FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is your store’s return and exchange policy?

Merchandise is only eligible for exchange if it is defective or damaged upon delivery.  We do not do returns or exchanges in the event that you are unsatisfied with a fragrance.  We recommend purchasing wax melts or one of our sampler tins to test out fragrances before making larger purchases.

What happens if my candle arrives damaged?

Todd Hunter Candle Boutique takes great care in appropriately shipping items so that they arrive in pristine condition, however in the event of damage during shipping, we request that you take a picture of the damaged item and email us at [email protected]. A claim will be filed with the courier so please be sure to inform us within 3 days of receiving the damaged product.We will work out any exchanges or returns at that point.

How long will it take to receive my order?

Todd Hunter Candle Boutique ships anywhere in the United States via U.S.P.S.  Shipping is based on the total amount of your order and you can choose between first class mail(3-5 days) and priority (1-3 days) mail. For all in stock merchandise, please allow 24-48 hours for processing.  Custom orders will be shipped within 5-7 days so that the candles can be poured and cured. No orders will ship without payment verification and receipt.  If something is on backorder, the customer will be notified by phone and/or email.  At this time you can choose to wait for the item, substitute it with another product, or remove it from your order.

I want a custom order that is not listed on the site.  How do I place an order?

THCB offers an array of candles and wax melts which may or may not be listed on the site.  Please do not be limited to what you see on our site.  We love trying new things!  Simply call us at (215)690-1437 or email us at [email protected] to discuss your order at length.  Once it is settled, you will receive an invoice from THCB via PayPal and once your order is paid for, your product will be completed in the agreed upon time. Work will not begin without a 50% deposit.

I just received my Todd Hunter candle.  Now what?

We’re so glad you asked! The first time you light a candle it is known as a “memory burn.”  Make sure the initial burn is for at least 3-4 hours to establish a full melt pool.  A good rule of thumb is one hour for every inch of the diameter of the jar. This will ensure that the pool of wax extends all the way to the outside rim of the candle and prevent your candle from forming a canyon in the center.  Extinguish the flame and allow your candle to cool down.  Now your candle will “remember” to burn out to the rim for future burns.

Why do I need to keep my wick trimmed?

Wick trimming is an essential part of proper candle care. After burning your THCB candle, you will notice a fragrance mushroom at the top of the wick.  This is typical for quality highly scented candles.  The mushroom head and debris must be removed before relighting your candle.  Not only does proper wick trimming reduce the occurrence of soot, it also extends the amount of hours that your candle will burn.

What causes a candle to smoke while its burning?

If the wick becomes too long, or an air current disturbs the flame’s teardrop shape, small amounts of unburned carbon particles (soot) will escape from the flame as a visible wisp of smoke. Any candle will soot if the flame is disturbed.  Keep wicks trimmed to a ¼ of an inch before every use and make sure it is burning in an area free of drafts, vents, or air currents. If the candle continually flickers or smokes it is not burning properly and should be extinguished.  Allow the candle to cool, trim the wick, and make sure the area is free of drafts before relighting.

Is candle soot harmful?

No, the miniscule amount of of soot produced by a candle is the natural byproduct of incomplete combustion.  Candle soot is composed primarily of elemental carbon particles similar to the soot given off by kitchen toasters.  Household causes of soot such as these are not toxic and not to be confused with the burning of diesel fuel, coal, gasoline etc which are chemically different.

What do I need to know about candle safety?

• Never burn a candle unattended.

• Do not burn in the reach of children and/or pets.

• Never burn a candle anywhere that near anything that can catch fire.

• Trims wicks to ¼ of an inch before each use.

• Keep candles away from drafts and vents.

• Do not burn for more than 4 hours at a time.Discontinue the use of your candle when there is ½ wax left in the jar.

Are certain candle waxes better than others?

No, it is a matter of preference.   There is a great deal of controversy between soy vs paraffin wax.  The National Candle Association asserts that all waxes are primarily hydrocarbons, whether of animal, vegetable, or petroleum origin.  The chemical composition of all candle waxes is similar and all candle waxes burn in the same manner.  No specific wax is better or best for candle making.  All waxes when handled properly with high quality have proven to burn cleanly and in a safe manner.  No candle wax has ever been shown to be toxic to human health.  

What wax does Todd Hunter use?

THCB offers 3 different waxes that are sure to meet the needs of every candle lover.  We have 2 different soy candles offered. One candle contains dye and fragrance while and our massage candles are 100% all natural with no added dyes. All soy candles are appropriately labeled as such.  Soy wax is all natural.  There are no preservatives.  As a result, some white frosting may appear on the candle overtime. There may be a few spots around the candle or it may be settled on the bottom of the jar or a ring around the top.  Please be advised that this is purely an aesthetic issue and will not affect the quality of the burn or fragrance of your candle.

We also offer a custom blended Parasoy Wax, which is a Soy and Paraffin mix. With this blend our candles maintain the clean and long burning effect of Soy wax, while the Paraffin provides the benefit of being able to add a very high fragrance load to it. Our wax melts are made of a soy blend.

I have small children.  Can I enjoy your products without the risk of an open flame?

If you are uncomfortable with having an open flamed candle, a candle warmer is the perfect alternative.  Simply place your candle on the candle warmer and allow the wax to melt.  The wax will slowly and safely release the fragrance.  The same is true using an electric warmer for wax melts.