Katrina Rosales
Incense sticks are a great way to fill a room with fragrance, but they can be tricky to use. There are many reasons why your incense sticks may not be staying lit. It could be that the sticks are too damp, or that the material is not burning effectively. Incense needs to be completely dry to burn properly, and even after they first appear dry, sticks can still retain moisture. The quality of the incense also matters, as cheaper incense is more likely to extinguish itself. Additionally, the incense may not be getting enough oxygen, especially if it is being burned in a closed space.
Why won't my incense sticks stay lit?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Incense quality | Cheap incense is more likely to go out than higher-quality incense |
| Incense preparation | Incense sticks may not be completely dry, or may be damp or moldy |
| Incense holder | The holder may be blocking airflow or the holes may be caked with creosote, preventing the incense from getting enough oxygen |
| Incense burning technique | The flame may not be directly touching the stick, or the stick may not have enough ember |
| Incense placement | The stick may be lying directly on a metal container, preventing it from burning; it should lie on a bed of ash or sand |
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What You'll Learn
Incense sticks might be damp or mouldy
Incense sticks that won't stay lit could be damp or mouldy. Incense is prone to becoming mouldy if it is stored in a humid environment. If you live in a humid place, it is important to store your incense in a cool, dry, and dark place. You can also try using a dehumidifier in the storage space, or a product like Damp Rid.
If your incense has been stored in a humid environment, it may have become too damp to light. In this case, you could try drying out the incense sticks before use. However, if the incense is mouldy, it is best to throw it away to avoid the mould spreading to your other incense sticks.
To prevent incense from becoming damp or mouldy, ensure that your storage space is well-ventilated and not exposed to moisture. You can also try storing your incense sticks in airtight containers, with materials like salt or sand at the bottom to absorb any moisture.
Additionally, it is important to use a proper incense holder when burning incense. If the holder is made of metal, the incense stick should not come into direct contact with the metal, as it will not burn properly. Instead, place the incense on a bed of ash, salt, or sand to ensure proper airflow and burning.
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Incense holders may block airflow
Incense holders play a crucial role in the burning process, as they ensure the incense receives adequate airflow to stay lit. Here are some ways your incense holder may be hindering airflow, causing your incense to extinguish prematurely:
Blocked Holes
First, check that your incense holder is not obstructing any holes or vents. These openings are designed to allow airflow to fuel the burning incense. If these holes are blocked, the incense will not receive enough oxygen to stay lit.
Lack of Elevation
Another issue could be that your incense stick is lying flat on the metal container of your holder, preventing proper airflow and oxygen supply. To resolve this, place a layer of ash, salt, or sand at the bottom of your holder to elevate the incense stick slightly. This simple fix can significantly improve airflow and help your incense burn more effectively.
Creosote Buildup
Over time, the slit or hole in your incense holder may become clogged with creosote, a byproduct of combustion. This buildup can restrict airflow, causing your incense to suffocate and extinguish. Regular cleaning of your incense holder is essential to prevent this issue. Use a small brush or pipe cleaner to gently remove any creosote buildup from the slit or hole, ensuring optimal airflow.
Inadequate Space
The design of your incense holder may also be a factor. If the holder is too enclosed or doesn't have enough space for the smoke to travel upwards, the incense may struggle to stay lit due to insufficient airflow. Consider switching to an incense holder with a more open design or one that provides more vertical clearance for the smoke to escape.
Damp Incense
While not directly related to the incense holder, it's important to ensure your incense sticks are completely dry before use. Even after they appear dry, incense sticks can retain moisture, affecting their ability to burn. Allow ample drying time, and if necessary, use a dehumidifier to speed up the drying process.
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Incense sticks need to be dried for several days
Incense sticks can sometimes be difficult to keep lit, and there are several reasons why this might be the case. One common issue is that the incense stick is too damp. This could be due to the climate, or there may be some moisture retained in the stick even after it appears dry. It is recommended that you dry your incense sticks for at least four days to ensure that they are completely dry. You could also try drying them in front of a dehumidifier.
Another potential issue could be the quality of the incense sticks. Cheap incense is more likely to extinguish itself, as poor quality ingredients can cause the sticks to not burn properly. The way you burn the incense could also be a factor. It is important to ensure that the flame is directly touching the stick, and that the stick is lit evenly all the way around.
Additionally, the incense holder could be blocking airflow, which is necessary to keep the incense lit. Make sure that the holder is not blocking any holes and that there is enough space for the smoke to travel up. You can also try placing the incense stick on a bed of ash or salt/sand to keep it off any metal surfaces, as direct contact with metal will prevent the incense from burning properly.
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Incense sticks need to be lit evenly
Incense sticks can be a little tricky to light and keep lit, but there are several reasons why this might be happening. One of the most common issues is that the incense stick is not lit evenly all the way around. This could be because the flame is not directly touching the stick, or it could be due to the way the resin is mixed in the stick. To avoid this, ensure that you hold the flame to the tip of the stick for a few moments, allowing the burning to take hold and creating a good 1/8" (2mm) ember on the top of the stick.
Another reason your incense sticks might not be lighting evenly is that they are damp. This could be due to the climate or the storage conditions, or even because the sticks are not fully dry. Incense sticks can take a long time to fully dry, and they may still hold some moisture even after they appear dry. If you suspect dampness is the issue, try drying your sticks in front of a dehumidifier before use.
The quality of your incense sticks could also be a factor. Cheap incense is more likely to extinguish itself, as it may contain poor-quality ingredients that affect its burnability. Additionally, the way you are burning the incense could be the problem. If the ashes are smothering the ember, simply brush them away so the ember can breathe. Similarly, ensure your incense holder is not blocking any holes or restricting airflow, as incense needs plenty of oxygen to stay lit.
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Incense sticks may be made from poor-quality ingredients or be cheap
Additionally, if the incense stick is not supplied with enough oxygen, it may not burn. This could be due to the incense holder blocking airflow or the ashes smothering the ember. To prevent this, ensure that the holder is not blocking any holes and that there is enough space for the smoke to travel up. Also, brush away the ashes so that the ember can breathe.
If your incense stick is not staying lit, it could be due to the way you are burning it. Ensure that the incense stick is lit evenly all the way around and that the flame is directly touching the stick. You can also try holding the flame to the tip for a few moments to ensure that the burning takes hold. Alternatively, you could try blowing on the incense stick before blowing out the flame.
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