FAQs
ABOUT OUR CANDLES
1. Why soy?
We choose to work with soy wax for a variety of reasons. We love that it's an 100% renewable resource and carbon neutral. We love that it burns clean and for a longer of period time than paraffin. We love the way soy wax smells mixed with a good fragrance. Soy candles are better for the environment and your health: they are non-toxic and burn cleaner than paraffin wax. It produces as much as 90% less soot than paraffin wax. This soot can blacken walls, ceilings, and furniture, contaminate ventilation duct work in your home, and most importantly, add toxic carcinogens into the air that you breathe. Soy also helps U.S. farmers by creating important economic growth for the agricultural sector of the US economy.
2. How is soy wax made?
Soy beans are husked and dried into flake form, then the oil is extracted from the flakes and hydrogenated. The hydrogenation alters the chemical compound so that soy bean oil is a solid at room temperature - SOY WAX! Fun Fact: Leftover bean husks are typically used as animal feed.
3. Why is my wick short?
We have pre trimmed all our wicks to 1/4 of an inch ensure a smooth first burn.
4. Does frosting affect my candle burning?
No, frosting does not affect the burn ability or fragrance of the candle. Frosting is when a white crystalline layer forms on the surface of natural waxes such as soy. This is a natural effect of soy wax and only occurs throughout vegetable waxes. Frosting takes place when the natural wax used to make a candle tries to return to its natural state.
5. Why is there a wet spot?
A wet spot refers to the patch on your glass that almost looks like an air bubble between the wax and glass. It does not affect the performance of the candle in anyway, but is an aesthetic thing. It generally happens when the candle temperature fluctuates and the wax expands and contracts.
6. Can the jar be repurposed?
When a 1/4" of wax remains, discontinue use of candle. Place your candle in the freezer, and once the wax hardens, it can be chipped out along with the wick. If there is more than a little bit of wax left, we recommend the "oven method" - place your candle in a warm oven and allow the wax to liquefy. Carefully dump and compost the wax out and wipe clean. Soap and water can then be used to remove the wax residue. Use to store pens, plant succulents in or just recycle!
7. How fragrant are your candles?
We find that our candles fill a medium-size room nicely. For larger rooms or rooms with high ceilings we recommend our 8.5 oz candles or 2 or more 4 oz. Smaller candles are better burned at a desk or in a small space such as a bathroom. Because we use natural soy wax, our candles will not have the same scent throw as paraffin candles. We like that our candles are not overwhelming, but rather can be used every day.
8. What's the best way to burn an Exceptional Scents Candle?
Our recommended burn time is 3-4 hours. Be sure to trim the wick to 1/4" before each lighting. Always allow the melt pool to reach the edges of the jars before extinguishing. This will allow the candle to burn evenly and prevent "tunneling." Be sure never to leave a candle unattended or in reach of children, pets or a draft. Allow the jar to cool completely before handling. Candle safety instructions are located on the bottom of your jar.
9. Are your fragrances phthalate free? What is a phthalate?
All our fragrances are phthalate free. Phthalates are used to dissolve raw materials in apothecary goods, medicine, and fragrances. Recently there has been concern linking high levels of phthalates to health issues, especially in children. While there are no regulations against phthalate use in candles, we decided not to work with fragrances with phthalates in them. The levels of phthalates typically found in a candle are not harmful to a consumer or manufacturer, but we decided that simpler is always better.
10. Are your candles vegan? Do you or your suppliers test on animals?
Our candles and fragrances are considered vegan! We are happy to report that neither we nor our suppliers engage in animal testing.
11. Do you use essential oils in your candles?
At the moment we are not using essential oils however, we look forward to incorporating in the near future.
12. How do I use a wax melt?
Our wax melts should be used in a melt warmer. Just place the melt or a piece of it in the top of the warmer. If you are using a conventional warmer, you will need to place an unscented tea light in the bottom of the warmer. If it is an electric warmer, simply plug it in and turn on.
13. Why does the wick of my candle sometimes form a “mushroom” shape?
This can happen if soot accumulates on the wick of your candle. Simply extinguish the candle, cut the wick with a Wick Trimmer and re-light. Visit our Candle Care page for more details.
14. How can I avoid my jar blackening?
To avoid soot deposits on your candle, trim the wick of your candle before each new use (using a wick trimmer). If there is soot on the glass of your candle, you can clean it with damp paper towels. Visit our Candle Care page for more details.
ORDERS & CUSTOMER CARE
1. How long will it take for my order to arrive?
Domestic orders leave our studio within 24-48 business hours and take 2-7 days to arrive via USPS. Wholesale order take 3 days-2 weeks to arrive depending on the season. We will be sure to contact you if there is any delay.
2. How can I track my order?
You will receive an email with tracking information once your order has shipped. If for some reason you did not receive this information, let us know at info@exceptionalscentsandmore.
3. Do you offer wholesale?
Yes! Please contact us via email at info@exceptionalscentsandmore.
4. Is there sales tax?
Yes, we use Maryland Sales tax.
5. What shipping method do you use?
We mostly use USPS Priority Mail or Flat Rate.
6. Can I send a candle as a gift?
Absolutely! If you would like a hand-typed gift note or if it's going directly to the giftee, just make a note at checkout and we will not include a sales receipt.
7. Do you ship internationally?
We currently do not process international orders but look forward to in the near future.