Welcome to our Candle Care Page at Black Culture Candles!

We're here to ensure that your candles continue to radiate their warm glow and captivating scents for as long as possible. Candle care doesn't need to be complicated – we've got practical tips to help you make the most of your candles. From lighting to storing, we've got you covered. Let's keep the ambiance alive together!

First Burn:
The first burn of your candle is really important. How you first light your candle determines how it will burn for subsequent lightings. Please let your candle burn for at least 2 hours (but no more than 4 hours) the first time you light it in order to build a good wax pool and prevent tunneling. This will help your candle burn evenly every time you light it.

When should I start to smell the scent?
You'll start to smell the candle fragrance about 15-20 minutes into your burn after the wax starts to melt.

Candle Burning:
Always trim your wick to 1/4 of an inch before lighting for an even candle burn.
Never burn your large candle for longer than 4 hours at a time, and never burn your smaller candles for more than 2 hours. Stop lighting your wick when there’s about 1/2 inch of wax remaining. You can then place it on a low temperature warmer until the wax is gone. Keep all candles away from children, pets, and flammable objects.

Candle Container:
To reuse your candle glass, stop burning your candle when the wax reaches ½ inch, or the lettering engraved towards the bottom of your candle glass. Pour hot water into the cooled wax and let the wax float to the top. When the wax is solid, remove it. Wash your glass container and reuse it as you’d like and send me a picture. I'd love to see how you reuse your glass jars. 

Why isn't the wax poured to the top of the container?
Not pouring wax to the top of the container keeps the flame inside the container. Keeping the flame inside the container is a safety precaution to help eliminate fires. 

Why don't candle makers add a lot of fragrance?
There's a maximum amount of fragrance oil that waxes can hold before they stop burning cleanly or properly. Different waxes can tolerate different amounts of fragrance. Less expensive candles add additives that help give off stronger scents. 

Will the wax melt without a flame?
Yes. Coconut wax is a soft wax and depending on the temperature, it can melt. This is why we have warm weather shipping days from May through October. If you don't want to light a flame, just sit your candle on a warming plate. The wax will melt and lightly scent your space. 

Are wood wick candles safe?
Yes, our wood wick come from sustainably forested wood and are much safer than the traditional cotton wicks which are often coated with harsh chemicals.

What are the benefits of wood wick candles?
Wood wicks provide a soothing crackle to emulate a gentle fireplace. They also release the a stronger scent throw without being overwhelming.

I accidentally cut my wood wick too short and now it won’t light, what do I do?
Don’t worry this happens to the best of us. If your candle lights for a short period of time, simply use a napkin to soak up the melted wax and it’ll go back to normal. If your candle is not lighting at all, scrape off some of the wax around the wood and try lighting it again. 

Do candles expire?
The longer you keep your candle, the more the scent will degrade and dissipate. This happens with all candles. It's best to burn your candle within a year of purchase. If you plan to store your candle, wrap it in cellophane and make sure to store it in a cool, dry place. 

How to store your candles:
To store your candles effectively, keep them away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Store them upright to prevent warping and consider wrapping scented candles in plastic to maintain their fragrance. If they're in containers, keep the lids on to protect from dust. These simple steps will help your candles stay in great condition for longer.

What are Phthalates?
They are synthetic chemicals used to make plastics soft, and can be found in a variety of products. They're used in mass produced scented candles to make the scent last longer. Our candles do not contain phthalates. 

When candles burn, where does the wax go?
When a candle burns, the solid wax is heated into a liquid and gets drawn up the wick like a straw. The wax is burned off by the wick, which is why having natural waxes and non-toxic fragrances are important. 

Black smoke is coming out of my candle, what do I do?
All candles (not just wood wick candles) will produce black smoke if you burn them long enough. Simply trim the wick to 1/4 inch before each burn to get rid of the smoke. Trimming the wick ensures the candle is safe for the environment and makes it last longer.

Why do candles flicker?
As a candle burns, it heats the air around the flame. The flickering is the hot and cold air reacting to the flame. To reduce flickering, make sure the flame isn't close to a window or fan. We use wood wicks which adds a crackling sound. This is the wood burning, much like the sound you get in a wood burning fireplace. 

Can scented candles trigger allergies or asthma?
It's possible that sensitive people could be triggered by a particular fragrance. I have asthma and am very careful about avoiding triggers in my candles. If you have a known sensitivity to particular scents, please avoid candles with those fragrances. Remember to always burn candles in a well ventilated area. 

Why is there a burning smell?
When you don't trim your wick before lighting your candle you'll get a burning smell because the flame is burning the charred wick. Just blow your flame out, trim your wick and light your candle again.