Using Smoking Tree Incense Burners: A Beginner's Guide

how to use smoking tree incense burner

The 'Smoking Tree' incense burner is a unique way to enjoy the scent and effects of incense. This type of burner is designed to create a mesmerising illusion of a waterfall using smoke, which is known as a backflow burner. To use a smoking tree incense burner, you will need to light an incense cone, which will need to be a backflow cone to create the waterfall effect. Light the tip of the cone, blow it out, and place it on a heat-safe surface, ensuring the hole in the cone aligns with the metal hole in the burner. The burner uses a natural phenomenon to create the effect, as the smoke is denser than the air around it, and the burner design guides the smoke downwards, creating the illusion of a waterfall.

How to use a Smoking Tree Incense Burner

Characteristics Values
Type of Incense Backflow Incense
Incense Shape Cone or Stick
Incense Placement On a flat saucer beneath the tree
Lighting Use a match or lighter to light the pointy end of the incense
Burn Time 10-15 minutes
Cleanliness Clean after every 2-3 cones burnt

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Lighting the incense cone

Lighting an incense cone is a simple process, but it requires care and attention to ensure the best results. Here is a step-by-step guide to lighting the incense cone for your Smoking Tree Incense Burner:

Firstly, ensure you are using a backflow incense cone, as this is specifically designed to create the unique smoke effect associated with the Smoking Tree Incense Burner. The cone should have a small, hollow tunnel through its centre, ending in a hole at the bottom.

Now, you are ready to light the incense cone. Hold the cone with the pointed end facing upward and the flat, hollow end at the bottom. Using a match or lighter, ignite the pointy end of the cone, ensuring it is fully immersed in the flame until it catches and ignites with a small flame of its own. Be careful not to hold the flame to the cone for too long, as this can cause it to burn too quickly and reduce the overall burn time.

Once the tip of the cone is lit and glowing, gently blow out the flame. You should now see a small, glowing ember at the tip of the cone, and smoke should begin to rise. If the ember goes out, simply relight the cone and try again.

Finally, place the cone on top of your Smoking Tree Incense Burner, ensuring it is on a heat-safe surface. Check that the hole at the base of the cone is aligned with the hole or groove on the burner. This alignment is crucial, as it will direct the smoke flow and create the desired downward effect.

Your Smoking Tree Incense Burner should now be active, with smoke gracefully cascading downwards, creating a mesmerising and soothing atmosphere.

Enjoy the fragrant and tranquil experience of your Smoking Tree Incense Burner!

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Blowing out the flame

Prepare Your Setup

Before you begin, ensure you have a heat-resistant surface to place your incense burner on. This is essential for safety and will prevent any accidental fires or damage to your furniture. Additionally, always use a fireproof container to hold your incense, whether it's a cone or a stick. This will allow you to safely manage the hot incense and any residual embers.

Lighting the Incense

When lighting your incense, always exercise caution. Use tweezers to protect your hands from the flame, and carefully light the tip of your chosen incense. For incense cones, the Mother Nature Backflow Incense Burner, for example, requires you to light the cone first and then place it on the burner. For incense sticks, you can place the stick in the holder and then light it.

This is the critical step where you gently extinguish the flame. After lighting the incense, let the flame ignite the tip for a few seconds. Then, gently blow on the lit end of the incense until the flame is completely extinguished. Be careful not to blow too hard, as this can cause the flame to burn stronger. A gentle, controlled blow is all that's needed.

Placement and Alignment

Once the flame is out and you have a gently glowing ember, it's time to place your incense in the burner. For incense cones, ensure that the hole of the cone aligns with the metal hole on the backflow burner. This alignment is crucial for the proper flow of smoke and the desired visual effect. For incense sticks, be mindful not to let the burning end touch the sides of the burner, as this can cause the incense to burn out prematurely.

Enjoy the Fragrance

With your incense safely burning, you can now savour the soothing fragrances and the visual allure of the smoke. Remember, if you need to extinguish the incense before it's completely burned, you can repeat the process of blowing gently on the ember until the flame is out. Always dispose of used incense properly, either by burying it or placing it in a fire-proof container.

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Placing the cone on the burner

To place the cone on the burner, start by lighting the tip of your chosen backflow incense cone. You can use tweezers to protect your hands from the flame. Ensure that the incense is immersed in the flame until it ignites. Gently blow out the flame. If you see a small glowing ember and smoke starts to emerge from the bottom, the incense has been correctly lit.

Once the cone is glowing, carefully place it on top of the burner on a heat-safe surface. Make sure the hole of the cone aligns with the metal hole on the backflow burner. The burner should be placed on a flat saucer with a rim to prevent ashes from escaping and burning any furniture.

If you are using a Tree Man burner, place the cone on top of the figure's head. If you are using a stick of incense, place it under the tree. Be careful to ensure that the burning end does not touch the tree, or it will burn out.

If you are using a cone, you can place it in the little round incense holder and then put the tree down over it. The flame will go out, and the incense will start to smoke as intended.

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Cleaning the burner

Cleaning your incense burner is important to ensure its longevity and optimal fragrance experience. Incense burners can be made from materials that are toxic if not cleaned properly, so it's crucial to keep them clean. Here are some detailed instructions on how to clean your smoking tree incense burner:

Cooling Down:

Before you start cleaning your incense burner, always make sure it is completely cool. Incense burners can retain heat for a long time after use, so give it ample time to cool down, typically about 15-30 minutes. This will help you avoid burns and accidents during the cleaning process.

Removing Leftover Ash:

If your incense burner is still warm, you can remove any leftover ash with a paper towel. Avoid using a sponge or water at this stage, as it will only make the ash stick and be more difficult to clean later. Place an old towel underneath your burner to catch any falling ashes and protect your surfaces.

Disposing of Incense Ash:

After the burner has cooled down, it's time to dispose of the incense ash. Tip the burner in one quick movement so that the incense ash falls into the trash. This method is simple, effective, and gentle on the burner. It utilizes the natural warmth left behind from the burning cone to loosen and dispose of the ash.

Soaking and Scrubbing:

Fill a sink or basin with warm water and add a mild dishwashing liquid. Use a soft cloth or brush to clean the outside of your burner. Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach or acetone, as they may damage the finish over time. Start by scrubbing the burner with baking soda and water to remove any stubborn spots. You can also use a soft brush, such as a toothbrush, for more thorough scrubbing, especially on textured surfaces. Always use soft and non-abrasive tools to prevent scratching or damaging your burner.

Rinsing and Drying:

Once you've finished scrubbing, rinse the burner thoroughly with lukewarm water. Use a clean, soft cloth to wipe away any remaining soap residue and water droplets from the inside and outside of your burner. Ensure that all soap is completely washed away before putting the burner back together. Finally, let the burner air dry completely before using it again. If you live in a humid climate or if it has been raining, let the burner air dry for several days to prevent moisture accumulation.

Additional Tips:

  • For painted or decorated burners, avoid using alcohol or strong cleaning agents as they can strip the paint or damage decorations.
  • For wooden burners, be cautious with water and moisture. Never soak wooden burners to avoid warping, cracking, or damage to the finish. A slightly damp soft cloth with mild soap is sufficient, and make sure to dry it immediately.
  • For brass burners, avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubs. Polishing with a soft cloth is recommended, and a gentle baking soda paste can be used for stubborn spots.
  • Alcohol is effective for cutting through greasy residue or oil buildup, especially on ceramic, glass, and metal burners.

Remember to clean your incense burner regularly, about once every 2-3 uses, to prevent excessive residue buildup and ensure optimal fragrance and burner performance.

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Using incense sticks

To use an incense stick, you will need an incense holder, also known as a censer. Incense holders come in various shapes and sizes, and you can choose one based on the type of incense stick you are using. If you are using a cored incense stick, you can use an incense "boat", which is a long, thin piece of wood, metal, or ceramic with a tiny hole at one end and a groove down the centre to catch any falling ash. If you are using a solid incense stick, avoid using a wooden holder as the stick burns all the way down, and a flammable holder can be dangerous. Instead, use a ceramic or stone censer, or fill a bowl with grain, rice, salt, sand, dirt, or ash, and stick the incense inside.

Once you have your incense and holder ready, it's time to light the incense. You can light the incense while holding it or after placing it in the holder. Hold a flame to the end of the incense until it catches fire. If you are holding the incense, let it burn for a few seconds, then gently blow out the flame. If you are using a holder, let the flame burn for a few seconds, then gently fan or blow it out. You will know the incense is lit when you see a small glowing ember and smoke coming out of the tip. If you are unsure, check after a minute to see if you can smell the scent and if there is more ash on the tip.

Now that your incense is lit, sit back and enjoy the fragrance! A typical incense stick takes about 20 to 40 minutes to burn completely, depending on its thickness, length, and quality. Japanese incense sticks, for example, are usually shorter and thicker and take about 20 to 30 minutes to burn.

Frequently asked questions

Place a backflow incense cone on top of the tree. Light the tip of the incense cone with a match or lighter. Let the flame ignite the tip of the cone for a few seconds, then gently blow it out. Once the cone is glowing, place it on top of the burner on a heat-safe surface.

You must use a backflow incense cone to create the unique smoke effect. The incense cone should be partially drilled through from the bottom to just under the tip.

The smoke from the incense is denser than normal air at room temperature. When the incense is lit, the smoke enters the hollow centre tunnel, where it cools as it moves through the tunnel. When smoke cools, it becomes denser, so when it exits the incense at the bottom, it flows gently downwards.

It is recommended that you clean your incense burner after every 2-3 cones burnt. If the smoke is not flowing down your burner, check that your incense cone is lit, and that the plate holding the cone is clean and free of debris.

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