FAQ's
Why wooden wicks?
We wanted to create a unique experience for our costumers. By using natural wooden wicks we are able to bring a sense of modern day luxury into our costumers living spaces. Our wooden wick candles provide an intriguing visual aesthetic and an enticing crackling sound with every burn. Our wooden wicks are eco-friendly, sustainably sourced from FSC Certified Wood, hand-crafted, and made in the USA.
How is soy wax made?
The premium soy wax we use is made from 100% natural soy beans. After going through a mechanical pressing process, the soybeans release oil and undergo a process known as 'hydrogenation'. This process allows the oil to solidify and become wax.
Why use soy wax?
Soy wax is non-toxic, clean-burning, and slow-burning due to it's density. This means, our candles last longer than an average paraffin candle the same size!
Why does it a take a while for the fragrance in a soy wax candle to disperse?
Our candles gradually build their fragrance throw as they burn due to the density level of soy wax and the need of higher heat temperature.
Are the fragrances used phthalate-free?
Yes! The fragrances used in our products are 100% phthalate-free and exclude the cancer-causing ingredients listed in CA's Proposition 65. Our fragrance oils are free from: carcinogens, mutagens, reproductive toxins, organ toxins, and acute toxins.
Essential Oils.
Some of our products are made up of fragrances that are blended with essential oils to create a custom blend that can only found at Mendocino Melting Company.
Should I trim my wick?
Yes. Before lighting your candle for the first time, trim your wick to .2” / 5 mm above the wax. After each burn, trim the wick to where the wood naturally breaks off. This can be done with your fingers or wick trimmers.
My candle won't light at all!
Check your wick height. If the wick is too long, it will burn up the wood before reaching the wax. Having too short of a wick may cause the flame to “drown” in wax without sufficient access to oxygen.
Why does my candle surface look uneven? How can I fix this?
It's very common for soy wax and wax blend candles to have an uneven surface after burning. This is due to the nature of the wax. The good thing is, there is nothing wrong with the candle! A way to fix this minor visual "flaw" is by using a heat gun to smooth the surface.
Why does my candle have droplets on the surface?
Store your candles away from direct sunlight or excessive heat. This can make the oils move to the surface. If sweating does occur, take a paper towel and simply dab the excess oil from the surface. Sweating isn’t visually appealing but it does not affect the performance of your candle.
What is tunneling and how do I prevent it?
Tunneling is a process that is normally caused by not allowing your candle to reach a full melt pool on its first burn. To prevent tunneling, we recommend you letting your candle burn until it has reached the edges of the jar.
How long should I burn candle for?
Do not burn your candle for more than 4 hours at time. When it’s time to say goodbye, gently blow out or use a candle snuffer to extinguish the flame.
Burn candles in a well-ventilated room.
Avoid drafts, vents, or air currents. This will help prevent rapid or uneven burning, sooting, and excessive dripping.
What is soot?
Soot is the black smoky substance that comes from candle flames. This can be caused by lack of oxygen/airflow or a clogged wick - which is why it's important to burn your candle in a well-ventilated room and trim your wick before each burn. A common misconception is that only paraffin wax candles soot. However, studies show that all candles produce soot, although the amount and appearance may differ depending on the type and quality of the wax.
Is candle soot harmful?
No. According to the National Candle Association, soot is not harmful as it is composed of carbon particles that are similar to those of kitchen toasters and cooking oils. It's important to note that soot from candles is chemically different from the soot formed by the burning of diesel fuel, coal, and gasoline.