Putting Out Incense without Ruining It
Incense can be a wonderful addition to your living space, offering a pleasant aroma and a sense of serenity. However, there will be times when you need to extinguish the incense before it has fully burned down. To ensure that you can reuse the incense stick or cone, follow these steps to put it out without causing damage.
Extinguishing Incense Sticks
For incense sticks, the process is quite straightforward:
- Let the incense stick burn for a few seconds. Allow the incense to light properly and establish a good burning ember.
- Gently extinguish the flame. You can do this by lightly blowing out the flame or waving your hand swiftly over the stick to create enough wind to put it out. Avoid using too much force, which might scatter ash everywhere or even break the incense stick.
- Ensure that the ember is not glowing. If you notice any glowing embers, you can gently tap the burning end against a heat-resistant surface to fully extinguish them. Be gentle to avoid breaking the stick.
- Store properly. Once the incense is extinguished, place it back in an incense holder, ensuring that any ash is collected and the stick is secure. This will prevent any accidental burning later on.
Extinguishing Incense Cones
For incense cones, the method is slightly different but also ensures conservation:
- Allow the cone to establish a burn. Wait for a few seconds after lighting to let the cone form a nice, even burn.
- Smother the flame. You can do this by placing a heat-resistant object over the cone to limit the oxygen and snuff out the flame. Some incense burners come with a snuffer for this purpose.
- Check the ember. After smothering the flame, make sure the ember is no longer glowing. If it is, you may need to smother it again. Be careful not to touch the cone directly as it might still be hot.
- Proper storage. When the cone is fully extinguished and cool, store it in a safe place away from anything flammable and where it won’t be accidentally crushed.
Tips for Reusing Incense
- Avoid water. Never use water to extinguish incense as it can ruin the stick or cone and will prevent it from being reused.
- Incense holder use. Always use an appropriate incense holder designed for the type of incense you are burning, whether it’s a stick or cone.
- Regularly clean holders. Keep your incense holders clean to prevent old ash from mixing with the aroma of the new incense you burn.
- Be patient. Allow your incense to cool off completely before you attempt to store it or move it.
- Handle with care. When handling partially used incense, be gentle to avoid breaking it.
By following these steps, you can successfully put out your incense without ruining it, allowing you to use it again for future enjoyment.