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A Complete Guide to Burning Incense Cones Download Article Everything you need to know about lighting and using cone incense Co-authored by Julie Brow-Polanco and Mason Martinez, BA
Last Updated: April 24, 2024 Fact Checked
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How to Light an Incense Cone
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Putting Out & Storing Incense
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Troubleshooting
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Video
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Expert Q&A
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Tips
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Warnings
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This article was co-authored by Julie Brow-Polanco and by wikiHow staff writer, Mason Martinez, BA. 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. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 200,865 times.
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.
Steps
Section 1 of 3:
How to Light an Incense Cone
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1 Use a heat-proof incense burner. 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]XResearch source
2 Put a layer of sand or salt in the burner to distribute the heat. 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]XResearch source
You don't have to do this step, but many people find that it helps their incense burn better.
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3 Place the cone in the container with the point facing up. 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]XResearch source
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 Use a match or a candle to light the tip of the cone.[4]X Expert Source Julie Brow-PolancoMaster Herbalist & Certified AromatherapistExpert Interview 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]XResearch source
Brow-Polanco advises against using a stove or any strong flame to light the tip of the cone, as you may burn your hands.[6]X Expert Source Julie Brow-PolancoMaster Herbalist & Certified AromatherapistExpert Interview
5 Wait for an orange glow to appear on the tip. 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]XResearch source
6 Gently blow or fan the incense cone to ensure the flame is out. 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]XResearch source
7 Enjoy your incense for 20 to 40 minutes. 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]XResearch source
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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How to Put Out and Store Incense
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1 Snuff the tip out by pressing the burnt end against a heat-resistant surface. 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]XResearch source
You can also use cool water to ensure the embers are out.
2 Dispose of the ash in the trash once it’s cooled down. 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]XResearch source
Use a vacuum or dustpan as an alternative.
3 Store your incense in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. 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]XResearch source
Similarly, keep incense away from flammable materials or heat sources to avoid an accidental fire.
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Troubleshooting Cone Incense
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1 Blow out solid flames to prevent excess smoke. 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]XResearch source
2 Add more oxygen if the tip won’t stay lit. 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]XResearch source
3 Clean the cone if it's brand new or oily with a paper towel. 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 Keep your incense cone away from drafty areas or open windows. 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. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 8
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Tips
Avoid placing incense holders directly on a table surface. Place a potholder or a similar heat-resistant item down to absorb the heat. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
Warnings
Keep the incense away from children or pets when it's burning. Thanks Helpful 12 Not Helpful 2
Avoid touching the cone when it's burning, as it's likely to be very hot. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1
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Co-authored by: Julie Brow-Polanco Master Herbalist & Certified Aromatherapist This article was co-authored by Julie Brow-Polanco and by wikiHow staff writer, Mason Martinez, BA. 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. This article has been viewed 200,865 times. 7 votes - 91% Co-authors: 4Updated: April 24, 2024 Views: 200,865 Categories: AromatherapyArticle SummaryX
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!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Julie Brow-Polanco Master Herbalist & Certified Aromatherapist Co-authors: 4Updated: April 24, 2024 Views: 200,86591% of readers found this article helpful. 7 votes - 91% Click a star to add your vote
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Download Article Everything you need to know about lighting and using cone incense Co-authored by Julie Brow-Polanco and Mason Martinez, BA 
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Co-authored by: Julie Brow-Polanco Master Herbalist & Certified Aromatherapist This article was co-authored by Julie Brow-Polanco and by wikiHow staff writer, Mason Martinez, BA. 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. This article has been viewed 200,865 times. 7 votes - 91% Co-authors: 4 Updated: April 24, 2024 Views: 200,865 Categories: Aromatherapy Article SummaryX
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1 Use a heat-proof incense burner. 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 Put a layer of sand or salt in the burner to distribute the heat. 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] 
7 Enjoy your incense for 20 to 40 minutes. 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] 
3 Store your incense in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. 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] 
2 Add more oxygen if the tip won’t stay lit. 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] 
4 Keep your incense cone away from drafty areas or open windows. 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. 
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. 
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