Candle Care & FAQ
Keep Your Light Burning Right: Candle Care
- For the initial lighting, allow your container candle to create a full and even burn pool across the entire candle.
- Trim your candlewick to ¼ inch each time before burning. BTW, have you seen our wick trimmers?
- Keep your burning candle away from flammable objects such as curtains, plants, and beards.
- Burn candle on a heat-resistant surface. For further safety and protection, try placing candle in a hurricane candleholder.
- Keep the wax pool free of wick trimmings, matches, and debris at all times.
- Keep your candles out of the reach of small children and mischievous pets. We'd like to avoid any impromptu magic tricks involving curious paws and wagging tails.
- Always burn candles in a well-ventilated room.
- Never touch a burning candle or move a candle while the wax is pooled.
- Before you bid your candle adieu, make sure the flame is completely extinguished and that the wick ember is no longer glowing. Safety first, and then we can proceed with dramatic exits.
Have another question in mind?
See our various FAQs below
General Candle FAQ
Ingredients
Refills
Subscriptions
Lighters
Route Insurance
Must I trim the wick before every light?
Absolutely! Trimming the wick to 1/4 inch helps your candle burn cleaner, last longer, and throw scent more effectively - with less soot and a steadier flame.
Need a wick trimmer? Thought you might ask.
How to safely clean out my vessel?
Pop the old wax out (freezer method works great), remove the wick tab, and rinse with warm soapy water. If needed, check our wax removal guide.
What are some ways I can reuse my candle glass (or tin?)
Drinks & Cocktails:
Perfect for cocktails, cold brew, or even just your daily OJ.
Plants & Florals:
Use as a vase for wildflowers, a propagation jar, or a mini planter.
Bathroom Vanity:
Store toothbrushes, makeup brushes, cotton rounds, or hair accessories.
Desserts:
Ideal for affogato, ice cream, mousse, or frozen yogurt.
Candles:
Drop in an electric or wax tea light, votive, or one of our sustainable refill candles.
Odds & Ends:
Great for matches, office supplies, snack mixes, or gifting something small.
Why is my candle tunneling?
It probably wasn’t lit long enough. Most candles need 2–4 hours to fully melt across the top. If you’re stuck with a tunnel, let it burn longer next time, or try the foil method: wrap a ring of aluminum foil around the top of the container, leaving the center open. This traps heat and helps the outer wax catch up.
Why do my candles produce soot? Isn't that bad?
Soot is a normal byproduct of anything that burns, even the "cleanest-burning" candles. It forms when there's incomplete combustion, usually from too long a wick, drafts, or burning the candle for too long. Despite the claims, no candle is truly “soot-free,” and “white soot” isn’t a thing, it’s marketing. The key is to trim the wick, avoid air currents, and don’t burn for more than 4 hours at a time. A small amount of soot doesn’t mean your candle is toxic - it just means fire is doing what fire does.
Are candles toxic?
“Toxic” is often misused. In science and medicine, a substance is considered toxic if it causes harm to living tissue through chemical interaction—typically depending on the dose, duration, and route of exposure. The phrase “the dose makes the poison” applies here: even water can be toxic in extreme amounts.
Well-made candles, especially those using IFRA-compliant fragrance oils, lead-free wicks, and safe wax blends, pose no known health risks when used properly. A burning candle produces trace byproducts (like soot or VOCs), but at levels far below what would be considered harmful in a well-ventilated space. If you’re burning candles in moderation and following general safety guidelines, you’re well within safe limits.
How long should I burn my candle at a time?
Two to four hours is the sweet spot. Long enough to get a full melt pool, short enough to avoid overheating the glass or drowning the wick.
Do candles expire or go bad?
Not exactly, but over time scent can fade and wax can discolor—especially if stored in sunlight or near heat. Cool, dark places are your friend.
Why are my candles discoloring?
Over time, exposure to light, heat, or air can cause wax to yellow or brown slightly. This is common with certain fragrance ingredients (especially vanilla and citrus) and happens in both essential oil candles and those made with fragrance oils. It’s purely cosmetic and won’t affect how your candle performs.
Are fragrance oils safe to burn?
Yes - when specifically formulated for home fragrance. We use fragrance oils that comply with IFRA (International Fragrance Association) standards, which are based on toxicology reports and exposure safety data. These oils are engineered to perform consistently in candles without compromising air quality or user health.
Why don’t you use only essential oils in your candles?
Essential oils may be natural, but they’re not always safe or practical for candle use. Many evaporate too quickly, degrade under heat, or can trigger respiratory irritation when burned. The selection is also extremely limited, only a small number of essential oils are even available, and fewer still are stable or strong enough to survive a burn cycle in a candle. On top of that, producing them is resource-intensive; it can take hundreds of pounds of plant material to yield a single pound of oil, raising sustainability concerns.
But aren’t essential oils more “natural”?
“Natural” isn’t a regulated term, and it doesn’t guarantee superior safety, sustainability, or performance. Arsenic is natural; so is poison oak. We don’t use buzzwords or fear to sell products. We focus on what’s proven to be safe, effective, and responsibly made - regardless of whether it comes from a lab or a lavender field.
What is IFRA, and why does it matter?
IFRA (International Fragrance Association) is the global authority on fragrance safety. It sets science-based limits on how and where specific ingredients can be used, drawing from toxicological studies and ongoing safety reviews. Compliance helps ensure that the fragrance ingredients in our products are safe for regular, long-term use.
How to use a Refill Candle?
- Pick a container that’s at least 2.75" wide and 3" tall, with a 7 oz+ capacity. Straight-sided glassware, mugs, or ceramic tumblers work best.
- Refills are not standalone pillars - they need sidewalls to contain the melted wax.
- If the candle wobbles, gently soften the bottom with a lighter or use our wax-based Stickum for stability.
- Don’t remove the metal tab - it keeps the wick centered. If it shifts, use Stickum to re-anchor it.
- Keep it around 0.5". Trim any “mushroom” before relighting for a cleaner burn.
- Freeze the container to pop out leftover wax, then wash with warm soapy water.
What are some suitable vessels that I can use?
Anything that can hold over 7 oz in liquid volume and at least 2.75 inches wide and 3 inches high. Examples include: mason jars, straight-sided rocks glasses, whiskey glasses, ceramic mugs, glassware or tins from our previous collections, or our signature ripple glass
Just please don't use bowls or plates.
Feel free to Send Us a photo if you're unsure.
How do I clean my vessel before using a refill?
Pop the old wax out (freezer method works great), remove the wick tab, and rinse with warm soapy water. If needed, check our wax removal guide.
Are Refill candles just pillars?
Nope! We originally set out to make pillars, but during testing, they’d collapse. When we burned them in our glassware, they melted down and burned evenly like a container candle, about 25 hours. Same great wax, easier cleanup, just made to live inside a vessel.
Do refill candles burn the same as regular container candles?
Mostly. But the flame may be slightly taller due to our harder wax blend. That’s normal. As long as it’s in the right container, it’ll burn just as well.
What should I do if the refill doesn’t sit flat in the vessel?
Use a dab of our wax-based Stickum. You can also gently soften the bottom with a lighter to level it out.
How long do refill candles burn?
Each refill burns for approximately 30+ hours when used in a properly sized container and maintained with regular wick trimming.
Are refills more sustainable than regular candles?
Yes. They reduce packaging waste, extend the life of existing vessels, and are made from a plant-based blend of soy, palm, and a touch of beeswax.
Are refills vegan?
Not entirely. They contain under 10% pure beeswax to help them release from the mold. Our container-based candles are 100% vegan.
How do subscriptions work?
We offer two delivery frequencies:
- Monthly: 20% off
- Bi-Monthly: 10% off
After your third delivery, you can:
- swap scents
- cancel or pause your subscription
- add one-time purchases
- start a new subscription with the same discount
You can manage everything through your customer portal at lightprovisions.com. Log in with Shop Pay or your email, then click Manage Subscriptions.
How do I modify my subscription?
Once you've completed three subscription cycles, you can:
- Change your delivery frequency
- Swap scents
- Skip a shipment
- Update Payment or Shipping Info
- Add one-time products or new discounted subscriptions
To do this, log in to your account at lightprovisions.com, then select Manage Subscriptions.
What products are available for subscription?
Most of our candles are eligible. However, the following are excluded:
- Lighters
- Limited Editions
- Bundles
- Merchandise
- Accessories
Want 10 or more of the same products for a bulk discount? feel free to reach out to us at hello@lightprovisions.com
When will I be charged?
You’ll be charged automatically before each scheduled delivery, unless you’ve paid in advance. Be sure your payment info stays current to avoid disruptions.
Can I cancel my subscription?
Only after your first three orders. Once that’s done, you’re free to cancel or pause anytime from your portal. Until then, we ask that you stick it out - this helps us plan inventory and keep your discount program sustainable.
What happens if a candle in my subscription is unavailable?
Here's how we handle it:
- Out-of-season candles: These are temporarily unavailable and will return with the right season.
- Out-of-stock candles: Sign up for alerts on the product page—we’ll restock ASAP.
- Discontinued candles: We’ll contact you and offer a replacement or let you pick a new scent at no extra cost.
How do I update my shipping address or payment method?
After the third delivery, you can log in to your subscription portal to update:
- Your shipping address
- Payment Information
- Delivery Schedule
Important: If you’ve moved, update your address before your next order or contact us ASAP. We aren’t responsible for orders sent to outdated addresses.
What if I'm out of town during a scheduled shipment?
Let us know before the charge date and we’ll help you skip the delivery. You can also manage this through the portal.
Are subscriptions automatically renewed?
Yes. All subscriptions auto-renew unless canceled. You’ll get an order confirmation and reminder email before each renewal, with a link to manage or cancel.
Can I return a candle from my subscription?
Check our Returns Policy for details. If something arrives damaged or isn’t right, we’ll sort it out. If a product is discontinued and you don’t want a replacement, we’ll issue a refund or store credit.
What kind of fuel does a Tsubota Pearl lighter use?
Tsubota Pearl lighters use Zippo-style liquid fuel—never butane. Our arc lighters skip the fuel entirely and run on electricity (and maybe a little sorcery) via USB-C.
How do you refill a Tsubota Pearl or Zippo-style lighter?
We’ve got full refill instructions right here: Lighter Maintenance Guides
How often should I refill my lighter?
It depends on how often you light up, but most folks refill every 1–3 weeks with regular use.
Where can I purchase flint or wicks?
We sell flint in 20 packs, as well as wicks for Tsubota Pearl Bolbo, Queue, and Hard-Edge (flip top) lighters.
Plasma lighters do not require wicks or fuel. Neat!
Can I return a used lighter?
Unfortunately, no. Due to safety regulations, used lighters (struck with flint or fueled) can’t be returned. See our Lighter Return Policy for details.
My lighter isn’t lighting—what’s wrong?
Start with the basics: check your fuel level, flint, wick length, and whether the wheel turns smoothly. Still stuck? Head to the Troubleshooting Section.
What is Route Shipping Protection?
Route Shipping Protection is an optional service you can add at checkout. It covers your order against loss, theft, or damage while in transit. Claims are handled directly by Route, not Light Provisions.
How to file a claim?
1. Find Your Order Info
Have your order number, email, and shipping address ready.
2. Go to Route’s Claim Portal
Visit https://claims.route.com/ and input your order number and email address.
3. Submit Your Claim
Fill in your order information, describe the issue (lost, stolen, or damaged), and upload any required photos (especially for damage claims).
4. Wait for Route’s Review
Route will process your claim according to their policy. They may offer a replacement or a refund based on your order details and their terms.
Need Help?
If you have questions about Route’s process, email support@route.com. If your issue is about product quality or a packing error, contact hello@lightprovisions.com instead.
Is Route a scam? Why do I have to pay for shipping protection?
We know it can feel odd to pay extra for shipping protection. Route is a legitimate third-party company we partner with to protect your order from loss, theft, or damage in transit.
Because we ship handmade items, covering replacements ourselves can quickly cut into our margins - especially since most shipping issues happen after carriers take possession. Larger corporations not only produce goods at very low costs but also negotiate much lower shipping rates because of their high volume, which allows them to build “free” replacements or insurance into their pricing. As a small business, Route lets us offer comparable protection at a much lower cost.
By choosing Route at checkout, you get a fast, independent claims process and we can keep prices fair while still protecting your order.
Does Route cover international shipments?
Yes, Route covers both domestic and international shipments (except restricted countries). We strongly recommend it for international orders due to higher risk of loss or delay.
How long do I have to file a claim?
- Packages marked “delivered”: file between 5–30 days after delivery.
- Packages presumed lost: file after 7 days (domestic) or 20 days (international) but before 30 days from the last tracking checkpoint.
Does Route cover local delivery or in-person pickup?
No. Route only applies to shipments sent via USPS, UPS, FedEx, or DHL.
What about subscriptions?
If you add Route to your initial subscription purchase, it will automatically apply to all future shipments until you cancel.