Why does my candle have white spots on the glass or on the top?

Those white spots are called "frosting," and they're completely natural! This is a characteristic of natural soy and coconut wax candles and actually indicates that your candle is made with pure, natural ingredients.

Frosting occurs when natural wax crystals form on the surface or sides of the candle. It's similar to how chocolate can develop a white bloom - it doesn't affect the quality, scent, or burn performance of your candle at all. In fact, many candle lovers see frosting as a sign of authenticity and quality!

Think of it as your candle's natural fingerprint - each one is unique.

Why does my candle have "bubbles" or wet spots?

Wet spots and air bubbles are another natural characteristic of hand-poured candles made with soy, coconut, and beeswax. They occur when the wax naturally contracts and pulls away from the glass as it cools.

Here's why this happens:

• Temperature changes: Natural waxes are sensitive to temperature fluctuations during cooling
• Handmade process: Unlike mass-produced candles with synthetic additives, our natural waxes behave organically
• Glass adhesion: Natural wax doesn't contain the chemical binders that force wax to stick to glass

The good news? Wet spots and bubbles are purely cosmetic and don't affect how your candle burns, smells, or performs. Your candle will still provide the same beautiful, clean burn and wonderful fragrance!

How long should I burn my candle each time?

For the best performance, burn your candle for 2-4 hours at a time. This allows the wax to melt evenly across the entire surface, creating a full melt pool. The first burn is especially important - make sure the wax melts all the way to the edges to prevent tunneling in future burns.

Avoid burning for more than 4 hours at a time, as this can cause the wick to mushroom and the container to overheat.

How do I properly trim the wick?

Before each burn, trim your wick to about ¼ inch (6mm). This simple step helps prevent:

• Excessive smoke and soot
• Uneven burning
• The flame getting too large
• Carbon buildup on the wick (mushrooming)

Use wick trimmers or scissors, and always trim when the candle is cool and the wax is solid.

Why is my candle tunneling (burning down the middle)?

Tunneling happens when the candle burns straight down the center, leaving wax on the sides. This usually occurs because the first burn wasn't long enough to create a full melt pool.

Prevention: Always burn your candle long enough for the wax to melt completely to the edges, especially during the first burn. Natural wax has "memory" - it will continue to burn to the same diameter as the first burn.

Fix: If tunneling has already occurred, you can carefully wrap aluminum foil around the top of the candle (leaving the center open) to help melt the sides.

How can I make my candle last longer?

Follow these tips to maximize your candle's burn time:

• Trim the wick to ¼ inch before each burn
• Burn for 2-4 hours at a time to create an even melt pool
• Keep your candle away from drafts and vents
• Store in a cool, dry place when not in use
• Keep the wax pool free of wick trimmings and debris

Can I burn my candle all the way to the bottom?

For safety, stop burning your candle when there's about ½ inch of wax remaining at the bottom. Burning beyond this point can cause the container to overheat and potentially crack or break.

Tip: Don't let that last bit of wax go to waste! You can use it as a wax melt in a warmer or save it to create a new candle.

What should I do if my wick is too short?

If your wick gets buried in wax or becomes too short to light:

1. Carefully pour out some of the melted wax (when the candle is lit and the wax is liquid)
2. Or, use a spoon to remove some solid wax around the wick when the candle is cool
3. Expose about ¼ inch of wick and relight

Where is the safest place to burn my candle?

Always burn candles on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from:

• Drafts, vents, and fans
• Flammable materials (curtains, papers, bedding)
• Children and pets
• Direct sunlight or heat sources

Keep candles at least 3 inches apart from each other and other objects.

How should I store my candles when not in use?

Store your candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Natural waxes can soften or discolor in warm temperatures or bright light. If your candle has a lid, keep it covered to protect the scent and keep dust out.

Can I leave a candle burning unattended?

Never leave a burning candle unattended. Always extinguish candles before leaving a room or going to sleep. Safety first!

What should I do if the flame gets too high?

If your flame is higher than 1 inch or flickering excessively:

1. Extinguish the candle safely
2. Let it cool completely
3. Trim the wick to ¼ inch
4. Remove any debris from the wax pool
5. Relight and enjoy

Are your candles vegan and cruelty-free?

Our soy and coconut wax candles are 100% vegan. Our beeswax candles are vegetarian and ethically sourced from beekeepers who prioritize the health and wellbeing of their bees. All our candles are cruelty-free - we never test on animals.

Do you use essential oils or fragrance oils?

We use high-quality, phthalate-free fragrance oils that are specifically designed for candle making. These oils provide a stronger, longer-lasting scent throw than essential oils while remaining safe for home use.

How long do your candles burn?

Burn time varies by candle size and proper care. With proper wick trimming and burning practices, you can expect maximum burn time from each candle. Contact us at lumina.light.candles@gmail.com for specific burn times for each size.

Are your candles safe for pets?

Our candles are made with natural waxes and phthalate-free fragrances. However, always burn candles in well-ventilated areas and keep them out of reach of pets. Never leave pets unattended with burning candles, and be aware that some pets may be sensitive to certain scents.

Why can't I smell my candle when it's not burning?

This is normal! The fragrance in candles is released when the wax melts and the scent molecules evaporate into the air. When the candle is solid, the fragrance is locked in the wax. Once you light it and the wax begins to melt, you'll enjoy the full scent experience.

How strong is the scent throw?

Our candles are designed to provide a balanced scent throw that fills a room without being overwhelming. Natural waxes like soy, coconut, and beeswax provide a cleaner, more subtle scent compared to paraffin candles. The scent strength will be most noticeable within the room where the candle is burning.

Can I mix different candle scents in the same room?

While you can burn multiple candles at once, we recommend sticking to complementary scents or burning just one at a time to fully appreciate each fragrance. Mixing too many different scents can create an overwhelming or confusing aroma.

Why does my candle smell different after the first burn?

The scent may seem to evolve as you burn through different layers of the candle. This is normal with hand-poured candles. Also, your nose can become accustomed to a scent over time (called "nose blindness"), making it seem less strong even though it's still performing well.

How are candles packaged for shipping?

We carefully package each candle with protective materials to ensure it arrives safely. Our candles are wrapped securely and cushioned to prevent damage during transit.

What if my candle arrives damaged?

We take great care in packaging, but if your candle arrives damaged, please contact us immediately at lumina.light.candles@gmail.com with photos of the damage. We'll make it right!

Do you offer refunds or exchanges?

Your satisfaction is important to us! If you're not completely happy with your purchase, please reach out to us at lumina.light.candles@gmail.com and we'll work with you to find a solution.