A Complete Guide to Burning Incense Cones

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Everything you need to know about lighting and using cone incense
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Incense is used in ancient and modern cultures for worship and purification. Each scent has a different usage: vanilla for relaxation, nag champa for meditation, and citrus for energy. No matter which scent you use, lighting an incense cone is an easy task. Use a lighter or match and burn the tip until it glows orange. In this guide, we’ll teach you how to enjoy incense cones safely in the comfort of your home.

Simple Way to Use Incense Cones

Cone incense gives off a fragrant scent when burned while producing a lot of smoke. To start burning your incense, place the cone in a heat-proof container and light the tip of the cone so it produces a flame. Once the cone tip has an orange glow, your incense is ready to be enjoyed.

Section 1 of 3:

How to Light an Incense Cone

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  1. Cones often come with a metal disk to absorb the heat. However, you can use an ashtray, ceramic bowl, or a special heat-proof incense box or tray to contain the heat safely. Place the container away from flammable objects, like curtains, lampshades, or paper. [1]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Burn Cone Incense
    Spread a layer of sand or salt about 1 cm (0.39 in) thick on the bottom of any heat-resistant container to help distribute the heat. Other alternatives are white ash or rice. It can also be used to snuff out the flame, if needed. [2]
    • You don't have to do this step, but many people find that it helps their incense burn better.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Burn Cone Incense
    If you’re using an incense box, place the cone in the small circular slot designed for it. Otherwise, place the cone in the center of any heat-proof box or tray. The flat, wider part of the cone should sit on top of the surface, with the tip of the cone facing up. [3]
    • If you filled the container with sand or salt, position the cone evenly on the sand so it doesn't fall over.
    • There are two types of cones: a traditional cone and a backflow cone . Unlike traditional cones, backflow cones have a small hole on the tip, which creates a waterfall effect.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Burn Cone Incense
    [4] Master Herbalist Julie Brow-Polanco recommends bring a match or lighter to the tip of the cone until a small flame appears. Then, pull the match or lighter away. The flame doesn’t need to appear for very long—5 to 10 seconds is fine. [5]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Burn Cone Incense
    Once the flame disappears, the tip of the incense cone should glow. If the tip looks dark or burnt when you remove the flame, try to relight it until the tip is orange. The orange glow signals the cone is properly heated, like embers in a fire. [7]
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Burn Cone Incense
    Use your hands or a piece of paper to fan the cone, or use your breath to blow the top of the cone softly. A steady, consistent stream of smoke signals the flame is gone and the incense is burning safely. [8]
  7. Allow your incense to burn from the tip to the bottom of the cone. If your incense container has a top, lightly cover it to let the smoke trickle out slowly. Unlike incense sticks or coils, the smoke from cones tends to be heavier and stronger. [9]
    • You may want to open a window nearby, but be sure the cone isn’t directly in front of it so it doesn’t go out.
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Section 2 of 3:

How to Put Out and Store Incense

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Burn Cone Incense
    If you want to put out the incense before it burns out on it's own or you have to leave it unattended, simply snuff the cone. Press the burning end against a heat-resistant surface, like the box or tray, or use sand, salt, white ash, or rice to put the heat out. [10]
    • You can also use cool water to ensure the embers are out.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Burn Cone Incense
    Once the cone is extinguished, let the remaining ash cool down completely before handling it to avoid burns. Take a trash bag or a garbage tin and sweep the ash in. [11]
    • Use a vacuum or dustpan as an alternative.
  3. Place your incense inside an airtight container or sealed plastic bag to preserve its scent. Storing it away from direct sunlight maintains its scent and burn quality. [12]
    • Similarly, keep incense away from flammable materials or heat sources to avoid an accidental fire.
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Section 3 of 3:

Troubleshooting Cone Incense

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Burn Cone Incense
    If the flame doesn’t go out after 10 seconds of lighting it, put the cone out. An incense cone with a solid flame gives off a smokier, less pleasant smell and is a fire hazard. Relight it or use a new cone until the tip burns orange. [13]
  2. If you're using a lid, remove the top to allow more air. Relight the cone if necessary, gently blow the flame, and enjoy! [14]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Burn Cone Incense
    New incense cones can be a little more oily than desired. Use a paper towel to gently blot the cone to remove excess oil or moisture so it burns properly.
  4. Another reason your incense cone might not stay lit is if it's near a breeze. Light your cone away from open windows or other sources of airflow.
    • Check to ensure there isn't an open-air vent near the incense.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Can burning incense be harmful?
    Julie Brow-Polanco
    Master Herbalist & Certified Aromatherapist
    Julie Brow-Polanco is a Master Herbalist & Certified Aromatherapist with more than 11 years of experience. She is an expert on natural remedies and specializes in using them to support whole-body wellness, particularly immune, digestive, nervous, and reproductive health. Julie earned a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Dominican University, a Master Herbalist Certification from The School of Natural Healing, and a Certificate of Aromatherapy from the Pacific Institute of Aromatherapy. Julie is a member of the American Herbalist Guild and a Certified Aromatherapist through the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy.
    Julie Brow-Polanco
    Master Herbalist & Certified Aromatherapist
    Expert Answer
    In excess, yeah. To minimize harm, be sure your incense is from a clean source and burn it in a well-ventilated room so that you're not breathing in the smoke.
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      • Avoid placing incense holders directly on a table surface. Place a potholder or a similar heat-resistant item down to absorb the heat.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/xE22ZD22T-s?t=21
      2. ↑ https://www.thisisdarkness.com/2021/07/01/incense-burning-101-how-to-burn-resins-sustainably/
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/M31QyDQtIoc?t=8
      4. ↑ Julie Brow-Polanco. Master Herbalist & Certified Aromatherapist. Expert Interview. 12 April 2022.
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/M31QyDQtIoc?t=10
      6. ↑ Julie Brow-Polanco. Master Herbalist & Certified Aromatherapist. Expert Interview. 12 April 2022.
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/M31QyDQtIoc?t=17
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/M31QyDQtIoc?t=19
      9. ↑ https://burntbeech.com/blogs/news/how-to-light-incense-cones
      1. ↑ https://acacuss.com/blogs/news/how-to-put-out-an-incense-stick
      2. ↑ https://www.naturaltherapypages.com.au/article/incense-basics
      3. ↑ https://www.naturaltherapypages.com.au/article/incense-basics
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/rHfMd-g3CIk?t=189
      5. ↑ https://naturalscents.net/incense/incense-wont-stay-lit-95

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To burn an incense cone, you’ll need an incense holder, ash tray, or ceramic bowl. Some incense cones also come with a small tray you can use. Place your cone flat with the point facing up. Then, light the tip with a lighter or match until it glows orange. If it burns with a flame, blow it out. Once lit, your incense cone should last for 20 to 30 minutes. If you need to put it out early, smother the end in sand or an ash tray. For more tips, including how to deal with a cone that keeps going out, read on!

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