Heidi Norton
Incense cones are a popular way to enjoy fragrant smoke, but they can be tricky to light and keep burning. If your incense cone won't stay lit, there are several possible reasons and solutions. Firstly, ensure you are using a heat-proof incense burner made of materials that can withstand high temperatures, such as metal, stone, or ceramic. Place the cone upright on a bed of ash, salt, or sand to prevent direct contact with the burner and distribute heat. Light the tip of the cone with a match or lighter until it glows orange, then blow out the flame. If your cone still won't stay lit, it could be due to factors like inadequate oxygen supply, moisture absorption, or inferior ingredients.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Incense type | Cone |
| Incense holder | Incense box, heat-proof container, ashtray, ceramic bowl |
| Incense material | Wood dust, oil |
| Incense burner | Metal, stone, ceramic |
| Incense burning time | 15-30 minutes |
| Incense residue | Ash, sticky oily residue |
| Incense lighting technique | Light the tip until it glows orange, blow out the flame, repeat if needed |
| Incense ventilation | Well-ventilated area |
| Incense maintenance | Clean between burns, scrape out creosote build-up |
| Incense placement | Flat with the point facing up, upright on its base |
| Incense duration | Depends on size and burning conditions |
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What You'll Learn
Incense cones may not stay lit due to the build-up of creosote
If you're having trouble with your incense cone not staying lit, one possible reason could be the build-up of creosote. This is a common issue if you've been using your incense burner for a while. The top slit of the burner can become caked with creosote, preventing the incense from getting enough oxygen to stay lit.
To address this issue, you'll need to clean the creosote build-up from your burner. This can be done using a knife, a screwdriver, or a drill/Dremel tool. Scrape out the creosote from the burner, ensuring you remove all the residue. You may need to do this once or twice a year, depending on how often you use your incense cones.
Additionally, you can try placing your incense cone on a bed of ash or salt/sand to keep it off any metal surfaces in the burner. This can help improve airflow and prevent the cone from extinguishing due to lack of oxygen.
Another tip is to ensure you are lighting the incense cone correctly. Hold the cone upright and light the tip with a match or lighter. Allow the flame to burn for a few seconds, then gently blow it out, leaving the cone to smoulder and release fragrant smoke. Place the cone securely in your incense burner, and ensure it is placed on a heat-resistant surface away from flammable materials.
By following these steps, you can help ensure your incense cone stays lit and enjoy its soothing aroma. Remember to always practise proper incense burning safety and never leave burning incense unattended.
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The cone might not be lit correctly
If your incense cone isn't staying lit, it might not be lit correctly. To light an incense cone, you need to place the cone upright with the pointy end facing up. Then, light the tip with a lighter or match until it glows orange. If it burns with a flame, blow it out. However, make sure not to blow it out too early, as you need to light enough of the tip to get a good diameter glow that will sustain the burning of the whole cone. If you blow it out too early, you may accidentally extinguish the burn completely.
If you see a small glowing ember and smoke starts coming out of the bottom, the incense has been correctly lit. If you don't see a glowing ember and there is no smoke, you will need to try lighting it again. It may take a few attempts to get it lit, so be patient and keep trying.
If you are lighting your incense in a box, make sure it is lying on a bed of ash or sand/salt, rather than directly on a metal container, as this will prevent it from burning. You can also try breaking a stick into a few short lengths and setting them cross-wise, then placing the long sticks across. The short ones won't burn, but the long ones should stay lit.
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The incense burner could be causing the issue
If you are using a box or container with a lid, ensure the cone is not too close to the sides, as this can cause the flame to go out. Additionally, if the box has a slit or hole, it may become caked with creosote over time, blocking oxygen from reaching the incense. This can be resolved by scraping out the creosote or drilling additional vent holes.
The burner should also be placed on a heat-resistant surface, away from flammable objects. Using a layer of sand or salt in the burner can help distribute the heat and keep the incense off any metal surfaces, which can cause the incense to go out.
Finally, the incense cone must be placed upright, sitting on its base. Some cones have a small, flammable oil content, so ensure the burner can accommodate the smoke and any residue.
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The incense may have absorbed moisture
If your incense cone is not staying lit, it may be because the incense has absorbed moisture. Incense is typically made from a blend of aromatic plant materials, resins, and essential oils, which can be moisture-sensitive.
To prevent this issue, ensure that you store your incense cones in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposing them to humid environments or leaving them in damp rooms, such as bathrooms. If you believe your incense has absorbed moisture, try placing the cones on top of a heating unit to dry them out before use.
Additionally, when burning incense cones, it is important to use a heat-resistant burner made from materials like metal, stone, or ceramic. These materials can withstand the high temperatures generated by the burning cone and prevent safety hazards. Place the burner on a heat-resistant surface, away from flammable objects.
To light an incense cone, hold a flame to the tip until it ignites and glows orange. Then, gently blow out the flame and allow the cone to smoulder, releasing its fragrance. Remember to always burn incense in a well-ventilated area.
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The incense cone might be of inferior quality
Inferior quality cones may have a shorter burn time, with some cones burning for as little as 5 minutes compared to the typical burn time of 15-25 minutes for most incense cones. The presence of flammable oil in the cones can also impact their burning behaviour, and some cones may struggle to stay lit or produce a strong fragrance.
To address this issue, it is recommended to choose incense cones from reputable sources that use high-quality ingredients. Handcrafted cones from specialised brands can be a good option, as they often use similar formulations as their incense sticks, ensuring better burning characteristics.
Additionally, it is important to follow the proper lighting technique for incense cones. This includes lighting the pointy end of the cone with a match or lighter, allowing it to immerse in the flame until it ignites, and then gently blowing out the flame to enjoy the fragrant smoke. It is a delicate balance, as burning the tip for too long can cause the cone's oil to burn up prematurely.
By selecting high-quality incense cones and employing the correct lighting techniques, you can improve the likelihood of your incense cones staying lit and providing a pleasant aromatic experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Incense cones burn very hot and require a heat-proof incense burner. If your incense cone is not staying lit, it may be due to the burner being made of wood or painted material, which is unsuitable for the heat of the burning cone.
Incense burners made of metal, stone, or ceramic are best for incense cones.
Using a match or lighter, light the tip of the incense cone until it glows orange. If it burns with a flame, blow it out. If you see a small glowing ember and smoke starts coming out, the incense has been correctly lit.
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