Frequently Asked Questions

Do your candles burn evenly?
It takes about 2 hours to achieve a full melt pool since my pies have different wax shapes in them; however, from that 2 hour mark, yes, they will burn evenly.  However, the candle's fragrance fills the room way before the candle has reached the full melt pool.
 
What are your candle burn times? 
4 oz Candle Tins: 
Up to 32 Hours
12 oz Mason Jar Candles:
Up to 50 Hours
Candle Pies:
Up to 50 Hours
     
What type of wax and wicks do you use?  
   Each soy candle is handmade in small batches using soy wax and cotton wicks.
 
I can’t smell my candle, what’s going on?
Here are a few tips to get the most of your candle’s fragrance:

1. Please be sure to burn your candle for a minimum of 2 hours and a max of 4. If you burn it for less than 2 hours, you may not achieve a full melt pool which significantly helps with the scent throw.
2. Room size. Smaller candles are great for smaller rooms while the double and triple wick candles are great for larger rooms. Please make sure that you’re hiring your candles in the correct room size. Smaller candles take longer to fill a larger room because the fragrance has to continue to travel and build. Try moving your candle to a smaller room and see how it does.
3. Nose blind. This means you’ve been burning your candle and you’ve gotten use to the scent, making you believe that the scent is no longer present. Try stepping away from the burning candle for about 30 minutes and come back to see if you smell the candle then.
The pie candle’s wax is overflowing
   All pie candle labels remind you to burn your candle pie in a dish or bowl to catch any overflowing wax. Just in case you forgot the little reminder, wax can easily be cleaned with soap and water, if spilled. You may also safely use a blow dryer on the low setting to warm the wax followed by a paper towel to remove the melted wax. 
 
 Why is my candle frosting?
Frosting is a natural characteristic of soy, it is not a flaw, and it is strictly unique to pure soy candles. Frosting does not effect the scent throw or the burning properties of the candle however. Frosting is a particular crystal growth of vegetable oils. 
To minimize frosting, try to keep your candle out of direct sunlight and fluorescent lighting. Even changes in temperature when candle is being cooled can cause frosting. It is almost impossible to stop the soy wax from blooming. It's just one of the beautiful and natural features of soy wax.
 
Why is my candle sweating?
Soy wax is a natural material and is sensitive to extreme temperature change. The natural oil can separate from the soy wax but it does not affect the quality of the candle, the way it burns or the scent throw.   Simply wipe the excess oil off with dry paper towel and light up!

How can I avoid candle tunneling, memory ring and uneven burning issues?
The first time you light your candle, allow it to burn until the liquid wax covers the entire top of the candle. This breaking-in process insures that it will perform better and more evenly throughout the life of your candle. This will insure a clean and efficient burning cycle for the life of your candle. We recommend that you burn your candle for a minimum of 2 hours and a maximum of 4 hours.

All of the candles made by you? 
Yes. Each and every candle on my website are all 100% handmade by me.  I do all of my advertising, candle pictures and everything in between.

Do you do custom orders?
Absolutely! I love custom orders! Whether is one candle pie or a bulk order; if you can think it, I can create it!  I also cater to events such as Anniversaries, Birthdays, Baby Showers, Holiday Gatherings, Weddings and just about any other event you could think up!  They make for great party favors for your guest and create a lasting memory of your event!  My candle pies have been ordered and used as centerpieces at various events and I've also completed custom orders candle tins at baby showers and birthdays which are very popular!

How should I trim the wicks & how often? 
The wicks should be trimmed to a 1/4 inch every time before you light your candle. You can use a scissors, nail clipper, or candle wick cutters. Your best option is to use a candle wick cutter called the Candle Quencher (or a new nail clipper, if you're feeling frugal). 

Does the scent throw/strength vary for each home?  
Each floor plan for each home produce different results. Most get great results with 1 candle (in medium-15 x 15 ft. to smaller rooms), some need 2 candles. Understand it is more difficult to fill open floor plan homes since the scent has to continue to travel and as the scent spreads over large areas it will get less intense. An average room with walls will keep the scent inside and of course create a more intense strong scent.
More about scent throw/strength: 
My candles are made with the recommended amount of oils deemed safe by my fragrance suppliers. If you’re having a hard time smelling a certain candle, simply put it in a smaller room, add more candles or get one of my stronger scented candles. Each candle will vary in strength, but most will fill a small room with scent, not a large open area. The tealights are not as strong because there is not as much surface area to burn. To make sure you’re not getting used to the smell, you can step outside or shut the room’s door for a while to re-expose yourself to the scent. (Please make sure that your candle is on a heat resistant surface and away from anything that can catch fire. Please also keep away from children and pets.) I use a mixture of both natural (essential) and synthetic fragrance oils.

Are scented candles safe? 
Yes. When a candle burns, the wax is drawn into the wick, where it is "consumed" by the candle flame to produce water vapor and carbon dioxide. The only difference with a scented candle is that a small amount of fragrance is released as well.

 I only use only fragrances that are approved for burning in candles. I also carefully monitor the addition of fragrance to ensure that each of my candles will burn cleanly and properly. 

Are scented candles triggers for asthma or allergies?
Although millions of Americans regularly use scented candles without any negative effects, it is always possible that a particular fragrance might trigger a negative reaction in sensitive individuals (such as headaches with certain stronger scents). Individuals with known sensitivities to specific fragrances may want to avoid candles of those scents. In addition, consumers should remember to burn all candles, whether scented or unscented, in a well-ventilated area.   

What should I know about using candles safely? 
Candles are safe when burned properly, responsibly and according the directions located on each candle. Nevertheless, it’s important to remember that a burning candle is an open flame, and thus a potential fire hazard if not monitored carefully.

When burning candles, consumers should follow these basic safety rules: 

Keep lighted candles within your sight. Never leave a burning candle unattended.

Never burn a candle on or near anything that can catch fire.

Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.

Trim wicks to ¼ inch prior to each use.

Keep candles away from drafts and vents.

Always use an appropriate candle holder placed on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
Keep away from children and pets.
Do not touch the hot wax.
(Gourmet Candle is not responsible for user misuse and negligence.)

How long does processing and shipping take?

 Domestic/ US orders made on weekdays may take 3-7 days for processing and are usually delivered within 2-5 Business days.  Please note that holidays tend to be busier. Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day and Thanksgiving to Christmas have a processing time of 3-5 days and are usually delivered within 2-5 Business days.

All orders receive a confirmation e-mail along with your tracking information.
What can I do with the leftover wax in my candle?
Up-cycle. Make a new, unique candle!
Use the leftover wax and create your own version of decorative candles. Use a glass or mug, add your own wick, then gather together your old pieces of scented candle wax, melt them together and pour it into glass or mug, letting it cool for about six hours.
Melt into tarts
You can melt the old wax bits in an old pan or microwave and pour into small shaped candy molds. Take the small formed pieces and place in your tart burners for instance ambiance and freshness.
Scented candle wax ornaments
Making wax ornaments is a fun way to get the whole family involved in decorating your home for special occasions. It’s an easy, creative and unique activity that will quickly become a family tradition.
Make drawer sachets!
Take chips of leftover scented wax and place in a muslin bag. Place the bag in your closets, drawers, or anywhere that needs a little freshness.