effective methods available for cleaning backflow incense burners, which can be found through a quick online search.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need an incense burner, incense cones, and a heat-safe surface.
Light the tip of your incense cone using tweezers. Let the flame burn for a few seconds, then gently blow it out. Place the cone on top of the burner, ensuring the base is stable and the holes of the cone and burner are aligned.
Check that your incense cone is lit and smoke is visibly flowing down the bottom hole. Ensure the plate holding the cone is clean and the hole is unobstructed.
We recommend cleaning your incense burner after every 2-3 cones. Some people sprinkle a little water on the ash before cleaning, but this can be cumbersome.
You will need to use backflow incense cones. Standard cones will not work as the smoke will rise instead of flowing downwards.
