Candle Wick dippers are metal utensils about 8 inches in length, with a slightly bent tip on one end. Their width increases towards the end of the tool, making them easy to hold and use. For candle accessory enthusiasts, these simple tools offer a quick way to turn off burning candles.
Worldwide, since the manufacturing of candles became a growing market and candles themselves became a household item, they have been used the same way. A matchstick to ignite the wick, and a light blow to make the flame go. While this may be the traditional way of making the flame vanish, it comes with the loss of useful wax and releases smolder into the air.
A twist to the basic technique has now emerged that allows candle enthusiasts to save valuable wax when extinguishing a candle, or multiple candles while simultaneously avoiding the smoke released from their regular use. Candlewick dippers offer a smokeless solution to extinguishing these delicate beauties.
Should You Dip Candle Wick in Wax?
While some may find dipping a candle wick in wax an absurd practice, it actually helps the candle last longer. The wick of a candle itself is made of cotton, a delicate white fiber with the ability to absorb water in many forms, even moisture. This means that the cotton can easily lose its purpose in humid environments, making it difficult for it to catch fire.
A wick coated with a layer of wax, and the wax handing naturally offers protection to the wick, and of course to the candle attached to it. The natural absorbing ability of the cotton allows it to take in liquid wax. This wax hardens with exposure to air, making the cotton inside firm enough to stand straight. Next, the ability of the wax itself to catch fire gets the job done.
At the point when you light a candle, you liquefy the wax in and close to the wick. The wick assimilates the fluid wax and pulls it vertical. The heat of the fire disintegrates the wax, and it is the wax vapor that causes the candle to burn.
What Is a Candle Dipper Called Today?
Nowadays, candle dippers have advanced into more forms, and are known as candle snuffers, candlewick trimmers, and douters. Dippers work best for candles of small sizes, usually the ones with bigger diameters.
While candlewick dippers seem to get the job done right away, there exist some other solutions to the common smoke problem. These are mentioned below:
Candlewick trimmers are also commonly available now, these resemble household scissors. Their purpose is not only to extinguish the burning candle flame, but also to allow scented candles to burn for extremely long time durations, and prevent the formation of soot.
Candlewick snuffers also exist for candles of longer lengths. These are metal tools with a bell-shaped cup at one end. These are best suited to take out the candle’s flame without excess smoke production while preventing the hot was from splashing and scalding your hands. This also keeps your nearby belongings safe from hot wax settling thereon.
To check the current price and availability of Candle Wick Dippers, click here to view the selection on Amazon.
How Do You Use a Metal Candle Dipper?
With metal candle dippers, it takes approximately 10 seconds to extinguish the candle’s flame. The process is swift and requires a single to and fro motion of the dippers end with the flame-set wick. To get the job done, use the bent tip of the dipper to lower the candle wick into the pool of liquid wax just below it, and gently lift the wick in an upright position.
Submerging into the wax will blow the flame off with no smoke being produced, and the candle will be ready to use once again. Additionally, this method will prevent any candle fragments from being formed as well.
When using a metal dipper, it’s important to keep the dipper’s contact time with the flame short. The reason for this is because metals are good conductors of heat, and can transfer this heat easily from the tip of the dipper to its end, putting your finger at risk of mild burns.
The best way to store the dipper to prevent contamination and rusting is by storing it in stainless steel storage boxes. These will prevent unnecessary contact with air, allowing your dipper to keep its shine and elegance for a long time.
Final Thoughts
Candles bring grace to a setting like no other and have been doing so since way back in time. There is so much more to a candle than just setting it on fire and blowing it away. Small steps in taking care of a candle can do more wonders than one can imagine. Just like an initial cut goes the deepest, similarly, the first ignition of a candle burns the brightest.
This means that candles, from the very first time they burn, require care and attention for them to burn bright for the longest of times. The basic steps to taking care of candles, especially scented ones, are to keep check of their lengths, the composition of their wax, and the place where you keep them.
Longer candles have greater precision than shorter ones, and their flames tend to go higher. For this reason, it is important to keep them in places with no drapes or curtains nearby, as there is a risk of the cloth catching fire.
Additionally, some candles can produce more soot and debris when burnt, therefore it’s important to keep wick dippers for them to prevent harmful smoke from being produced.
Finally, to prevent external air and wind from blowing off the flame continuously, it is important to place your candles far from windows. Unnecessary extinguishing and relighting of candles can shorten their lifespan and make the wick unusable for long periods of time.
For a candle enthusiast, these instructions and the process of caring come naturally. If you have just started this journey, don’t worry about not getting things right the first time. A little practice, patience, and understanding will help you become a pro at candle care, to lighten your room, and grace your house!