Simple Tips on How to Put Out Incense Properly
Burning incense can create a calming, aromatic environment in your home, whether you’re meditating or simply unwinding. But once you’re done, knowing how to put out incense safely is just as important as lighting it. Whether you want to save the remaining incense for later or avoid any fire risks, there are simple methods to extinguish it effectively.
In this guide, we’ll explore easy and safe ways to handle incense so you can enjoy its benefits without any hassle. Let’s dive into the best practices for putting out your incense.
Why It’s Important to Properly Put Out Incense
Properly putting out incense is essential for a few key reasons that go beyond convenience. It ensures safety, preserves the incense for future use, and maintains the quality of your environment. Let’s dive deeper into why you should always take care when extinguishing your incense.
1. Fire Safety Concerns
Incense burns at a relatively low temperature, but it can still pose a fire risk if not properly extinguished. If you leave incense burning unattended or fail to put it out completely, the ember can continue to smolder, potentially leading to accidental fires. This is especially risky if the incense is near flammable materials like fabric, paper, or wood. By taking the time to put out incense correctly, you eliminate any chances of it causing harm.
Even after the visible smoke stops, the tip can remain hot enough to ignite nearby materials if left in an unsafe spot. Ensuring that the incense is fully extinguished prevents these hazards, making your home safer.
2. Preventing Smoldering and Lingering Smoke
Improperly putting out incense can result in smoldering, where the incense continues to burn slowly without producing much smoke. This can lead to an unpleasant, overly smoky atmosphere that lingers longer than intended. In addition to being irritating, this lingering smoke can cause breathing issues for some people, especially in enclosed spaces.
By properly extinguishing the incense, you prevent excessive smoke and ash from filling the room, keeping your environment fresh and comfortable. This is particularly important if you’re sensitive to smoke or using incense in a small space where ventilation is limited.
3. Preserving the Incense for Future Use
Many people prefer to burn incense only for short periods, especially during meditation, prayer, or relaxation sessions. If you don’t burn the entire stick or cone and want to save it for another time, learning how to properly put out incense will help preserve it. If you extinguish the incense without damaging it, you can relight it later without losing its quality or fragrance.
Snuffing out the incense carefully ensures that the scent remains potent for future use, allowing you to enjoy the incense multiple times from a single stick or cone. This is not only practical but also more economical, helping you get the most out of your incense.
4. Environmental and Health Benefits
When incense continues to smolder or isn’t extinguished properly, it releases unnecessary smoke into the air, which can affect indoor air quality. If you’re in a space with poor ventilation, this additional smoke can become problematic. Prolonged exposure to incense smoke, especially in enclosed spaces, can irritate the respiratory system and contribute to poor air quality.
By putting out your incense when you’re done, you minimize excess smoke, helping to keep your indoor air clean and reducing the impact on your health. This simple act can also reduce the amount of ash and residue that builds up, making your living space easier to maintain.
5. Respect for Spiritual and Ritual Practices
For many people, burning incense is part of a spiritual or ritual practice. The way you handle and extinguish the incense can be an important part of that practice. Properly putting out incense shows respect for the energy, intentions, or prayers associated with the act of burning it. Whether you’re using it for meditation, relaxation, or spiritual ceremonies, making sure to end the session by safely extinguishing the incense completes the process with care and mindfulness.
Different Methods for Putting Out Incense
When it comes to extinguishing incense, there are several methods you can use depending on the type of incense you’re burning and how much of it you want to save for later. Each method ensures that the incense is safely put out without causing damage to the incense itself or creating a fire hazard. Below are some of the most common and effective methods for putting out incense.
1. Snuffing Out Incense Sticks
One of the most straightforward ways to put out an incense stick is by snuffing it out. This involves cutting off the oxygen supply to the burning ember, which will stop the burn. Here’s how you can do it safely:
Using a Fireproof Surface or Tool: Hold the burning end of the incense stick against a fireproof surface like a ceramic plate, an ashtray, or the side of an incense burner. Press the tip gently until the ember dies out completely. Be careful not to press too hard, as this might break the incense or scatter ash.
Using a Snuffer Tool: You can also use a specific tool designed for snuffing out incense, similar to a candle snuffer. These tools gently smother the burning ember without blowing or spreading ash. They’re typically metal and shaped to cover the burning tip until the flame or ember is completely extinguished.
Why Avoid Blowing on Incense: While it may seem tempting, blowing on an incense stick to put it out is not recommended. Blowing scatters ash, and it can cause the ember to reignite. Additionally, it can disturb the scent and spread smoke unevenly, diminishing the incense’s intended effect. Snuffing the incense is a much safer and cleaner method.
2. Dipping in Water
Dipping incense in water is an easy and reliable way to extinguish it completely, especially if you want to ensure the ember is fully out with no chance of reignition. This method works well for both incense sticks and cones. Here’s how to do it:
Steps for Dipping: Take the burning end of the incense and dip it quickly into a small dish of water. The water will instantly cool the ember, stopping the burn completely. Once dipped, let the incense dry before storing it for future use.
Ensuring Proper Drying: If you plan to reuse the incense later, make sure to dry the stick or cone completely before relighting it. Damp incense won’t burn properly and can emit a musty smell when lit. To dry it, place the incense in a cool, dry area or lay it on a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.
Use Water Sparingly: While dipping in water is effective, use this method only when you’re certain you won’t relight the incense immediately. Overexposure to moisture can ruin the scent and cause the incense to disintegrate, especially with lower-quality sticks or cones.
3. Burying the Tip in Sand or Salt
Another popular method for putting out incense is burying the burning tip in a dish filled with sand or salt. This method is safe, especially if you regularly burn incense, and it preserves the incense for future use without damaging it.
Using a Sand-Filled Burner: Many incense burners are designed with a base that can be filled with sand. After burning the incense, you can simply bury the glowing tip in the sand. The sand cuts off the oxygen supply, putting out the incense immediately. It also helps catch any falling ash, keeping the area clean and safe from fire hazards.
Salt as an Alternative: If you don’t have a sand-filled burner, you can use a dish of salt as a substitute. Burying the burning tip in salt works just as well and has the added benefit of absorbing moisture, helping to preserve the incense for later use.
Advantages of Using Sand or Salt: This method is not only effective at extinguishing the incense, but it’s also gentle. There’s minimal risk of breaking the incense, and it’s a great way to keep your incense burner organized. Both sand and salt act as natural fire extinguishers, ensuring the ember is completely snuffed out.
4. Pressing the Tip Against a Fireproof Surface
For both incense sticks and cones, pressing the burning tip against a fireproof surface is another easy way to extinguish them. This method requires no additional tools and can be done quickly.
How to Do It: Simply press the burning end of the incense gently against a fireproof surface, such as a ceramic plate, stone, or metal dish. Apply light pressure until the ember dies out. Make sure to use a surface that won’t catch fire and is heat-resistant, especially if the ember is still glowing.
Ideal for Incense Cones: This method is particularly effective for incense cones, as their larger burning area can be easily pressed out on a flat, fireproof surface. Just press the burning base until the ember no longer glows.
Ensuring the Ember Is Out: After pressing the tip, make sure there are no glowing embers left. A smoldering incense tip can reignite, so double-check that the heat has dissipated completely before leaving it unattended.
5. Using an Incense Extinguishing Tool
If you burn incense frequently, investing in an incense extinguishing tool can be a good option. These tools are specifically designed to safely and effectively put out incense without creating a mess. They work by gently clipping or covering the burning end of the incense.
How It Works: Incense extinguishing tools come in various designs, but most involve clipping onto the burning incense or pressing a small cap over the glowing tip to suffocate the flame. Some are designed for specific types of incense, like sticks or cones, making the extinguishing process easier and more efficient.
Benefits of an Extinguishing Tool: Using a dedicated tool ensures that the incense is safely extinguished without damaging it. These tools help keep your space clean by preventing ash from scattering and ensure that the incense can be reused without breaking or bending.
Choosing the Best Method for Your Incense
The method you choose to put out your incense will depend on the type of incense you’re using and whether or not you plan to reuse it. For incense sticks, snuffing or dipping in water are popular methods, while incense cones or coils may benefit from pressing the tip against a fireproof surface. Sand and salt provide a simple, reusable solution that works for any type of incense.
Whatever method you choose, the key is to ensure that the incense is fully extinguished, keeping your space safe from potential fire hazards and preserving the remaining incense for future use. Properly putting out incense allows you to continue enjoying its calming effects without any risks or waste.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Putting Out Incense
While burning incense can be a soothing ritual, putting it out safely is just as important. Many people, especially those new to incense use, may unknowingly make mistakes when extinguishing it, which can lead to fire hazards, damaged incense, or a lingering smoky smell. Avoiding these common mistakes will help you safely put out incense and preserve it for future use, ensuring a pleasant experience every time.
Here’s a breakdown of the key mistakes to avoid when putting out incense.
1. Blowing on the Incense to Extinguish It
One of the most common mistakes people make is blowing on the burning incense in an attempt to extinguish it. While blowing out a candle may work, it’s not the best approach for incense.
Why It’s a Mistake: Blowing on the incense can scatter ash all over the place, making a mess. More importantly, blowing on the ember can cause it to flare up again instead of extinguishing it. The airflow may spread the ember further down the stick or cone, causing the incense to continue burning instead of going out.
What to Do Instead: Use snuffing, dipping, or pressing methods to extinguish the ember without causing ash to scatter or reigniting the incense.
2. Not Using a Fireproof Surface
Another common mistake is putting out incense on surfaces that are not fireproof, which can pose a serious safety risk. Even after the smoke has stopped, the incense tip can remain hot for some time, potentially igniting flammable materials if placed in the wrong location.
Why It’s a Mistake: If you place your incense on a flammable surface—such as wood, fabric, or plastic—it can lead to accidental fires or cause damage to the surface. The burning ember can smolder quietly and even reignite if the conditions are right.
What to Do Instead: Always use a fireproof surface when extinguishing incense, such as a ceramic plate, metal dish, or a designated incense holder. If you’re using the dipping method, be sure the water is in a fireproof container to avoid any accidents.
3. Leaving Incense Smoldering Unattended
Leaving incense to smolder on its own is a risky habit. Some people may assume that incense will eventually burn itself out safely, but this is not always the case. If the incense is not in a secure holder or is left near flammable objects, it can pose a fire hazard.
Why It’s a Mistake: Smoldering incense can continue to release heat and ash, which, if left unattended, could fall onto nearby surfaces or objects, increasing the risk of fire. Even if the ember seems to have gone out, it can reignite if disturbed or if oxygen flow increases.
What to Do Instead: Always ensure that the incense is completely extinguished before leaving it unattended. Use snuffing, dipping, or burying methods to be certain that the ember is out. After extinguishing, double-check that there are no glowing embers before walking away.
4. Using Non-Heat Resistant Holders
Using incense holders or trays that aren’t designed to handle high heat can lead to problems. While many incense burners are made from materials like metal, stone, or ceramic, some may use fragile or decorative materials that aren’t heat-resistant.
Why It’s a Mistake: Non-heat resistant holders can crack, burn, or become damaged from the heat of burning incense. In some cases, this can also lead to fire hazards if the holder breaks or deteriorates while incense is still burning.
What to Do Instead: Invest in a high-quality, heat-resistant incense burner that is specifically designed for safe incense burning. Materials like ceramic, metal, or stone are best for handling the heat and ash that incense produces.
5. Not Allowing Incense to Cool Completely Before Storing
Another mistake people make is trying to store incense before it has completely cooled down. Incense can remain hot or warm to the touch for several minutes after being extinguished, and storing it prematurely can result in damage to the incense or increase the risk of fire if the ember is still glowing.
Why It’s a Mistake: Storing incense that is still warm can lead to accidental ignition of other materials or damage to the incense itself. Even if the ember seems to have gone out, it may still be smoldering inside, and placing it in a confined space can rekindle the ember.
What to Do Instead: Wait for at least 10-15 minutes after putting out the incense to ensure it has completely cooled down before storing it. If you plan to reuse it, make sure the incense is cool to the touch and not emitting any heat before putting it away.
6. Over-Dipping Incense in Water
While dipping the burning tip of incense in water is an effective way to put it out, over-dipping can cause damage to the incense and ruin its fragrance, making it less pleasant for future use.
Why It’s a Mistake: Submerging too much of the incense in water can cause it to become soggy, difficult to relight, or even unusable. Excess moisture can also affect the scent quality, leading to a musty or diluted smell when you burn it again.
What to Do Instead: If you’re using the water-dipping method, only dip the very tip of the incense into water to extinguish the ember. Make sure to let the incense dry thoroughly before relighting it, ensuring that it burns properly next time.
7. Mishandling Incense Coils
Incense coils are delicate and can be tricky to handle when trying to extinguish them. Mishandling them can lead to breaking the coil or causing it to unravel, making it difficult to use in the future.
Why It’s a Mistake: Coils are designed to burn slowly and evenly, so breaking or damaging the coil can disrupt the burn pattern and lead to wasted incense. Mishandling them while putting them out can also cause the coil to break apart.
What to Do Instead: Use gentle methods, such as snuffing or pressing the coil against a fireproof surface, to extinguish the ember without disturbing the coil’s structure. If you need to store the coil after extinguishing it, handle it with care to avoid breaking it.
8. Neglecting to Clean the Burner
After extinguishing incense, many people forget to clean the incense burner, allowing ash and residue to build up over time. This buildup can affect the burning quality of future incense and may also pose a fire hazard if it accumulates too much.
Why It’s a Mistake: Ash and incense residue can clog the burner, making it harder for future incense to burn properly. Additionally, excessive buildup can create a mess and increase the risk of ash falling onto flammable surfaces.
What to Do Instead: Regularly clean your incense burner after each use. Once the incense has completely cooled, remove any ash or residue to maintain the burner’s effectiveness and prevent potential hazards. A clean burner also ensures a more pleasant experience when lighting incense next time.
