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 supports the agriculture industry, which is 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, 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 effects of light. Our metal screw caps are ideal for protecting your candle from debris & scent evaporation, or for safely extinguishing it.
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 for 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 unmelted 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 into 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, affects 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.
REED DIFFUSER FAQs
How long do reed diffusers last?
Typically, our reed diffusers last approximately 3-4 months. Depending on their location (near windows or vents), they can dry out faster and may 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 no longer throwing a scent. 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 checkout to activate the offer.
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.