The proper extinguishing of a hand-rolled tobacco product involves terminating its combustion safely and completely, preventing the risk of fire and preserving the integrity of ashtrays or disposal receptacles. This process differs significantly from extinguishing a cigarette due to the cigar’s greater size, density, and smoldering characteristics.
Successfully completing this action is crucial for several reasons. Primarily, it eliminates the chance of accidental fires, especially in environments with combustible materials. It also mitigates lingering smoky odors. Historically, methods for ending the combustion process have varied, but modern recommendations emphasize a complete and safe approach.
The following sections will detail specific techniques for ensuring the safe and effective conclusion of the burning process, including methods, tools, and cautionary advice to ensure a fire-safe outcome.
1. Smother, don’t stub
The directive to “smother, don’t stub” represents a cornerstone principle in proper cigar extinguishing technique. It prioritizes safety and cleanliness, offering a more controlled method than forceful stubbing, which can lead to unintended consequences.
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Preventing Ember Dispersion
Stubbing often causes the cigar’s burning end to break apart, scattering hot embers. These embers pose a fire hazard, especially if they land on flammable surfaces. Smothering, by contrast, allows the cigar to extinguish itself gradually, minimizing ember release.
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Minimizing Odor and Mess
Stubbing can create a lingering, acrid smell as the crushed tobacco continues to smolder. Additionally, it leaves behind a messy residue of broken ash and tobacco fragments. Smothering keeps the ash intact, reducing both odor and mess.
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Preserving Ashtray Integrity
Repeatedly stubbing cigars can damage the surface of an ashtray, particularly if it’s made of a softer material. Smothering eliminates this abrasive action, prolonging the ashtray’s lifespan and appearance.
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Ensuring Complete Extinguishment
Stubbing doesn’t guarantee that the cigar is fully extinguished. The inner core may continue to smolder, potentially reigniting later. Smothering, when properly executed, allows for a more complete and reliable termination of combustion.
In summary, “smother, don’t stub” isn’t merely a stylistic preference; it’s a practical guideline that enhances safety, reduces mess, and ensures the thorough extinguishing of a cigar, all contributing to responsible cigar consumption.
2. Vertical Ashtray Position
Maintaining a cigar in a vertical position within an ashtray, while not directly extinguishing it, significantly influences the smoldering process and contributes to a safer and more controlled cessation of combustion.
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Enhanced Airflow and Cooling
Positioning the cigar vertically allows for increased airflow around the burning ember. This increased exposure to ambient air facilitates cooling, which slows the burning process and reduces the risk of runaway combustion often associated with tightly packed tobacco. The effect is analogous to air cooling in an engine, preventing overheating and potential damage. Without this airflow, the cigar can burn hotter and faster, making it more difficult to extinguish safely.
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Concentrated Ash Collection
A vertical position encourages the formation and retention of a stable ash column. This column acts as a natural insulator, further regulating the burn rate. Additionally, a concentrated ash column is less likely to crumble and scatter, keeping the immediate environment cleaner and reducing the potential for errant embers to ignite nearby materials. The resulting, more manageable ash pile simplifies the final extinguishing process.
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Reduced Surface Contact
By minimizing the surface area of the cigar in direct contact with the ashtray’s base, a vertical orientation limits heat transfer and prevents the ashtray from becoming excessively hot. This is particularly important with ashtrays made from materials that conduct heat efficiently, such as metal. Excessive heat buildup can pose a burn hazard and potentially damage the ashtray itself.
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Facilitated Self-Extinguishment
While not a guaranteed method, a cigar left unattended in a vertical position within an appropriate ashtray is more likely to self-extinguish than one left lying horizontally. The combination of increased airflow, controlled ash formation, and limited surface contact promotes a gradual decline in the burning process, increasing the probability that the cigar will eventually extinguish on its own without intervention. This characteristic is especially useful when combined with other extinguishing techniques.
In conclusion, while not a direct method of concluding the burning process, employing a vertical ashtray position facilitates a more manageable and predictable extinguishing process. This technique enhances safety, reduces mess, and contributes to a more responsible overall cigar smoking experience. The principles of airflow management and heat dissipation are central to this technique’s effectiveness.
3. Complete combustion stop
Achieving a complete cessation of combustion represents the ultimate goal when concluding the use of a cigar. The phrase “how to put out a cigar” fundamentally implies halting the burning process entirely, thereby preventing the fire hazard and unwanted smoke. Incomplete extinguishing can result in smoldering tobacco, which poses a risk of reignition and can produce persistent, unpleasant odors. For instance, a cigar that appears extinguished may still harbor embers within its core, potentially igniting flammable materials hours later. The proper method, therefore, must ensure that the entire cigar, from the outermost wrapper to the innermost tobacco, is no longer actively burning.
Various techniques are employed to ensure complete combustion stop. These often involve a combination of smothering the cigar in an ashtray, ensuring adequate airflow to dissipate heat, and carefully inspecting the extinguished cigar for any remaining embers. An example of successful application involves slowly depriving the cigar of oxygen within a deep ashtray, visually confirming the absence of smoke or glowing embers, and allowing it to cool completely before disposal. Conversely, hastily discarded cigars or those extinguished improperly (e.g., by crushing without checking for smoldering) frequently lead to continued combustion and the aforementioned risks. This understanding has practical significance in any setting where cigars are smoked, from private residences to public establishments, underscoring the necessity of responsible behavior.
In summation, “complete combustion stop” is not merely a desired outcome but the defining objective of effective cigar extinguishing. The methods employed to achieve this must prioritize both immediate safety and long-term prevention of fire hazards. While various strategies exist, the underlying principle remains consistent: to eliminate the burning process entirely, mitigating risks and promoting responsible cigar usage.
4. No water submersion
Submerging a cigar in water as a means of extinguishing it, though seemingly expedient, is a practice strongly discouraged due to several undesirable consequences. While water effectively halts combustion, the resulting effect on the cigar’s residual materials and the surrounding environment presents significant drawbacks. The infusion of water into the cigar’s tobacco and wrapper causes the release of volatile organic compounds, creating a pungent and lingering odor far more offensive than that of a properly extinguished cigar. This odor permeates the surrounding area and can be difficult to eliminate, affecting fabrics, furniture, and air quality. For instance, the hasty submersion of a cigar at an outdoor gathering resulted in the entire patio area smelling strongly of acrid, wet tobacco for several days.
Furthermore, the waterlogged cigar becomes an unpleasant and unhygienic waste product. The saturated tobacco expands, potentially causing the cigar to disintegrate and release tarry residues that stain surfaces and attract insects. The contaminated water itself becomes a source of foul odors and can damage plumbing if disposed of improperly. The practice also creates an inaccurate perception of cleanliness; while the fire is extinguished, the resulting mess is considerably more problematic than the dry ash left by proper smothering. A real-world example involved the flooding of a waste receptacle with foul-smelling water after multiple cigars were extinguished in this manner, requiring extensive cleaning and sanitation.
In conclusion, while submersion in water does achieve the primary objective of extinguishing the cigar, the associated negative consequences outweigh any perceived convenience. The offensive odor, the messy residue, and the potential for environmental contamination make this method unsuitable. A more responsible approach, such as smothering the cigar in a suitable ashtray, offers a cleaner, more efficient, and less offensive alternative for halting the burning process, thus rendering “no water submersion” a critical consideration in understanding “how to put out a cigar” properly.
5. Monitor for embers
The imperative to “monitor for embers” is a critical component of properly concluding the combustion of a cigar, integral to the overall practice. Failure to observe this precaution can negate the efficacy of other extinguishing methods, resulting in a fire hazard despite initial appearances. The smoldering embers within the cigars core, if undetected, can reignite, potentially causing unintended fires, especially in environments with readily combustible materials. For instance, a seemingly extinguished cigar, discarded into a wastebasket containing paper, might, hours later, cause a fire due to undetected embers.
The process of monitoring for embers requires careful visual inspection of the extinguished cigar’s tip and body. Indicators of continuing combustion include faint smoke plumes, a persistent red glow visible in low light, or a localized increase in temperature when touched with a non-flammable object. Furthermore, even when these signs are absent, allowing the cigar to cool completely in a safe location, such as a ceramic ashtray, is essential. It offers the chance for any remaining hidden embers to extinguish harmlessly or to be detected before causing any hazards. A practical example involves placing the extinguished cigar on a metal surface and checking for residual heat transfer, which may indicate the presence of internal embers.
In summary, the effective act of putting out a cigar necessitates vigilance beyond the initial extinguishing actions. Monitoring for embers and allowing sufficient cooling time are crucial to mitigate the risk of reignition and to ensure complete cessation of combustion. This step ensures responsible disposal and adherence to safety practices, bridging the gap between attempted extinguishing and actual fire prevention. Without this final check, the initial extinguishing efforts are rendered incomplete and potentially dangerous.
6. Adequate ventilation
Adequate ventilation plays a supporting, though significant, role in effectively extinguishing a cigar. The primary function of ventilation in this context relates to the removal of combustion byproducts, such as smoke and heat, which can impede the extinguishing process and create potentially hazardous conditions. Insufficient ventilation allows for the accumulation of these byproducts, prolonging the smoldering stage and increasing the risk of reignition. For instance, attempting to extinguish a cigar in a confined space with minimal airflow results in a concentration of smoke and heat, sustaining the burning process and making it more difficult to achieve complete combustion stop. A real-world example involves a situation where a cigar, seemingly extinguished in a poorly ventilated room, reignited several hours later, causing a minor fire due to the trapped heat and lingering embers.
Ventilation also aids in dissipating the heat generated by the burning cigar, facilitating the cooling process necessary for complete extinguishment. A well-ventilated environment allows for the natural convection of air, drawing away the heat and lowering the temperature of the cigar, thereby reducing the likelihood of smoldering and reignition. In contrast, a lack of ventilation traps the heat, creating a localized hot zone that can sustain combustion even after initial extinguishing efforts. Consider the scenario of a cigar extinguished within a tightly sealed ashtray; the limited airflow inhibits heat dissipation, prolonging the smoldering phase and increasing the chance of residual embers. This can be contrasted with an outdoor setting where natural breezes promote rapid cooling and more effective extinguishment.
In summary, while not a direct extinguishing method, adequate ventilation serves as a crucial support mechanism in the process. By removing combustion byproducts and facilitating heat dissipation, proper airflow promotes a safer and more complete extinguishing process, minimizing the risk of reignition and associated hazards. The understanding of this connection is essential for responsible cigar consumption, particularly in indoor settings or confined spaces where natural ventilation is limited, underscoring the importance of controlled environments for both smoking and extinguishing practices.
7. Metal or ceramic ashtrays
The selection of an appropriate ashtray material, specifically opting for metal or ceramic, is intrinsically linked to the safe and effective conclusion of cigar combustion. These materials offer distinct advantages over alternatives, directly influencing the extinguishment process and mitigating potential hazards.
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Heat Resistance and Dissipation
Metal and ceramic ashtrays exhibit superior heat resistance compared to materials like plastic or wood. This resistance prevents the ashtray itself from becoming a fire hazard and facilitates heat dissipation, aiding in the cooling of the cigar. For instance, a metal ashtray placed on a wooden surface will not transfer excessive heat, reducing the risk of igniting the underlying surface. This characteristic is crucial for preventing accidental fires and ensuring the safe containment of the burning cigar.
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Non-Combustible Properties
Both metal and ceramic are inherently non-combustible, meaning they will not ignite or contribute to the spread of fire. This property provides a critical safety barrier, preventing the ashtray from becoming an active participant in a fire should embers escape or the cigar remain inadequately extinguished. An ashtray made of plastic, conversely, would melt and potentially fuel a fire, exacerbating the initial risk. The intrinsic fire resistance of metal and ceramic makes them ideal choices for handling the high temperatures associated with cigar combustion.
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Durability and Longevity
Metal and ceramic ashtrays are known for their durability and resistance to wear and tear. They can withstand repeated exposure to high temperatures and physical stress without degrading or becoming compromised. This longevity ensures the ashtray remains a reliable tool for extinguishing cigars over an extended period, reducing the need for frequent replacements and maintaining a consistent level of safety. A well-maintained metal or ceramic ashtray can last for years, providing continuous fire protection.
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Ease of Cleaning
The smooth, non-porous surfaces of metal and ceramic ashtrays facilitate easy cleaning and removal of ash and debris. This ease of maintenance is essential for preventing the accumulation of combustible material within the ashtray, reducing the risk of secondary ignition. Regular cleaning also helps to maintain the ashtray’s aesthetic appeal and prevent the development of unpleasant odors. A clean ashtray is a safer and more hygienic option for extinguishing cigars.
In conclusion, the selection of metal or ceramic ashtrays is not merely a matter of aesthetic preference but a crucial consideration for ensuring safe and effective cigar extinguishing. The heat resistance, non-combustible properties, durability, and ease of cleaning offered by these materials contribute directly to mitigating fire hazards and promoting responsible cigar consumption. These factors underscore the importance of appropriate material selection in the context of safely concluding cigar combustion.
8. Allow to cool
The instruction “Allow to cool” is a critical, often overlooked, component of proper cigar extinguishing technique. Its omission negates the effectiveness of other steps, such as smothering or using an appropriate ashtray. The primary cause of reignition is residual heat within the cigar’s core, capable of sustaining smoldering for extended periods. For instance, a cigar might appear extinguished, with visible flames absent, yet the concentrated heat within the tightly packed tobacco can reignite the outer wrapper hours later. The practical significance of allowing the cigar to cool stems from this delayed combustion potential, highlighting the importance of a passive cooling phase after active extinguishing attempts.
Consider a situation where a cigar is stubbed out forcefully, visually appearing extinguished. However, due to the lack of a cooling period, undetected embers within the cigar reignite when oxygen is reintroduced, leading to a smoldering fire in a waste receptacle. In contrast, if the same cigar were allowed to cool in a non-combustible ashtray for a sufficient duration, the embers would self-extinguish as the heat dissipates. The “Allow to cool” instruction mitigates this risk by providing a period of observation and controlled heat dissipation, allowing any remaining combustion activity to cease without posing a fire hazard.
In summary, integrating the “Allow to cool” step into the cigar extinguishing process is not merely a precautionary measure but an essential element for complete combustion cessation. Overlooking this phase increases the probability of reignition and associated fire risks. The effectiveness of this technique relies on patience and attentiveness to residual heat, reinforcing the broader theme of responsible cigar consumption and adherence to safety protocols.
9. Safe disposal
The safe disposal of cigar remnants is an indispensable extension of proper extinguishing practices. The effective completion of the burning process, achieved through diligent extinguishing, directly influences the subsequent disposal procedure, minimizing fire risks and environmental impact.
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Complete Extinguishment Verification
Prior to disposal, thorough verification that the cigar is completely extinguished is paramount. Discarding a smoldering cigar, even if it appears inert, introduces a significant fire hazard, particularly in environments containing combustible materials such as waste receptacles or dry vegetation. Confirming complete combustion stop through visual inspection and temperature assessment is a crucial prerequisite for safe disposal.
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Appropriate Receptacle Selection
The choice of disposal receptacle directly impacts safety. A non-combustible container, preferably metal or ceramic, should be used to contain extinguished cigar remains. Plastic or other flammable receptacles pose a fire risk if residual embers persist. Furthermore, the receptacle should be placed away from combustible materials and in a well-ventilated area to prevent the accumulation of smoke or heat.
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Cooling Period Considerations
Even after visual confirmation of extinguishment, allowing a cooling period within the designated receptacle is advisable. Residual heat within the cigar’s core can persist for an extended duration. This cooling period minimizes the likelihood of reignition and ensures that any remaining embers are fully extinguished before the receptacle is emptied. A cooling period of several hours is recommended prior to final disposal.
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Responsible Waste Management Practices
The ultimate disposal of cigar remnants should align with responsible waste management practices. Discarding cigar remains indiscriminately contributes to environmental pollution and poses a potential fire hazard. Adhering to local regulations regarding waste disposal and utilizing designated receptacles ensures responsible management of cigar waste, minimizing environmental impact and promoting public safety.
The interconnectedness of diligent extinguishing practices and safe disposal procedures underscores a holistic approach to responsible cigar consumption. Each step, from the initial extinguishing attempt to the final disposal, contributes to mitigating fire risks and minimizing environmental impact. Adherence to these guidelines is essential for promoting public safety and responsible environmental stewardship.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries regarding the proper and safe extinguishing of cigars. The information provided aims to clarify best practices and mitigate potential fire hazards.
Question 1: Is it acceptable to extinguish a cigar by crushing it underfoot?
No, this method is strongly discouraged. Crushing a cigar scatters hot embers, increasing the risk of fire, and creates an unpleasant mess. A controlled extinguishing method is recommended.
Question 2: Does the size of the cigar impact the extinguishing method?
Yes, larger cigars require greater attention during the extinguishing process due to their increased mass and prolonged smoldering potential. The “Allow to Cool” principle is particularly important for larger cigars.
Question 3: Is it safe to leave a cigar unattended in an ashtray to self-extinguish?
While a vertical position can facilitate self-extinguishment, this should not be relied upon as a sole extinguishing method. Monitoring for embers remains crucial, even when self-extinguishment appears successful.
Question 4: Can a cigar be considered fully extinguished if there is no visible smoke?
Not necessarily. Embers can persist within the cigar’s core even in the absence of visible smoke. A cooling period and inspection for residual heat are necessary to ensure complete extinguishment.
Question 5: Does the type of ashtray influence the effectiveness of cigar extinguishing?
Yes. Ashtrays made of non-combustible materials, such as metal or ceramic, are recommended. These materials resist heat and prevent the ashtray itself from becoming a fire hazard.
Question 6: How long should a cigar be allowed to cool before being disposed of?
A cooling period of several hours is recommended prior to disposal. This allows for any remaining embers to self-extinguish and minimizes the risk of reignition within waste receptacles.
The information provided underscores the necessity of employing a comprehensive and diligent approach to cigar extinguishing, emphasizing safety and responsible practices.
The following section will explore advanced techniques and considerations for cigar aficionados.
Effective Cigar Extinguishing Techniques
The following techniques provide guidance on ensuring the safe and thorough cessation of cigar combustion, minimizing fire risks and associated hazards. These are guidelines for responsible cigar usage.
Tip 1: Prioritize Smothering over Stubbing: Forceful stubbing scatters embers and creates a mess. Smothering, allowing the cigar to self-extinguish in a partially enclosed ashtray, is a safer and cleaner method.
Tip 2: Utilize Vertical Positioning in Ashtrays: Maintaining the cigar in a vertical position promotes airflow, facilitates cooling, and encourages a more controlled burn-down, contributing to easier extinguishment.
Tip 3: Ensure Complete Combustion Stop: Verify the absence of any smoke, residual heat, or glowing embers before considering the cigar extinguished. Embers can persist internally for extended periods.
Tip 4: Avoid Water Submersion: Submerging a cigar in water produces foul odors and messy residues. Opt for dry extinguishing methods to maintain air quality and prevent environmental contamination.
Tip 5: Implement a Vigilant Embers Monitoring Protocol: Monitor the extinguished cigar for any sign of remaining embers. Even after initial extinguishment, embers can remain a fire hazard. Allow sufficient cooling time to ensure fire safety.
Tip 6: Encourage Adequate Ventilation: Smoking and extinguishing cigars in adequately ventilated spaces helps with the dissipation of the byproducts of combustion, allowing heat to dissipate for effective cooling.
Tip 7: Opt for Metal or Ceramic Ashtrays: Ashtrays crafted from metal or ceramic have been proven to resist heat and their non-combustible characteristics guarantee safety while cigar smolders, reducing fire risks.
Tip 8: Be Patient and Allow Sufficient Cooling Time: Post-extinguishment cooling is paramount. A well-cooled cigar minimizes any fire hazards and aids in the cigar’s disposal.
These techniques, when consistently applied, minimize the risks associated with cigar smoking and contribute to responsible cigar consumption. Adherence to these tips will help create a safe environment.
The final section concludes the discussion on responsible cigar extinguishing practices and provides a concluding summary.
Conclusion
The preceding analysis has comprehensively explored “how to put out a cigar” effectively and safely. Key elements include smothering, vertical positioning, ensuring complete combustion cessation, avoiding water submersion, vigilant ember monitoring, promoting adequate ventilation, utilizing appropriate ashtrays, and allowing sufficient cooling time. These techniques represent essential practices for responsible cigar usage.
Mastery of these principles is not merely a matter of etiquette, but a commitment to fire safety and responsible environmental stewardship. Consistent application of these guidelines mitigates risks, protects property, and promotes a culture of awareness within the cigar community. The effective action of concluding cigar use should be a fundamental component of any individual’s or establishment’s protocol.
