FAQ

Candles and Wax Melts

Why coconut-paraffin wax?

When we first started sampling waxes, we started with 100% soy. We did not get the results we were looking for in the hot throw (the scent the candle releases when lit). We sampled several soy-paraffin blends before landing on our current coconut-paraffin blend. We appreciate it because it has been easy to work with, both in wicking and in hot throw. If you are looking for soy wax products, our wax melts are a coconut-soy blend that we think you might enjoy.

How strong are your candle scents?

Smell is a very subjective thing. We currently offer two sizes, 3.5 oz. and 13 oz. We have found that our 13 oz. candle, even though it is single-wicked, can fill most medium-sized rooms. Our 3.5 oz. candle is best suited for smaller rooms, such as bathrooms.

Why should I trim my wick before each burn?

Your wick should always be trimmed to ¼" before being lit. If the candle is not trimmed, it can produce a larger flame and increase the risk of soot.

Why is the first burn so important?

During the initial burns, it's important to achieve a nearly complete melt pool from one end to the other to avoid tunneling later. Our experience with candles suggests that aiming for a 3-4-hour burn in the first two sessions significantly reduces the risk of tunneling. If the large 13 oz. candle doesn't fully melt across during these initial burns, it usually catches up around the halfway mark, provided the melt pool is near the edges.

Why does my candle have some soot around the rim?

A little soot can happen with any candle and is usually nothing to worry about. To keep your burn as clean as possible, trim the wick to ¼" before each burn, keep your candle away from drafts, and avoid burning longer than four hours at a time. If you notice excessive smoke, a very large flame, or heavy soot buildup, extinguish the candle, let it cool completely, trim the wick, and try again. If the problem continues after following these steps, stop using the candle and contact us. We'll be happy to help figure out what's going on.

What should I do if my candle starts tunneling?

Tunneling most commonly occurs when a candle is consistently extinguished before the melt pool has had enough time to spread across most of the surface. If you notice a tunnel beginning to form, make sure you allow enough time during future burns for the melt pool to reach the edges of the jar, but do not exceed 4 hours. Don't worry if a thin layer of wax remains around the sides our candles may not reach a completely edge-to-edge melt pool during the first few burns, but as the candle burns farther down, the additional heat inside the jar will usually melt the remaining wax and even things back out.

For best results, trim your wick to ¼" before each burn and try to avoid consistently short burn sessions. If a deep tunnel continues into the middle of the candle and isn't beginning to correct itself, stop using the candle and contact us so we can help.

When should I stop burning my candle?

For safety, stop burning your candle when about ½" of wax remains at the bottom of the jar. Burning a candle beyond this point can cause the bottom of the vessel to become too hot.

How do I use Ember & Wit wax melts?

We sell our wax melts in a standard six-pack clamshell. Break off 1-2 wax cubes from the package. Depending on the size of your warmer and room. If you have an electric warmer, switch it on. If you have a tea light warmer, light the candle and place it below the warming dish. You can reuse your wax cubes for as long as the scent lasts, generally 14-16 hours.

How do I remove used wax from my warmer?

Once your wax melt is no longer giving off fragrance, turn off your warmer and carefully use a few cotton balls or a similar absorbent material to soak up the melted wax. Once the wax has been absorbed, wipe the warming dish clean before adding fresh wax. Be careful when handling hot wax, and never pour melted wax down the drain.

Foaming Hand Soap

Does your foaming hand soap contain fragrance?

Yes. Our foaming hand soaps are scented with fragrance oils approved for use in soap and used within the recommended usage rate for that product.

Why aren't all of your scents available in every product?

Not every fragrance oil is approved for use in every type of product. Safety comes first, so we use only fragrances appropriate for each specific application.

We also like offering a wider variety of scents across our candles, car diffusers, wax melts, and foaming hand soaps. That said, if there's a scent you'd love to see in another product, let us know! We're always open to suggestions.

Can I put your foaming hand soap in a regular soap dispenser?

Our foaming hand soap is specifically formulated for use with a foaming soap dispenser. For the best results, we recommend using a foaming pump rather than a standard liquid soap dispenser.

Car Diffuser

How do I activate my car diffuser?

Remove the stopper from under the lid, then replace the wooden lid. Turn the bottle upside down for a few seconds to allow the lid to absorb some of the fragrance. Hang the bottle from the string. To refresh your scent, invert the bottle for a few seconds to allow the wooden lid to absorb more fragrance.

How long does a car diffuser typically last?

The frequency of scent refreshment and the temperature in your car influence how long it lasts. Higher heat can cause the wooden top to dry out faster, leading you to refresh the scent more frequently. Typically, for regular refreshing at average temperatures, the scent lasts about 3 weeks.

How can I make my car diffuser smell stronger?

Refresh the scent by briefly inverting the bottle to re-saturate the wooden cap with fragrance oil. Once the cap is saturated, turn the bottle upright and allow any excess oil to absorb before hanging it back up. Be careful not to oversaturate the cap, as excess fragrance oil can leak or drip onto surfaces.

Can diffuser oil damage my car's interior?

Fragrance oil can damage or discolor some interior surfaces if it spills or leaks. Always keep your diffuser upright when it isn't being refreshed, and avoid oversaturating the wooden cap. If any oil spills, wipe it up immediately and clean the area according to your vehicle manufacturer's recommendations. Ember & Wit is not responsible for damage caused by spilled or leaking fragrance oil.

Shipping and Returns

Do you accept returns or exchanges?

We accept returns within 30 days of delivery for unused products in their original packaging. Customers are responsible for return shipping, and we recommend using a trackable shipping method. Custom or personalized products, final sale or clearance items, gift cards, and products that have been opened, lit, or used are not eligible for standard returns.

If your order arrives damaged or incorrect, or you experience an issue with a product after you begin using it, please contact us at matt@emberandwit.com with your order number and photos when helpful. We want to make sure our products work the way they should, and we'll be happy to help. For complete details, please see our Return & Refund Policy.

Do you ship outside of the country?

At this time, we only ship within the United States.

What is your shipping policy?

We offer $6.99 flat-rate shipping on U.S. orders under $65, and orders of $65 or more ship free. The free-shipping threshold is calculated after discounts and before taxes. Orders are typically processed and shipped within 2–4 business days, excluding weekends and holidays. Once your order ships, you'll receive tracking information so you can follow it along the way.

Delivery times are estimates and may be affected by carrier delays, weather, holidays, or other circumstances outside our control. If your package arrives damaged, appears to be lost, or you have another shipping issue, please contact us at customerservice@emberandwit.com, and we'll be happy to help.

For complete details, please see our Shipping Policy.

Can I cancel or change my order?

If you need to change or cancel your order, contact us as soon as possible at customerservice@emberandwit.com. We'll do our best to help, but we can't guarantee changes or cancellations once an order has been processed or shipped. If your order has already shipped, we'll work with you based on our Return & Refund Policy.