FAQ

Candle FAQs

  • Why does my candle surface look rippled and not smooth after burning?
  • Why soy wax?
  • Are your candles phthalate-free?
  • How do I care for my candles to ensure the best burn and longevity?
  • How long will my candle last?
  • What are Fragrance Notes? (Top, Middle Bottom)
  • How do I clean my vessel for reuse?
  • My candle is producing soot, has too high a flame, or too low of a flame. What do I do?

Why does my candle surface look rippled and not smooth after burning?

At Rita Rose Candle Company, we take pride in crafting high-quality soy candles that are not only eco-friendly but also visually distinctive. You may notice that our soy candles may look slightly 'bumpy' or have unique characteristics after they've cooled. Rest assured, this is completely normal and actually serves as a testament to the natural properties of soy wax.

Soy wax has a lower melting point compared to traditional paraffin wax, which means it can sometimes appear 'frosted' or develop a slight 'bloom' on the surface after burning. This natural phenomenon occurs when the wax cools and solidifies, resulting in variations in texture and appearance.

Far from being a flaw, these visual quirks are actually a hallmark of authentic soy wax candles. They signify that our candles are made from 100% natural soy wax, free from additives or synthetic materials. In fact, many candle enthusiasts appreciate these unique characteristics as they add character and charm to each candle, making them truly one-of-a-kind.

So, if you notice your soy candle looking a bit different after burning, embrace its natural beauty! It's a gentle reminder that you're indulging in a pure and sustainable product, handcrafted with care and attention to detail. Experience the difference of our soy candles today and discover the beauty of nature in every burn."

Why soy wax?

We love soy wax for many reasons. Not only is it sustainable and renewable, soy wax burns cleaner and longer than paraffin, giving you a more enjoyable candle experience. We adore how soy wax enhances fragrances, creating a fresh and delightful atmosphere. Most importantly, it's a natural, non-toxic product that we handcraft with care, ensuring quality in every candle.

Are your candles phthalate-free?

Absolutely! We ensure all our candle fragrances are phthalate-free. Despite their common use in various industries, including apothecary and fragrances, we've chosen to avoid phthalates due to health concerns, especially in children. While phthalate levels in candles are generally considered safe, we prioritize simplicity and transparency by opting for phthalate-free fragrances. This commitment underscores our dedication to safe, high-quality products.

How do I care for my candles to ensure the best burn and longevity?

 Proper candle care can enhance your candle's performance and longevity. Here are some tips:

  • Before lighting, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch to prevent soot buildup and ensure a clean burn.
  • Let the candle completely cool before moving it to prevent spills or wax splatter.
  • Never burn candles for more than 4 hours at a time to prevent overheating and uneven burning.
  • Keep the wax pool free of debris, such as wick trimmings, to maintain a clean burn.
  • Always place candles on a heat-resistant surface away from drafts, flammable objects, and out of reach of children and pets.
  • Extinguish candles by gently blowing or using a snuffer to avoid splattering wax. Do not use the lid to extinguish the candle.
  • When your candle has less that 1/4 inch wax remaining, or you can see the silver wick tab on the inside bottom of your candle, do not relight and dispose of properly.

How long will my candle last?

When properly cared for, you can expect our signature 8 oz candles to burn for up to 48 hours and our 10 oz candles for up to 60 hours.

In order to get the longest burn time, always trim your wick to 1/4 of an inch prior to lighting, each and every time you light your candle.

Never burn your candle for more than 4 hours at a time. Always allow for your candle to cool completely before relighting.

Improper burning (i.e., not trimming the wick, placing your candle on an uneven surface, or burning your candle for more than 4 hours at a time) can result in poor performance, uneven burn, and shorten the candle's lifespan. 

Never relight a candle when less than 1/4 inch wax remains or you can see the silver wick tab in the inside bottom of the candle. Please dispose of properly. 

*Our 10 ounce candle vessels are reuasable! Please see our FAQ section titled "How do I clean my candle for reuse?" for cleaning instructions

 

What are Fragrance Notes? (Top, Middle Bottom)

Fragrance notes refer to the different scents that are perceived when a fragrance is smelled. They are categorized into three main categories: top notes, middle notes (also known as heart notes), and base notes. Each note contributes to the overall fragrance profile and evolves over time as the fragrance is worn.

  1. Top Notes: These are the initial scents that are perceived immediately upon application of the fragrance. They are typically light, fresh, and volatile, evaporating quickly. Common top notes include citrus fruits, herbs, and light florals.

  2. Middle Notes (Heart Notes): These notes emerge once the top notes have evaporated. They form the main body of the fragrance and are often richer and more complex than the top notes. Middle notes provide depth and character to the fragrance and can include floral, fruity, or spicy scents.

  3. Bottom Notes: These are the final scents that linger after the top and middle notes have faded. Base notes are typically heavier, more tenacious, and longer-lasting than the other notes. They provide stability and depth to the fragrance and often include woody, musky, or resinous scents.

Together, these fragrance notes create a harmonious blend that evolves over time, creating a unique olfactory experience.

How do I clean my vessel for reuse?

We have specially designed our 10 oz candles to be easily prepared for reuse. Follow these steps to clean and repurpose your candle vessel once 1/4 inch of wax remains:
  1. Extinguish the candle and allow it to cool completely.
  2. Use a soft utensil, such as plastic cutlery or a firm silicone spatula, to scrape out the remaining wax, taking care not to scratch the glass.
  3. If the metal wick holder does not release easily, gently pull it with a pair of needlenose pliers until it does.
  4. Handwash your vessel in hot, soapy water to remove any wax residue. Do not clean it in a dishwasher.
  5. Avoid using harsh chemicals or sharp instruments, as these can scratch the glass.
  6. If the wick sticker does not remove easily, soak the vessel in hot, soapy water for a few minutes until it does.
  7. Allow the vessel to dry. It's now ready for your own creative projects.
*For safety reasons, we do not recommend reusing the vessel for pouring new candles, as multiple exposures to direct heat can compromise the integrity of the glass.

My candle is producing soot, has too high a flame, or too low of a flame. What do I do?

All of our candles are hand-made, so there could be some variation in performance, based on factors, such as room temperature, drafts, humidity and improper trimming of the wick before burning. If your candle is not performing as expected, please follow these tips before contacting us. 

 

  • If the flame is too high, extinguish your candle, allow to cool completely, then, trim the wick to 1/4 of an inch and relight
  • If you notice excessive amounts of soot coming from the flame on your candle, extinguish candle, let cool completely, trim the wick to 1/4 of an inch and relight.
  • If the flame is too low and it appears as though the candle will self extinguish itself, blow out your candle, let it cool completely and relight, without trimming the wick

If these tips don't resolve the issue, please contact us immediately here. To help us quickly locate your order and expedite a resolution, document the issue with video or pictures and attach them to your email. Please include your order number in the subject line.

Ordering and delivery

  • Where is my order confirmation?
  • How do I cancel my order?
  • Can I alter my order?
  • When will my order arrive?
  • What countries do you ship to?
  • How much is shipping?
  • Can I track my order?
  • Can I order "out of stock" items?
  • Shipping precautions for warmer climates

Where is my order confirmation?

This is automatically sent to your email address when you place an order. If you haven’t received your order confirmation within 24 hours, please get in touch here just in case there’s a problem with your order. Please check your mailbox’s spam or junk folder before contacting in case the order confirmation has been diverted there.

How do I cancel my order?

There is only a short amount of time between when you place your order and when we start processing it. If you contact us here straight away after ordering we may be able to cancel your order before it’s processed. If not, we’ll despatch your order and then you can return it to us if you wish upon receiving it. Please note that if your item(s) have already shipped, but you wish to return or cancel the order you will be resposible for any return shipping fees.

Can I alter my order?

If we have not yet shipped your item(s) please get in touch with us here immediately and we will be happy to make any changes needed.

If your order has already shipped, we will not be able to alter the order. You will need to complete a new order through our website.

When will my order arrive?

We strive to process and ship all orders within 48 hours of purchase. Our preferred carrier, UPS, typically delivers within 2-4 business days (M-S). Once your order ships, you will receive tracking information via email.  Please note that customers are responsible for any return/exchange shipping costs. Rita Rose Candle Company LLC has no control over the shipment once it leaves our studio. 

What countries do you ship to?

Currently, we only ship to locations within the USA, including Hawaii and Alaska.

How much is shipping?

Currently, we offer shipping in the USA, only. Shipping costs depend on the item(s) you’ve ordered and the zip code where it’s being delivered. For exact delivery costs, please refer to the delivery fees section given at checkout. For orders over $100 USD, we provide free shipping.

Can I track my order?

Yes. We’ll provide updates at every stage of your order, from the moment you place it, through to dispatch and delivery. In your delivery confirmation emails, you’ll receive a tracking order number which you can use to check the progress of your order online.

Can I order "out of stock" items?

From time to time, when our stock is running low, we may offer items on a pre-order basis. While you are welcome to place your desired items in your cart and proceed with your purchase, please note that processing and shipping times may vary significantly compared to items already in stock.

At Rita Rose Candle Company, we take pride in handcrafting all of our soy wax candles. Each candle requires a minimum cure time of 2 weeks to ensure optimal quality and performance. Therefore, any purchases made for items that are currently out of stock may experience a delay of 2-4 weeks before shipment.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we strive to deliver exceptional products made with care and attention to detail. If you have any questions or concerns about your pre-order, please don't hesitate to contact us. Thank you for supporting our small business!

Shipping precautions for warmer climates

At Rita Rose Candle Company, we are committed to delivering the highest quality products to you. As we head into the warmer months, we want to ensure that your orders arrive in perfect condition, especially if you reside in one of the warmer climates in the USA, such as, but not limited to - 

GA, FL, TX, AL, MS, NV, NM, LA, SC, CA

Due to the potential for high temperatures during transit, we will generally only be shipping orders to hotter climate regions on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays during the summer months. This precaution is to prevent our soy wax products from melting or being compromised during extended periods in transit, particularly over weekends. Please plan accordingly, when making a purchase to ensure your order will be shipped in a timely manner that is suitable for your schedule. However, we may occasionally make exceptions for customers located closley enough to our region, where transit times are shorter, and the risk of melting is signifigantly reduced. Our team will use discretion in these cases and notify you if your order qualifies for this exception.

By adhering to this shipping schedule, we aim to maintain the quality and integrity of our products, ensuring that they reach you in optimal condition.

Returns/Refunds/Exchanges

  • Can I return an item for refund?
  • How do I return an item?
  • What do I do if my package is missing or lost?
  • My order has arrived but it’ is damaged. What do I do?
  • Can I exchange my item if it was a gift?

Can I return an item for refund?

Refunds are processed on unused, undamaged products only. Please return your items back to Rita Rose Candle Company’s HQ in the original packaging and ensure that the shipment is carefully packed, as we're unable to process refunds on items that arrive broken.

Refunds are applied to returned product only and do not cover any original shipping fees. As a small, growing business, we are unable to pay for return shipping. Once submitted, refunds typically return to the original payment method within 3-10 business days.

Exceptions: we do not accept returns or offer refunds on discountinued items, gift cards or clearance items. 

 

How do I return an item?

Returns are processed on undamaged and unused products, only. Please return your items back to Rita Rose Candle Company’s HQ in the original packaging and ensure that the shipment is carefully packed, as we're unable to process refunds on items that arrive broken. As we are a small, growing business, we are unable to offer return shipping fees. Return shipping fees are the responsibility of the purchaser.

So that we can better assist you, please include your order number followed by the request in the subject line.

All returns must be processed within 30 days of receiving your order and require proof of purchase (e.g. your Rita Rose Candle Company order number, order confirmation email, store receipt, etc) 

What do I do if my package is missing or lost?

If your package is missing and tracking does NOT state “delivered” please contact us here and we will reach out to the carrier.

If your package is missing, you have not received it but tracking says it was "delivered" you will need to contact the carrier directly for assistance to initiate a claim, as we cannot be liable for issues caused by the carrier. 

My order has arrived but it’ is damaged. What do I do?

All of our candles are wrapped and packaged to protect from damage during shipping. Please inspect your order upon reception and email us here within 5 calendar days should you receive a candle that is damaged. Please include photos and a detailed description in your email and we’ll get started on your exchange or replacement ASAP. In the event that a replacement is unavailable, we will offer a full refund. Please keep all shipping materials until the damage claim is completed.

So that we can better assist you, please include your order number followed by the request in the subject line.

Can I exchange my item if it was a gift?

We definitely want you to love your gift! If you received one of our candles as a gift and it’s not your favorite scent/style you may exchange it for another candle(s) of equal value. Please return your item(s) to Rita Rose Candle Company HQ in the original packaging and ensure that the shipment is carefully packed, as we're unable to process exchanges on items that arrive broken. As a small, growing company, we are currently unable to pay for return/exchange shipping. The sender is responsible for all shipping costs. We do not offer refunds for gifts.

 

Please email us at here if you'd like to make an exchange and include "Exchange" in the subject line. If you'd like to include the reason for your exchange, please feel free to do so, as we'd love the feedback.

Firestarter FAQS

  • How do I use my Firestarter?
  • Can I use my Firestarter indoors?
  • Where can I use my Firestarters?
  • What materials are used in the Firestarters?
  • Are the Firestarters eco-friendly?
  • Are the Firestarters scented?
  • How should I store the Firestarters?
  • How long do the Firestarters burn?

How do I use my Firestarter?

 

  1. Place one firestarter under kindling or on top of charcoal. (DO NOT REMOVE PAPER WRAPPER)
  2. Light the wick on the firestarter.
  3. Allow it to burn and ignite the surrounding materials.
  4. Enjoy your fire responsibly.

Can I use my Firestarter indoors?

No. The Firestarters are made for outdoor use only. Using in indoor fireplaces can cause creosote buildup in chimneys with prolonged use.

Where can I use my Firestarters?

Outdoor fireplaces, Chimineas, camp fires, bonfires, woodburning, or charcoal grills (although not recommended if the fire will be used to cook food).

What materials are used in the Firestarters?

The firestarters are made with soy wax and dried botanicals, including fruit slices and potpourri.

Are the Firestarters eco-friendly?

Yes, they are made with natural soy wax and recycled or repurposed dried botanicals.

Are the Firestarters scented?

While they may have a natural scent from the botanicals, they are not specifically scented for fragrance purposes.

How should I store the Firestarters?

Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture to preserve their quality.

How long do the Firestarters burn?

Each firestarter typically burns for approximately 10 minutes, depending on conditions like wind and humidity.