How to Use Incense Sticks

April 08, 2026

We stock some amazing incense in our relaxation hamper. We thought it would be really helpful to discuss how to use incense sticks before you jump into your new relaxation hamper.

Keep reading to find out how to safely incense burn in your home and create a beautiful, relaxing haven. 

What Are Incense Sticks

Incense is a fragrant, aromatic biotic (animal) material that releases a pungent smoke when burnt. Incense is commonly purchased in a stick shape; however, it also comes in a powdered form or as incense cones. Powder incense is powdered resins and herbs blended.

Incense sticks are lit from the top, whereas powder incense is lit on a charcoal disk. Incense comes in all sorts of scents. Popular flavours include: sandalwood, myrrh, frankincense, rose, lemongrass, bamboo, bergamot, and other essential oils.

The History of Burning Incense Sticks

Incense has a long history; in fact, human civilisations have been burning incense for over 6000 years. Incense was brought to ancient Egypt from Africa and the Mediterranean.

From there, it was transported all across the world via the trade routes on the Nile. Incense quickly became an essential part of religious practices. Incense is used during Buddhist and Hindu offerings, festivals, and other religious practices and it's believed to help remove negative energy.

Now, incense burning is done in religious temples and domestic homes alike. It’s known the world around as a therapeutic substance that helps aid meditation and relaxation. 

How to Burn Incense Stick: Step By Step Guide

This is how to burn an incense stick and create a lovely incense smoke in your home… 

1. Place Incense in A Holder

Place the incense in an incense burner. You can purchase a holder made of wood, metal, or ceramic. All of the materials work very well; it’s up to you what kind of burner works best for you.

There are all sorts of incense holders in different shapes and sizes. Try to find one that will properly hold all the ash. You don’t want ash getting all over your furniture and floor. 

2. Light Incense 

Light the tip of the incense using a lighter or a match. We think a lighter is slightly easier than a match, but it’s really up to personal preference.

Light incense at the very tip, you’ll know it's lit when it burns, and an ember starts to glow on the tip. Once it has been lit, the incense will produce smoke, and you can leave you incense stick to burn.

If you’re using powdered incense, you will have to follow a different method. Sprinkle a small amount of resin on top of the burning charcoal. If you're using a cone, light the tip for a few seconds, and gently blow out the small flame.

The incense resins will burn until they run out. Properly lit incense (powdered and stick) usually has a burning time of 50-90 minutes. However, every incense lasts for slightly different times. 

3. Enjoy the Lovely Scent 

The lovely scent is the best part of incense. Incense will fill your home with an amazing aroma and vibe. It will instantly make you feel more relaxed!

Our favourite scent for relaxation is frankincense, myrrh, and sandalwood. This scent is known in the ancient world to improve our physical and mental health. 

4. Put Out the Incense Smoke 

You’ll need to put out the incense once it is nearly done. You can do this by blowing on the flame or stubbing the tip of the stick.

Blow out the flame by breathing heavily on the stick. Alternatively, you can press the stick against the holder and dispose of the remnants. 

5. Clean Up the Incense Smoke and Ash

Clean up the incense smoke and ash from the charcoal or burner. Make sure everything has cooled down before you touch it. Touching incense after lighting it can result in injury. 

How to Burn an Incense Stick Safely 

Incense can be harmful and dangerous if you do not use it correctly. We’ve put together a handy guide on burning incense sticks safely. Keep reading to find out more… 

1. Never Leave Burning Incense Unattended

Always light and burn your incense while you are still in the room. Leaving incense unattended is dangerous.

Lighting incense in an unattended house is very dangerous. Always keep an eye on any burning incense!

2. Invest In An Incense Holder

Invest in an incense holder to protect your home, furniture, and family. You should never burn incense on a flat surface without a holder as it is a fire hazard.  

3. Gently Blow out the Flame the Incense After Use

You must gently extinguish the incense stick by blowing on the ember. Always ensure the glowing ember has completely disappeared before you leave the incense unattended.

It is so important the incense has been completely extinguished. If you do not blow out the flame, it is a serious fire hazard. 

4. Keep Incense In a well-ventilated area 

The stick burn should always occur inside a well-ventilated room. Incense burning releases carbon monoxide into the atmosphere.

Because of this, it’s best to open a few windows and doors while you light your incense. Incense has such a strong smell; this should ruin the experience for you! 

5. Place Incense Burner On a Heat-Resistant Surface 

Place the incense burner on a heat-resistant surface in your room. Lighting incense near flammable materials is very dangerous. Always light in a safe, secure area. 

6. Keep Away from Children and Flammable Materials

Curtains, fabric, and other furniture easily catch fire. Make sure you always burn your incense away from flammable materials. We also like to light incense on a high platform that is out of reach of children.

In addition, we recommend avoiding incense if you or your child has asthma. Asthma can be aggravated by thick, fragrant smoke. Opt for a lighter candle instead to avoid the intense aroma and ashes. 

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about how to use incense sticks. Now it’s time to sit back and relax with one of our amazing pamper hampers! 

What is Coil Incense?

A coil incense is shaped into a spiral, or coil, design. They are designed to burn slowly over long periods!

Incense is made from aromatic plant materials, such as wood powder, herbs, and essential oils. It is then burnt on a heat-resistant holder. This kind of incense produces a nice, consistent aromatic experience.

What are Incense Cones?

Cone incense is small, cone-shaped pieces of compressed incense material. It's made from the same ingredients as regular incense sticks. For these, you burn the tip downwards, and the fragrance is released quickly. So, in a shorter time, you get a more concentrated scent.

They are really simple to use. Place the cone on a heatproof surface and light the tip.

How long does Incense Burn for?

How long your incense burns depends on the type you are using! Here's a rough guide:

• Incense sticks will burn for 20 to 60 minutes, depending on size and quality.

• Coil Incense can burn anywhere from 2 hours upwards, with some burning for 2 hours.

• Cone Incense typically burns for less time, about 15 to 30 minutes.

As well as the type, there are some other factors, such as thickness, ingredients and airflow. For example, drafty areas can cause incense sticks to burn faster!

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