How Does A Wick Dipper Candle Work?

When it comes to candle care, many people focus on choosing the right scent or style without realizing that proper candle maintenance is key to ensuring longevity and safety. One essential tool in candle care is the wick dipper. You may have heard of a wick trimmer or snuffer, but a wick dipper is another useful tool to consider. This simple yet effective instrument helps you extinguish candles without producing smoke, improves burn quality, and enhances the overall candle experience. In this post, we'll delve into how a wick dipper candle works, why it’s beneficial, and how to use it correctly.

What Is a Wick Dipper?

A wick dipper is a slender, often metal tool designed to extinguish a candle flame by dipping the wick into the melted wax pool and then lifting it back up. Unlike traditional candle snuffers, which cover the flame to suffocate it, a wick dipper eliminates the flame without smoke or soot. This tool has a long handle with a hooked or curved end that allows for easy manipulation of the wick while it’s burning.

How Does a Wick Dipper Work?

The primary function of a wick dipper is to extinguish a candle without creating smoke or leaving a charred wick. Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how a wick dipper works:

1. Preparing the Candle

Before using a wick dipper, make sure the candle has been burning long enough to create a full melt pool. This is the layer of melted wax on the surface of the candle that reaches all the way to the edges of the container. A full melt pool helps the candle burn evenly and prevents tunnelling, which is when only the centre of the candle burns, leaving a ring of unburned wax around the edges.

2. Using the Wick Dipper

Once the candle has a full melt pool, carefully approach the flame with the wick dipper. The tool’s long handle allows you to keep a safe distance from the flame and hot wax.

• Dipping the Wick: Use the hooked end of the wick dipper to gently push the burning wick into the pool of melted wax. Submerging the wick in the wax extinguishes the flame instantly by cutting off the oxygen supply.

• Lifting the Wick: After the flame is extinguished, use the wick dipper to lift the wick back out of the wax. Straighten the wick and position it in the centre of the candle. This step is crucial because it ensures the wick will be in the optimal position for the next burn.

3. Benefits of Extinguishing with a Wick Dipper

Using a wick dipper to extinguish a candle offers several advantages over blowing out the flame or using a snuffer:

• No Smoke or Soot: Blowing out a candle often creates a trail of smoke and soot, which can leave a lingering odour and deposit black residue on the candle jar or nearby surfaces. A wick dipper eliminates the flame without creating smoke, keeping your candle and surroundings clean.

• Preserve Wick Integrity: When you blow out a candle, the force of the air can cause the wick to bend or break. Extinguishing the flame with a wick dipper gently submerges and lifts the wick, maintaining its structure and ensuring an even burn next time.

• Reduces Mushrooming: Mushrooming is when a carbon buildup forms at the tip of the wick, resembling a mushroom cap. This occurs when the wick consumes too much wax or fragrance oil, leading to incomplete combustion. Dipping the wick in wax helps to prevent mushrooming by saturating the wick and removing any carbon deposits.

• Prolongs Candle Life: Properly caring for your candle with a wick dipper helps to maximize its burn time. By maintaining a well-trimmed wick and avoiding soot and mushrooming, your candle will burn more efficiently and last longer.

How to Use a Wick Dipper Correctly

To get the most out of your wick dipper and extend the life of your candles, follow these simple tips for proper use:

1. Wait for a Full Melt Pool

Always wait until your candle has a full melt pool before extinguishing it with a wick dipper. This ensures the wax burns evenly across the surface, preventing tunnelling and wasting wax.

2. Extinguish the Flame Gently

When using the wick dipper, gently dip the wick into the melted wax. Avoid using excessive force, which could break or damage the wick. The goal is to extinguish the flame without creating any smoke or soot.

3. Recenter the Wick

After extinguishing the flame, use the wick dipper to straighten and centre the wick. A properly centred wick helps the candle burn evenly next time. If the wick is off-centre, it may cause uneven burning or create soot on the side of the container.

4. Trim the Wick Before Relighting

Before relighting your candle, always trim the wick to about 1/4 inch. A shorter wick helps to maintain a clean, even burn and reduces the risk of mushrooming or soot production. You can use a wick trimmer or scissors for this step.

Why You Should Use a Wick Dipper

Incorporating a wick dipper into your candle care routine offers several benefits that enhance the overall candle experience:

1. Smoke-Free Extinguishing

One of the most significant advantages of using a wick dipper is its ability to extinguish the flame without producing smoke or soot. This is especially important if you’re sensitive to smoke or have allergies. The smoke-free extinguishing also helps to preserve the scent of your candle, as blowing out a candle can create a burnt smell that overpowers the fragrance.

2. Clean and Safe Candle Jars

Using a wick dipper prevents soot buildup on the candle jar, keeping it clean and visually appealing. This is particularly important for glass containers, where soot can create an unsightly black film. A clean candle jar also reduces the risk of discolouration and helps maintain the candle’s aesthetic appeal.

3. Even Burning and Better Candle Performance

By properly extinguishing the flame and maintaining the wick’s integrity, a wick dipper helps to promote even burning. This ensures the candle burns evenly across its surface, preventing wasted wax and maximizing burn time. Even burning also enhances the scent throw, allowing you to enjoy the fragrance to its fullest.

4. Safer Candle Use

A wick dipper is a safer alternative to blowing out a candle, as it eliminates the risk of hot wax splattering or accidentally knocking over the candle. It also reduces the chance of inhaling smoke or soot, making it a healthier choice for extinguishing candles.

Choosing the Right Wick Dipper

When selecting a wick dipper, consider the following factors:

1. Material

Wick dippers are typically made from metal, such as stainless steel or brass, which is durable and heat-resistant. Stainless steel wick dippers are often more affordable, while brass wick dippers offer a classic, elegant look. Some wick dippers may also have a decorative finish or design, making them a stylish addition to your candle accessories.

2. Length and Design

Choose a wick dipper with a long enough handle to reach the wick comfortably without getting too close to the flame or hot wax. The hooked or curved end should be easy to manoeuvre and allow you to dip and lift the wick without difficulty. Some wick dippers have an ergonomic design, making them more comfortable to hold and use.

3. Style and Aesthetics

Wick dippers come in various styles and finishes, from sleek and modern to ornate and vintage-inspired. Consider your personal style and the aesthetic of your candle collection when choosing a wick dipper. A well-designed wick dipper can add a touch of elegance to your candle care routine.

Conclusion

A wick dipper is a valuable tool for any candle enthusiast, offering a smoke-free, clean, and safe way to extinguish candles. By using a wick dipper, you can enhance your candle experience, prolong the life of your candles, and maintain a clean, soot-free environment. Whether you’re a seasoned candle lover or new to the world of candles, incorporating a wick dipper into your candle care routine is a simple yet effective way to elevate your enjoyment and care for your candles.