FAQs

CANDLE & WAX MELT FAQs

What are your candles & wax melts made of?
Cedar & Scotch® candles & wax melts are made with a custom blend of all-natural soy wax derived from soybeans and phthalate-free scented aroma oils. In addition, our candles utilize lead & zinc-free, flat braided cotton wicks with paper threads woven into the cotton.

What are the benefits of soy wax?
All soy wax candles are made from processing soybeans, an entirely natural and renewable resource grown by farmers worldwide. On the other hand, previous candle makers made older versions of paraffin wax candles from petroleum, a non-renewable energy source. That said, purchasing all-natural soy wax candles & melts encourages the agriculture industry, essential for humans living worldwide.

In general, soy candles burn 30 - 50% longer than paraffin candles of the same size because soy wax burns at a lower temperature. Although soy wax candles can sometimes be a little more money than their paraffin counterparts, their ability to burn longer makes up for the occasional higher price. 

While some people believe soy wax candles to be more "earth-friendly" than paraffin, with the increased awareness among consumers, most paraffin candle manufacturers have improved their ingredients, which has made their products more environmentally friendly than before. And this fact has been corroborated by the National Candle Association and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

What are the benefits of using amber glass jars for candles?
Our lead-free, amber (rich & vibrant orange-brown) glass straight-sided round jars have a wide opening, thick walls, and a relatively "square" base. They are simple, and elegant and look very cozy with the flame flicker when burned. 

What are the benefits of using amber glass, also known as brown glass, for our candles rather than clear glass? The most significant advantage is that amber glass absorbs the most ultraviolet radiation, which can cause some candles to lose aromas faster. In addition, our amber glass jars can help to protect the smell of your candle from the effect of light. And our metal screw caps are perfect for protecting your candle from debris & scent evaporation or just extinguishing your candle. 

What is the purpose of trimming the candle wick and only burning candles for 4 to 5 hours at a time?
These are standard instructions and good practices for any candle and prolonging a candle's burn time. A longer wick creates a larger flame, melts the wax faster, and melts more quickly than the wick burns away. So the longer your candle burns, the larger the flame gets, causing your candle to melt faster and faster. Keeping the wick trimmed and burning for 4-5 hours simultaneously slows everything down, so you get a longer burn time.

Additionally, burning your candle for shorter periods (4-5 hours at a time) ensures that the wax melts to the edge of the container. The melted wax is what gives off a candle's scent (not the flame), so this should help to maximize your candle's scent when lit. It will also prevent your candle from "tunneling" (burning a hole down the candle center), leaving a ring of un-melted wax along the inside of the container.

Why is my candle glass singed (black on the side) or why did my candle glass crack?
If a candle is burned for too long, the wax pool can actually become too deep and the wick(s) can move or fall towards the glass edge. If a candle flame comes in to contact with the side of the glass it risks cracking, so you should make sure your wicks are always trimmed AND standing upright.

We always recommend that you stop burning your candle once there is 1/2" of wax left because if there isn't enough left to absorb the heat of the flame, in some cases, this can cause the glass vessel to crack or shatter.

Candle Safety Tips:

• Please do not leave the candle burning unattended.
• Keep candles out of the reach of small children and pets.
• Always burn on a heat-resistant surface.
• Do not touch or move candles with visible (liquid) hot wax. 
• Keep burning candles away from drafts, vents, and ceiling fans to minimize smoking or a wick blowing out, causing the candle to burn unevenly.
• Make sure the candle is completely extinguished, and the wick no longer glows before leaving the room.

What if my wax looks like it has "white spots" or is "frosty" on the top?
Please note, these are not flaws in the wax but natural characteristics of some soy waxes and are a testament to the lack of preservatives in our all-natural soy candles & wax melts. Neither of these characteristics, in any way, affect the way the candle burns or its scent. 

Why do some natural candles turn yellowish over time?
Simply put, we do not use any stabilizers or additives in our candles (just wax, fragrance, and a wick). Some fragrances contain components (such as vanillin) that may cause a candle to have a tan or brown tint. 

What if there is beading moisture on top of my candle? 
Occasionally, in the warmer months, you may see beads of moisture forming on your candle. Beading happens because natural waxes have a much lower melting point than non-natural waxes (like paraffin) and can sometimes release excess moisture that they cannot hold. Typically referred to as "soy sweat," this natural element can easily be wiped off or left alone to be absorbed back into the candle as it cools in temperature. This beading will not hinder or affect the quality of the candle.

BEARD & MOUSTACHE OIL FAQs

What are beard & moustache oils used for?
These oils moisturize facial hairs and the skin beneath. In addition, our oils are hydrating to the skin and help soften and tame beard hair, which means it also does double-duty as a styling agent.

After showering, put 3-5 drops of beard oil (7-10 for fuller beards) into the palm of your hand and work the oil into your skin and beard. It's best to finish with a beard comb or beard brush to distribute the oil evenly.

REED DIFFUSER FAQs

How long do reed diffusers last?
Typically, our reed diffusers last approximately 3-4 months. Depending on location (if they are near windows or vents) they can dry out faster and not be as effective. If you notice that your reed diffuser fragrance throw is getting weaker, it's likely time to replace your rattan reed sticks. Reed sticks that look dry can also indicate that it's time to switch them for new ones. 

I still have oil in my diffuser, but the reeds are throwing a scent any longer. Can I add replacement reeds to my diffuser bottle?
You sure can! To renew the fragrance throw and extend the longevity of your diffusers, add new reed diffuser sticks after disposing of the spent ones. Don't forget to wash your hands after handling used reed sticks. 

How do I dispose of old reeds?
You can dispose of the old reed diffuser sticks in the trash or according to your local waste management agency's guidelines. 

How do I dispose of reed diffuser liquid?
Please do not pour old reed diffuser oils down the drain so as to keep them out of waterways. Most areas require fragranced oils to be disposed of in the trash or sometimes at a specific facility. Your local waste management agency likely shares disposal information on its website, so start there to confirm the proper way to dispose of reed diffuser solutions in your area.

SHIPPING & DELIVERY FAQs

How quickly will my order ship?
We make every effort to ship your orders as quickly as possible. Typically, orders are shipped within 24-48 hours after we receive your order. 

All shipped orders are sent from Bloomington, Illinois, via USPS® Priority Mail or UPS®, depending on your shipping selection. You will receive a tracking number for your order once it is fulfilled. Please note that Cedar & Scotch accepts no responsibility for shipping delays that may be out of our control (i.e., weather, carrier volume, etc.).

Do you offer free shipping?
Orders over $75, excluding any sales tax, are eligible for free standard shipping (1-3 business days). Enter code FREESHIP75 during your checkout to activate the offer.

Is local pick-up or delivery available?
Most addresses within Bloomington-Normal, IL are eligible for free 2-day delivery (with a $50 minimum order, pre-tax); please select the local delivery option during the checkout process for further details. Orders received after 3 pm Central Time will be processed on the next business day.

At this time, we do not offer pick-up options. 

Do you offer wholesale or bulk orders of your handmade goods?
Most definitely. To learn more about becoming a stockist of Cedar & Scotch goods or inquire about bulk purchases, don't hesitate to get in touch with us at info@cedarandscotch.com.