FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you're caring for your candle, curious about our ingredients, or looking for ways to reuse your favorite jars, you'll find answers to some of our most common questions below.

Why is trimming my candle wick so important?

A little candle care goes a long way! Keeping your wick properly trimmed helps promote a steady flame, reduce excess soot, and get the most out of your candle. It also helps prevent an overly large flame, making your candle-burning experience safer and more enjoyable.

For the best experience, keep these candle care tips in mind:

• Trim your wick to the recommended length before each burn. For our candles, follow the care instructions provided with your candle, which is 3/16".
• Keep your candle free of debris, wick trimmings, and other foreign objects.
• Always burn your candle on a stable, level, heat-resistant surface, away from drafts.
• Never leave a burning candle unattended.
• Keep candles out of reach of children and pets.
• Never burn your candle for more than four hours at a time.
• Discontinue use when approximately 1/4-1/2 inch of wax remains in the bottom of the container, or sooner if the candle's instructions specify.

A few simple habits can help you enjoy your candles while caring for your home.

Why do you choose wooden wicks?

Is there anything quite like the gentle crackle of a wooden wick? There's something especially comforting about the soft glow and subtle sound it brings to a cozy evening.

If you've read our About page, you know that candle making began as a way for me to find a little peace during a difficult season of life. That personal connection makes the experience of burning a candle just as important to me as the fragrance itself.

The wooden wicks used in all of our collections are sourced from organic, eco-friendly materials, manufactured in the USA, and supplied by FSC-certified mills. I love that they complement the thoughtful, cozy experience I want each candle to bring into your home.

Why do you use coconut-soy wax?

From the beginning, my goal has been to create thoughtfully crafted candles using ingredients chosen with care. Finding the right wax blend took some experimenting, but I eventually found a custom combination that delivered the smooth finish, fragrance performance, and overall quality I wanted for my candles.

Our wax is a blend of coconut and soy, with a touch of coconut tart wax. A small amount of fully refined, food-grade paraffin (only 1-2%) is also included in the formula to help achieve a smooth finish.

The blend is non-toxic, made in the USA, and derived primarily from renewable plant-based sources. I chose it because it helps me create the quality candles I envisioned when I first started Wicking It Up Candle Co.

I also prioritize fragrance and product standards that align with my values. Our candles are dye-free, phthalate-free, paraben-free, and cruelty-free.

For me, choosing ingredients thoughtfully is an important part of creating a home-fragrance experience that customers can feel good about.

What are fragrance notes?

Ever wondered why a candle can smell a little different as it burns? That's where fragrance notes come in!

Fragrances are often described in three layers: top, middle, and base notes. Together, they create the overall scent profile of a candle.

Top notes: These are the first scents you notice when smelling a fragrance. They're often the brighter, lighter notes that introduce the scent.

Middle notes: Also known as the heart of the fragrance, these notes help define its character and become more noticeable as the fragrance develops.

Base notes: These provide depth and lasting character. They often include warmer, richer scents that help round out the fragrance.

Each layer plays a role in creating a fragrance that's more complex than any single scent on its own. It's one of the reasons I love curating fragrance combinations for each of our collections!

How can I reuse my candle container?

This might be my favorite part of choosing reusable glassware! Once your candle has reached the end of its life, your container may have plenty of life left in it.

After safely removing the remaining wax and cleaning the container, here are a few ways to give it a second purpose:

• For your creative space: Use it to hold pens, pencils, paintbrushes, or other small supplies.
• For a touch of greenery: Turn it into a small planter for a suitable plant, provided the container has adequate drainage, or use it as a decorative cover for an inner pot.
• For your bathroom: Store cotton swabs, cotton balls, makeup brushes, or other small essentials.
• For your bedside table: Keep jewelry, hair accessories, or other little treasures together.
• For your shelves: Fill them with decorative items, potpourri, or other dry accents.
• For a little organization: Use it as a catchall for keys, spare change, and other everyday odds and ends.

You can even turn a suitable container into a small coin bank!

Please keep in mind that candle containers aren't automatically food-safe, watertight, or suitable for every type of reuse. Choose a purpose that fits your particular container, and avoid using it for food or drink unless it's specifically designed for that use.

I love the idea of a favorite candle jar continuing to be part of your home long after the last burn.

How do I remove leftover wax from my candle jar?

Before giving your container a second life, you'll want to remove any remaining wax. There are a few approaches, but it's important to protect both yourself and the container in the process.

A note before you begin: Avoid pouring boiling water directly into your candle jar. Sudden temperature changes can cause glass to crack or shatter, and hot wax and water can cause burns.

Instead, follow the cleaning guidance appropriate for your specific container. If you use a freezer method, make sure the container is suitable for freezing, allow it to cool to room temperature first, and avoid exposing it to sudden temperature changes. Never force wax out with a sharp tool, as this can damage the container.

Once the remaining wax has been safely removed, clean the container according to the care instructions for its material. Make sure it's completely dry before reusing it.

Have a wax warmer? You may be able to enjoy some leftover wax in a compatible wax warmer, provided the wax and warmer are suitable for one another. Follow the warmer manufacturer's instructions, and never add loose wax to a warmer that isn't designed for it.

A note about our specialty jars

Some of our containers need a little extra care:

• Concrete jars: These are sealed on the inside only, so avoid soaking the exterior or allowing it to become excessively wet.
• Matte-colored jars: The exterior is painted, so avoid abrasive sponges, harsh scrubbing, or anything that could scratch the finish.

With a little care, you may be able to find a lovely second use for your favorite candle container!