FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Products & Ingredients

What makes Earth & Ember different?

We handcraft soy wax melts and plant-based wax candles with luxury fragrance blends, focusing on beautiful scents, clean burning, and eco-friendly, plastic-free packaging. We also offer a discovery box, subscription box and a loyalty program so you can discover new fragrances and save.

What wax do you use?

Our wax melts are 100% soy wax; our candles use plant-based waxes. Soy and other plant-based waxes are renewable and biodegradable and are known for a cleaner burn compared with paraffin.

What are the benefits of using soy wax melts over traditional paraffin wax?

Soy wax melts are a fantastic eco-friendly choice! They are made from renewable soybeans, which means they are biodegradable and produce less soot when burned, improving air quality. For a clean, sustainable option, check out our soy wax melts. Enjoy beautiful scents while being kind to the planet!

Are your products vegan and cruelty-free?

Our soy wax melts are plant-based. We don’t test on animals, and our packaging is plastic-free.

Do your candles and melts contain parabens or phthalates?

No, our candles do not contain any parabens or phthalates. We use soy wax and we carefully select premium fragrance oils.

What is “scent throw,” and how strong are your fragrances?

“Scent throw” is how well a fragrance fills a room. Our products are tested for excellent hot and cold throw.

I’m sensitive to fragrance—what should I know?

Check the CLP information on your product labels and pages to see any allergens or safety phrases before use. If you have any concerns, start with short burn times and ventilate the space.

Candles — Use & Care

How do I get the best burn from my candle?

Trim the wick to ~5mm before each lighting, allow a full melt pool on the first burn, and keep away from drafts. Follow general candle safety: never leave a burning candle unattended; keep away from flammables; place on a heat-resistant, stable surface.

How long do your candles burn?

Our standard 30cl candles have a burn time of up to 50 hours. Burn time is dependent on wick care, and environment. Proper wick trimming and letting the wax pool edge-to-edge extend life.

What if my candle tunnels?

Burn long enough on the first two burns to melt edge-to-edge. If tunnelling appears, you can gently “hug” the sides of soft wax inwards while warm (with care), and ensure the next burn is long enough to reset the melt pool.

Wax Melts — Use & Care

How do I use wax melts?

Place one melt in a ceramic burner and light a tea light at the bottom. Never add water or oils to the well. Once the scent fades, let the wax cool and remove it safely before adding a new melt.

How many hours does a wax melt last?

This depends on several factors such as burner heat. Many of our customers report around 12 hours per full-size wax melt segment.

Can I mix fragrances?

Yes—mixing is a fun way to create your own signature scent. Try complementary notes (e.g., citrus + floral, woody + vanilla). Consider starting with our Wax Melt Discovery Box to experiment.

Reed Diffusers

How long do reed diffusers last?

It varies with bottle size, number of reeds, and airflow. As a general guide: 50–100ml diffusers often last 1–4 months; larger bottles can last longer. The Earth and Ember reed diffusers provide up to 6 months of fragrance. Flip reeds weekly (or as needed) for a boost, and replace reeds every few months to maintain performance.

Where should I place my diffuser?

Put it in a high-traffic area for better circulation but away from direct sun or heat sources which can evaporate the oil faster.

Safety & Compliance

Are your products CLP compliant?

Yes, our labels carry the information you need to use products safely (hazard pictograms, precautionary statements, and allergens where applicable). Always follow on-label guidance.

What are the essential candle safety rules?

Never leave a flame unattended; keep out of reach of children and pets; use sturdy, heat-resistant holders; and keep away from curtains and other flammables. Extinguish before sleeping or leaving the room.

Gifting & Subscriptions

Do you offer gift options?

Yes, our candles, melts, and diffusers make perfect gifts. You can add multiple scents to your basket to create a bespoke set.

What is the Wax Melt Discovery Box?

It’s an easy way to discover new fragrances. This custom box lets you choose 6 full-sized soy wax melts from our Signature and Seasonal Collections, so you can explore a variety of fragrances without committing to just one. Build your Discovery Box.

What is the Wax Melt Subscription Box and how does it work?

Our subscription boxes are the perfect way to try two new scents every month — often exclusive or early releases — curated to capture the season or theme. You’ll benefit from monthly savings, plus free delivery every month. Subscribe to our monthly letterbox wax melt subscription and save 35%.

Can I send a subscription as a gift?

Yes — set the recipient’s address at checkout.

Orders, Shipping & Returns (UK)

How much is delivery and how fast do you ship?

UK Standard delivery is Royal Mail Tracked 48 at £3.50, with free delivery over £40. We aim to dispatch within 2 working days.

What’s your returns policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up until your order is fulfilled. After fulfilment, refuse delivery or return unopened items within 14 days for a refund. We cover returns only for incorrect/damaged items. Please email us before sending anything back.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept major cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and more. Please see all available options at checkout.

Sustainability

What’s your approach to sustainability?

We use eco-friendly, plastic-free packaging (paper, cardboard, plant-based alternatives) and plant-based waxes. This reduces plastic waste and supports a lower-impact product without compromising quality.

Are soy and plant-based waxes better for the environment?

They’re made from renewable crops and are biodegradable, and they’re widely recognised for cleaner burning than petroleum-based waxes. (As with any product, always follow safety labels.)

Troubleshooting

My candle has little mushrooms on the wick—what is this?

That’s carbon build-up from a wick burning too hot/too long. Trim to ~5mm before each burn and avoid drafts.

My diffuser seems faint—what can I do?

Add/replace reeds, flip weekly, move to a more central spot, and keep away from direct sunlight or radiators that accelerate evaporation.

The wax in my burner won’t release—how do I remove it?

Let it cool, warm the base briefly to loosen, then slide the set wax out and wipe the bowl clean with paper towel.