Candle Care FAQs


Are Ashman Natural Candles better than paraffin candles?

Our Natural Candles are made for those who are interested in a candle that is environmentally friendly. Vegetable wax is completely biodegradable and is produced from renewable resources. Some customers have concerns about the zinc core wicks so we have added two unbleached cotton wicks with a paper core to ensure an even burn. An Ashman Natural Candle will throw the same amount of wonderful fragrances that our paraffin candles do, they just do it with different ingredients.

   

What is your recommended burning time for Ashman Natural Candles?

We suggest you burn our Natural Candles for no more than four to five hours at a time. The reason for such short periods was to meet a market request. Many customers want a candle that will liquify quickly, releasing more fragrance into the air. They don't have more than a couple of hours to burn a candle but still want the enjoyment of a strong smelling candle. Our Natural Candles are made to liquify within an hour and will reach a peak within two to three hours. Beyond four to five hours your liquified pool of wax will be a quarter inch deep and you run the risk of burning the fragrance out of the wax before the wax is consumed. Our tests have shown that when our Natural Candles have burned for long periods the fragrance tends to be slightly weaker for a time when you light it up again. Also, the jar will become hot and must be handled carefully and kept out of the reach of children. As with any candle it is always recommended you burn your candle in a candle holder, away from anything flammable.

   

How long do your Natural Candles burn?

The large (26 oz) candle burns for approximately 110 hours and our medium (18 oz) candle will burn about 80 hours.

   

Are your Natural Candles highly scented?

Yes. Our Natural Candles contain a great deal of fragrance oil that is equally distributed throughout the candle. Each fragrance is unique and will burn differently. Some are very strong and others, even though they have the same amount of fragrance as any other, will be a more subtle aroma. Other fragrances will rise and some will hang low and linger. Each fragrance has been picked for it's unique qualities and rich aromas. Many of our fragrances have some essential oils in them, however, none of them are 100% essential oil.

   

Does the natural candle smoke like other candles?

All wicks will smoke if they are too long. Our natural candles are made to minimize and most times eliminate any smoking and soot. The vegetable wax is cleaner burning than paraffin based candles and when our natural wax is coupled with the right amount of fragrance and cotton wicks, you get a candle that is virtually smoke and soot free.

   

Do the natural candles have a zinc core wick?

No, the wicks used in our natural candles are unbleached cotton with a paper core. Two are used to generate enough heat to evenly burn your candle.

   

Do I need to trim the wicks?

Yes and No. You'll want to trim the wicks to about 1/4" before lighting them. Once they are lit, they should burn with out ever having to trim them.

   

Can I move the wicks around once the wax has liquified?

The wicks are extremely brittle and will break off if you're not careful when moving them. Use a wick dipper to access the wick below the part that is burning; the part that is in the liquid wax. Push or pull the wicks from below the burning area one direction or another if needed to ensure level burning.

   

What if I break off one of my wicks?

Unfortunately the candle is designed to burn level with two wicks. One wick is not sufficient to burn all the way to the edge. You'll have the extract enough wax to ensure the broken wick will burn. The wick is very fragile and will continue to break off if your not careful when you dig around it.

   

How long do Ashman paraffin candles burn and how much do they weigh?

The large candles (apothecary bubble lid) contain about 24 to 26 oz. of wax candles and will burn approximately 140 -160 hours. The 3 wick jar candles contain about 24 oz. of wax and burn approximately 75 hours. The medium and small candles contain about 18 oz. and 9 oz. of wax and will burn approximately 90 and 60 hours respectively. (Note, burning times may vary depending on the fragrance, wick and method of burning. Candle weights also vary. The candles tested where burned from 6 to 14 hours at a time.) Votives weigh approximately 3 oz. and will burn 12 to 16 hours if placed in the appropriate container.

   

Are Ashman candles highly scented?

A high quality paraffin wax blend is used that has been formulated to hold a large percentage of fragrance oil. Each candle regardless of size contains the same amount of fragrance. Pillar candles usually contain approximately a smaller percentage of fragrance oils because they are free standing and require a harder wax. The votives are also highly scented and hand poured vs. other votives that are machine made.

   

Do Ashman candles smoke when they burn?

If the wick flame is moving around, chances are the wick is too long or there is a draft and it will smoke. It's best to trim your wick to approximately 1/4 in. above the wax before lighting your candle ensuring a steady flame. Also, a second trim may be needed if you're burning the candles for long periods of time. If, after you've trimmed your wick properly and the flame continues to move, check for draft or move the candle to a different area.

   

I've had candles burn down the middle and leave a lot of wax on the sides. Will Ashman's do that?

Welling or tunneling are caused by a number of things. Some candles contain additives that clog the wick from burning efficiently prohibiting the heat to melt the wax completely to the sides of the candle jar. Others have wicks that are too small for the size and nature of the candle. Short burning times will not allow sufficient time for your candle to liquify completely across the top. Many candles are not poured flat across the top increasing the chance of tunneling. Also, sometimes the wick is off centered causing the candle to burn irregularly. Ashman candles are manufactured to burn completely to the sides and all the way to the bottom of the jar (however, we recommend that you discontinue burning your candle with ½ in. of wax left in the bottom) Our candles contain only additives that are scientifically formulated in the wax blend enabling the wick to put off the maximum heat. We recommend longer burning times to allow the candle to liquify completely across the top which eliminates tunneling and throws more fragrance. Lastly, we go the extra mile and hand pour each candle so it is completely flat across the top providing an efficient burn starting point and greater value to you. Occasionally, a wick is or may become off centered causing it to burn irregularly. To remedy, when the candle has liquified around the top, simply move the wick one way or the other with a non-flammable object until it is centered or until the top is even again.

   

Are scented candles a health hazard?

Ashman Natural Candles are made from biodegradable vegetable wax with unbleached cotton and paper core wicks. Ashman paraffin candles are lead free and contain a 100% zinc wire core wick. The paraffin wax used in Ashman candles is FDA-approved food grade. Our high quality fragrance oils contain no heavy metals such as lead. The combination of high quality ingredients and proper candle burning techniques represent no health risk.