About Soy Candles &
Frequently Asked Questions

• Soy wax is a natural product:  The U.S. grows the vast majority of the world's soy beans, primarily in Illinois, Iowa, and Indiana.  By purchasing a soy wax candle, you are burning a natural product and supporting our farmers. 

• Soy wax burns cleaner than paraffin wax (traditional candle wax): Paraffin wax is a petroleum by-product. After petroleum is processed into gasoline, kerosene, motor oil and other fuels, the excess waste is used in the production of paraffin.  Obviously, since soy wax is a natural product, it burns cleaner than a petroleum based product.

• Soy candles burn evenly:  Soy candles, when burned properly, create a pool of wax that starts from the wick in the middle of the jar and extends all the way to the sides and to the bottom creating a fabulous scent throw. Following the instructions on the best way to burn a soy candle will ensure you receive an even burn, every time you light your candle.  

• Soy wax lasts longer than paraffin wax:  Soy wax has a lower melting point, which means less heat is required to melt the wax providing a longer burning time.  Soy wax burns approx. 25-50% longer than paraffin wax. 

• Soy wax is easy to clean up:  Since soy wax is a natural product, you can easily clean it up with soap and water.  The jar can be recycled by simply scooping out the remainder of the wax and removing the wick.  The wax is very soft and can be removed with a spoon. The wick can be removed by heating the bottom of the container with hot water or in the oven.

• Soy wax has a mind of its own:  Some say that soy wax has a memory.  The fact is, soy wax remembers how long the last burn was and will only melt the wax as far as it burned the last time.  For example, if you do not allow the candle to reach its full melting point every time you light your candle, (wax melted from the center wick, all the way to the side of the jar and down) left over wax will accumulate on the sides of the jar, leaving a sort of tunnel down the center.  The next time you light the candle, the wax will burn only as far as you burned it the last time, creating an even bigger tunnel.  It is recommended that you burn your candle 1 hour for every inch of diameter.  Our jelly jars are 3" in diameter, which means this candle should burn at least 3 hours every time you light it. 
   
• Soy wax has characteristics not found in traditional paraffin wax candles:  Because soy wax is a natural product, it can be a challenge to create the "perfect candle", as it reacts strangely to different temperatures.  For the candle maker, who is a perfectionist, it can be frustrating eliminating the characteristics that are really unavoidable when dealing with soy wax.  For example, you may find slight frosting (white lines) or wet spots on the sides of the container. These characteristics are not considered a flaw, as all soy candles demonstrate these characteristics and it does not affect the quality of the candle.  If a candle maker claims that their soy candles are pure soy wax and there are no imperfections as described, I would question whether or not the candle is really pure 100% soy wax. 

• Soot Free Candles:  There is no doubt that soy candles are made of a natural product that burns clean. Some candle makers however, claim that their soy candles have no soot. The fact is all candles soot. It is true that soy candles do not produce black smoke as they burn, but if the wick is not taken care of properly the wick will soot when it is extinguished, causing black smoke to accumulate on the sides of the jar. Using a wick dipper will help to eliminate the black smoke caused by extinguishing the wick when it is too long. Also, soy candles may produce "white soot" that you cannot see with the naked eye. This soot is not harmful and thus cannot be compared to the soot that may come from paraffin wax candles.

• "Double & Triple" scented soy candles: Some candle makers claim that their pure soy candles are double and triple scented. Soy wax only holds a certain amount of fragrance. If you add too much, it will accumulate at the bottom and can be hazardous when burned. Those that claim their candles are triple scented, use other waxes besides soy.

Questions & Answers

• When will I receive my order & how is it shipped? To ensure freshness, our candles are made to order.  This means after the order is received, we make your candle.  Please allow time for your candle to set and cure.  Please allow 7-10 days for delivery. All orders are shipped by United States Postal Service Priority Mail.  If you also ordered stockings, the candle will be shipped at the same time, unless you order a large amount, then it may be necessary to package them in a separate box.

• What are the shipping charges?  Shipping charges are based on the number of items you ordered.  If the actual cost to ship your order exceeds the shipping charges displayed during checkout, a bill will be sent to you via email for the extra shipping charges.  Domestic shipping (US Mail Priority): 1-2 items:  $ 5.45; 3-4 items:  $ 6.95;  5-6 items:  $ 8.45; 7 & up:  $ 9.95; International shipping (US Mail First Class International):  1-2 items:  $ 10.55;  3-4 items:  $ 13.07;  5-6 items: $ 16.51;  7 & up:  $ 23.39

• What is your return policy?  If you are unhappy with your candle, you may return it for a full refund,  only if you return it unused in the original packaging within 15 days of purchase.  We suggest that you order a small sample candle first before ordering a large size, if you are unsure about the scent. 

• Do you sell your candles wholesale?  If you are a retailer and wish to sell our candles in your store, please visit our candle website at www.uptowncandles.com .  There is a link at the bottom menu for wholesale inquiries.

• What type of wax do you use in your candles?  Our candles are made with 100% soy wax.  Since soy wax is a natural product, it can be a challenge to create the "perfect candle", as it reacts strangely to different temperatures. You will find slight frosting, bubbles, or wet spots on the sides of the jar that cannot be avoided and are really signs that your candle was made with pure 100% soy wax. These characteristics are not considered a flaw, as it does not affect the quality of the candle. Some candle makers use a blend of wax (soy/paraffin) that helps to eliminate these characteristics and we have tested some of them.  However, we just can't get past the fact that the candle burns so much cleaner and prettier, when the wax is 100% pure soy.  For this reason, we refuse to use anything else than pure soy wax. If a candle maker claims that their candles are 100% soy wax, and it does not have any of the characteristics mentioned, there is doubt whether or not the candle is really 100% pure soy wax. 

• How are your candles scented?  The fragrance oils used in our soy candles were specifically recommended & approved for soy wax candle making and we add just the right amount to release a fabulous scent.  

• What type of wicks do you use & how are your candles colored?  The only purpose of the dye is to color the wax and has no effect on how the candle burns.  Soy wax holds color differently then paraffin wax. The colors are more creamy and soft compared to bold colors that you find in paraffin wax candles.  Also, the color will vary when the dye is mixed with different fragrance oils, as fragrance oils have different tints. The wicks used for our candles are natural cotton and contain no lead. They are approved for candle making to ensure a proper clean burn. 

• What is the burn time?  All burn times are different and many factors determine how long your candle will last.  Drafts and improper wick height are the main reasons a candle will not last as long.  As a general rule, soy wax burns approx. 8-9 hours per ounce of wax.  Our 8 ounce jelly jar holds about 6.5 oz of wax, which means it should burn around 52-58 hours.  Soy wax burns approx. 25-50% longer than paraffin wax. 

• Why is my soy candle leaving wax on the sides of the jar as it burns?  Our candles were tested and should burn evenly from the surface all the way down.  Let your soy candle completely liquefy at the top before extinguishing.  Your candle should burn one hour per inch of diameter (for example, if you have an 8 oz jelly jar with a 3 inch diameter, you should burn your candle at least 3 hours before extinguishing.  If you don't your candle will burn uneven and leave wax on the sides of your jar. 

• Why is there a pool of wax at the top of the candle as it burns?  The amazing thing about soy wax is that it burns evenly from the center to the sides and from the top all the way to the bottom.  The melted pool of wax is how the amazing fragrance evaporates into the room.  The fact that there is a pool of wax at the top means a proper wick was used and the candle is burning evenly, just the way it is suppose to.  It is important to let the candle reach it's full melting point before you blow the candle out.  Extinguishing the candle too early can cause un-melted wax to be left on the sides, as described above. 

• Why is my candle have some soot?  Soy wax and natural wicks burn clean and have very little soot.  If a soy candle demonstrates some soot, it is probably due to the wick being too long.  A wick should be trimmed every time you are ready to light it. You will notice a slight curve at the tip of the wick from your previous burn, simply snip it off with your fingers. Wicks do not burn down with the candle, so if you burn your candle too long the wick will become long and cause soot on the sides of the jar when extinguishing.  (See burning & safety tips)

• Can I reuse my jar when the candle is finished?  Absolutely, when the candle is finished, remove the wick and clean out the jar with soap and water.  Soy wax is soft, so you can scoop out left over wax from the bottom of the jar with a spoon or other object.  Toss large amounts of left over wax into the garbage, as it may clog your drain.  The wick is attached with hot glue, so if you heat the container (not in the microwave as the wick has a metal bottom) you can remove the wick.  Try placing it in a warm oven or heat the bottom slightly with a heat gun. 

• Do scented candles go bad?  Candles do not expire, however they may be affected by certain conditions.  Exposure to heat or light could affect the color, shape, or fragrance.  Although the fragrance is infused into the wax, over a period of time the strong scent could lessen.  If kept at room temperature with the lid on, away from direct light it should last a very long time.  Never leave soy candles, in a hot car.  The wax is so soft that it could easily melt.