Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about a product? Before you contact us, check here first! We may have already answered your question. If you don't see an answer to a question you have, feel free to contact us using the contact form on our website.
For wooden wick candles, we have created a special candle care section with extra tips to guarantee the best candle burn. View the wooden wick candle guide here.
Candle Questions:
I just received my candle and the top of my candle is not smooth. Is this normal?
This is completely normal! Many candles will not be 100% smooth even when they have never been lit. This is due to the fact that the soy wax used solidifies a little differently than some other types of wax and may not always look as "smooth" as a commercially purchased product. This also is due to our candles being "hand poured" and not commercially manufactured in a machine. This does not affect the way the candle burns or the way the candle smells when lit.
Why do I need to trim the wick to 1/4"(1/8" for wooden wick) before lighting?
Candle wicks should be trimmed before the first time they are lit if necessary, and any time they are relit to prevent the flame from growing too large. This could potentially be a fire hazard, and also, a large flame can cause the candle wax to melt too quickly or unevenly. Large flames will also leave black soot around the candle container. You will get the most even, longest lasting, cleanest burn when the wick is trimmed before each time the candle is lit.
Why should I only burn a candle for 4 hours at a time?
Similar to trimming your wick, this is to control the amount of soot and size of the flame. After around 4 hours, the wick will begin to mushroom and black soot will develop. This can leave unsightly black marks on candle container, and also allow the flame to grow larger than normal potentially causing a fire hazard. Large flames will also lead to possibility of uneven wax melting and can decrease the lifespan of the candle.
My candle wax is not burning evenly...the melted wax is not reaching the edges of the container.
This is usually caused by extinguishing the candle too early. When a candle is lit, it should be burned at least long enough for the flame to melt the wax to the edges of the container. An even surface of melted wax will keep burning evenly on the next burn. If you consistently burn for short periods of time, you may notice the center of the candle to burn, but wax to build up around the inside edges of the container. Because the wax is not thoroughly being consumed, the wick will burn down to the base of the candle quicker and the candle will not last as long as intended. As always, regardless of how long the candle has been burning, please extinguish all candles prior to leaving the area. Never burn candles unattended.
My candles don't smell as strong as I had expected them to smell.
By nature, soy candles have a more subtle smell than their paraffin wax sisters. This does not mean that you will not get any smell from the candles, but you may need a larger candle for larger spaces. This may be a change from the candles you are used to burning that contain larger wicks than recommended, may be made of a different type of wax, or have harmful chemicals that enhance the scent. Keep in mind that generally you will not smell much until the wax pool in the candle has grown to the edges of the container as hot liquid wax will give off a stronger scent than an unlit candle/cold wax.
Wax Melt Questions:
How many times can I reuse wax melts?
Wax melts can be reused until only 1/2" of wax remains in melt dish. Discard remaining wax at that point.
How do I use wax melts?
Wax melts are designed to sit in a dish and melt when heat is applied. The resulting melted wax will give off a scent that fills the room, similar to a candle does when the burning wick melts the wax. Only use wax melts with specified wax warming dishes. There are wax melt devices that melt using a tea light candle under a small dish, and more popular now, electric wax melt devices that plug in and melt wax delivering the same results. Place one block of wax onto melt dish and following instructions of device, allow it to warm and melt the wax in dish. You can reuse wax melt even after it has solidified as long as more than 1/2" of wax remains in dish. When wax has melted away to less than 1/2" in dish, discard and place a new wax melt in dish. Only use wax intended for wax melt devices.
Product Quality Questions:
What type of wax do you use?
Our candles currently use 100% soy wax.
Are your fragrances harmful to animals?
Our fragrances are not harmful to humans or animals. Our candles are made with materials that are free from phthalates (a pretty nasty chemical found in many candles), and many other harmful chemicals. Many commercial candles contain fragrances which include harmful chemicals that are released into the air when burned. These chemicals can also be found in the wax, and wick as well. All candles sold by Little Stump Candle Company can be labeled as non-toxic (but please do not eat them), phthalate free, and free from many other harmful chemicals. Because our candles are all natural and do not contain harmful chemicals, including essential oils which can be harmful to pets, we can confidently label them as pet safe as well. Feel confident knowing that you are not harming your furry family members when using our products.
Ordering/Shipping Questions:
How do I check my order status?
Order details and tracking numbers will be delivered via email or SMS messaging once product has been shipped. If you do not receive tracking information or you have an issue with not receiving your product when expected, please contact us to investigate further.
Do you offer any type of volume discounts?
This would be on a case by case basis dependent on the product purchased and amount required. Please contact us with special requests and we would be glad to work something out!
Do you charge shipping fees?
We strive to keep shipping costs as low as possible, sharing some of the shipping cost with you, however there usually will be a minimal shipping charge to cover some of the cost of delivery as well as packaging materials required to ship products. From time to time, promotions may allow for free shipping and also, larger purchases generally will be shipped free of charge as well. For more details or questions regarding shipping, please contact us.
What is typical turnaround time from order to receiving product?
Products listed on our website are ready to ship and usually will be shipped out within one business day of placing an order. Exact time to delivery depends on shipping method selected at checkout. Most products will arrive in 3-5 business days but this time may be shorter if an expedited shipping method is selected. Anything not in stock will require additional time to manufacture. Please use the "Contact" link at the top of this page to request something that is currently out of stock and we will reach out to you regarding turnaround time/product availability.
You are out of stock of an item I wish to purchase. Can I request a special order?
Absolutely! Use the "Contact" link at the top of this page to fill out the contact form regarding your request. Please include as many details as possible. Large orders may need to be placed this way as well as we may not currently have enough product on hand to fulfill a large order, but are more than willing to manufacture more if a special order is requested. We will reach out and discuss specifics as well as turnaround time and cost. Keep in mind we may not be able to accommodate every order, however we will do our best to reasonably accommodate as many special requests as possible.