Who knew there could be so many rules while burning a candle! We want to make sure you get the most out of your candle, both longevity and scent. Follow the below guidelines to help you get the best experience possible.

1. Melt Pool

The first burn should be long enough until the candle has reached a full melt pool (melted wax reaches all the way to the edges of the jar). This will allow the candle to evenly burn every time, rather than creating a wax tunnel (leaves wasted wax on the outer edges of the jar). Do not burn your candles more than 4 hours at a time and stop use when only 1/2" wax remains. This will prevent your jar from overheating. 

2. Trim Your Wick

Trim your wick to around 1/4" before every burn. A wick trimmer works great but you could also use a scissors, nail clipper, or even your fingers!

If your candle has a very weak flame or extinguishes right away, your wick may be too short and is getting drowned by the wax. Extinguish the flame and pour out some of the melted wax. You can also roll up a paper towel and soak up some of the melted wax. 

If your candle has a very large flame with black smoke or is dancing vigorously, your wick may be too long. This will cause your candle to over-burn and won't last as long. It is also a fire hazard! This is a sign that you need to extinguish your candle and trim your wick. 

3. Read Your Labels

We want each and every one of you to burn your candles safely. Please read your warning label on the bottom of your candles. 

Hey there! I’m just over here being a busy stay-at-home/work-from-home mom juggling kids, candles, and coffee—so while I may not reply at lightning speed, I promise to get back to you as soon as I can! If you have any questions, concerns, or just want to say hi, just send me an email at tenacrescandles@gmail.com. I appreciate your patience and support for my small business— it means the world!

What kind of wax do you use?

We use 100% soy wax. The wax that we use comes from soy beans right here in the Midwest. Fun fact: my husband grows and harvests soy beans. So, not only is the wax completely non-toxic, it also supports U.S. farmers.

What is so special about the wax that you use?

It is extremely important to us that our candles are non-toxic. Most of the candles you find in stores contain harmful chemicals. You will most commonly find paraffin candles or a soy-paraffin blend. Paraffin is most widely used due to its low cost and optimal scent throw (what you smell when the candle is lit and when it is cooled). It is a byproduct of petroleum and releases carcinogenic soot when burned. Therefore, we didn't think twice about what kind of wax we wanted to use.

What are the wicks made of?

We use cotton wicks that are made of cotton fibers braided with paper filaments throughout and are coated with a natural vegetable wax. These provide a slow, clean burn with every candle.

I am sensitive to strong smells. Are your candles overpowering?

Due to the wax that we use, our candles are not overpowering. Instead, they provide a delicate and subtle scent. It is suitable for every day use and will leave a comforting aroma in small-medium sized rooms. With that being said, everyone smells scents differently. 

Why does my candle have a rough appearance after it has cooled?

This is a completely normal occurrence when using all natural wax. Most store bought candles contain additives that make the surface smooth after it has cooled. So, this is just an indication that we do not use any additives and we are keeping it 100% natural.  

Are the fragrances in your candles safe?

Yes. All the fragrances that are in our candles are free of carcinogens and endocrine disrupters such as: phthalates and parabens. Our candles are also cruelty free!