How to Light Incense

What does burning incense do?

Incense is often used to enhance spiritual or religious ceremonies, but it can also be used for simple relaxation and stress relief. When burned correctly, incense can provide many benefits for your mind and body, have a look at the full list of incense scents here.

How to light an incense stick

Here are a few basic steps that will ensure you are able to burn incense sticks safely in your sacred space or home.

It is important to use an appropriate incense burner to collect the ash as it falls, and to trim the stick as necessary to ensure a proper fit.
Make sure to light the tip of the incense stick with a lighter or match until a flame is established and allow it to burn for a few seconds to ensure it is properly lit.
Once lighting the incense is done, place in the incense holder or urn. It’s best to keep incense sticks away from drafts, air vents and on high shelves which might allow ash to drop onto furniture below.
Gently extinguish by blowing or fanning out the flame.

If you are using incense cones you will need to light them with a different method.

Burning Incense FAQ

What should I do if my incense sticks are not burning?

Your stick should glow red and a gentle wisp of smoke should be seen. Place your incense stick in a safe location away from children or pets and away from all flammable material. Do not place next to an open window.

How long should I let my incense stick burn?

There is no set time, but it is recommended that you do not allow the incense stick to burn for more than 15 minutes at a time. Extinguish the flame and let the embers cool before relighting. Be sure to trim the stick as necessary to ensure a proper fit.

Why do some incense sticks produce more smoke than others?

The amount of smoke produced by an incense stick depends on the type of material used as well as tightly it is packed. Some sticks are made with resin, which produce a good deal of smoke. Other incense sticks are not made with any fixative and therefore don’t last very long. These tend to release the fragrance quickly but burn out fast.

How do I extinguish an incense stick?

Place your incense stick in a safe location away from children or pets and away from all flammable material. Do not place next to an open window. Gently blow or fan out the flame until it goes out completely. The embers should be cool before you handle them, as they can reach temperatures of up to 1,382 degrees Fahrenheit (750 degrees Celsius). If you want to extinguish it by hand then use a metal container that won’t be damaged by the heat.

What should I do with used incense sticks?

Once your stick is finished, it’s best to let it cool down and then place in a metal container where it can be disposed of properly. Be sure that any ash or embers are cooled before disposing of them as they can still cause fires after the stick has been extinguished. This also reduces how many ashes will end up in the air while you’re attempting to extinguish the stick. Never leave burning incense unattended or within reach of children or pets and never place them directly onto furniture, cushions etc…