How to Put Out a Candle with Your Fingers

Last Updated: June 7, 2022

Have you ever seen someone put out a candle with their fingers? Have you ever wanted to try it without burning your hands? Here is a way to do it safely.

Steps

1
Light your candle. It should be at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) high and freestanding. Make sure you can pull your hand away quickly.
2
Lick your fingers. This is an important part of the process. Do not skip it! Licking your fingers adds a layer of water that protects your skin from getting burned

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3
Place your hand about 1 inch (2.5 cm) away from the flame/wick.^{[1]
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4
Quickly grab the wick and then let go. This should put out your flame. If it does not, blow out your candle, shorten your wick and try again.^{[2]
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5
Practice. Eventually with practice you can do this without licking your fingers, but you must master the timing first. Be warned!^{[3]
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Community Q&A

Question

Can you use these steps for any type of candle?

Community Answer

Yes, you can. It works on matches, too.
Question

Will it burn my hands?

Jovana Lanik

Community Answer

If you do it wrong, yes, it will, but as long as you are careful nothing will happen.
Question

What happens if my fingers get burnt when putting a candle out with my fingers?

Community Answer

Then your fingers are burnt. Simply blow out the candle if it’s not out already and go put some aloe on your fingers to soothe the pain.

Warnings

If you hold the wick too long, your fingers could get burned.

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Soot from the wick will come off on your fingers. Wash it off and don't touch your face or clothing, because you'll leave black marks.

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Helpful 6 Not Helpful 0
Don't do it without liquid on your fingers.

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