Turning off an incense stick is a simple and safe process. Unlike blowing out a candle, blowing on incense can scatter hot embers. The safest and most effective way to extinguish an incense stick is to place the burning end in a bowl of sand or water.
Safe Methods for Extinguishing Incense
The provided reference emphasizes that incense sticks contain significantly more embers than a candle. Blowing them out risks scattering these burning embers, which could potentially cause a fire or burns.
Here's the recommended approach based on the reference:
- Submerge in Sand or Water: The most effective way is to place the lit tip of the incense stick directly into a non-flammable substance that will smother the flame and embers.
- Water: Dunking the tip in a small amount of water will immediately extinguish it.
- Sand/Soil: Sticking the burning end into a bowl of sand, soil, or even ash from previously burned incense works by cutting off the oxygen supply.
Both methods cause the embers to go out quickly and safely.
Why Avoid Blowing on Incense?
As mentioned, blowing on an incense stick can disperse fine, hot ash and embers into the surrounding area. This is a safety hazard, as these embers can land on flammable surfaces, fabric, or even skin. Using water or sand eliminates this risk.
Extinguishing Incense Cones
The method for extinguishing incense cones is the same as for sticks. Simply place the burning tip (usually the top point) into a bowl of sand or water to safely put it out.
To summarize the safe methods:
| Method | Description | Safety Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Water | Dip the burning tip into a small dish of water. | Immediately smothers fire |
| Sand/Soil | Insert the burning tip into sand or soil. | Cuts off oxygen, smothers |
Using these simple techniques ensures that your incense is extinguished safely and effectively, preventing potential hazards associated with hot embers.
