FAQ

What is different about The Outer Banks Candle Company?

Let’s start by saying that all candles are not created equal… unlike most store-bought candles, with The Outer Banks Candle Company, each and every candle is poured by hand, and then tagged, tied, and labeled by hand. In addition to this, each candle is filled with as much delectable fragrance as the wax will hold, making it smell delightful whether burning or not.

Fresh candles are made daily so that the candles you receive were likely poured just days ago! We are committed to using only the finest quality ingredients of the wax, fragrance, and lead-free wicks. You can trust that we have experimented, tested, and poured our hearts into our candle-making process so that your candles will burn slowly, evenly, and delectably.


Questions about our candle Company

What is the shipping policy?

Equal to making delectably fragrant candles, our priority at The Outer Banks Candle Company is ensuring that your candles arrive at their destination in the best possible condition. In most cases, your candles will be shipped via USPS. Shipping rates are calculated and charged on a per-address basis. See all of our shipping policies and information here.

I need to edit my account information. Where can I do that?

You can edit your billing and shipping address, add, edit, or remove payment information, see your orders and subscriptions, and change your password through the My Account login here.

Can I customize candles for my wedding or business event?

Yes! Your candles can be personalized with your names, event date, or even your company logo! Visit our weddings & events page to learn more on how we can personalize your candles for your special event.

Where can I buy Outer Banks Candle Company candles?

You can purchase our candles and other cool accessories right here on our website! Our candles are also available for purchase at one of these many fine retailers listed here.

I don’t love my candle. Can I exchange it for something else?

If you’re not delighted with your candle after burning it in your home, we will be happy to exchange it for something that you will LOVE! Please contact us within 30 days of delivery (60 days for orders placed in November & December), and we’ll be happy to take care of you. Contact us and see our full returns policy here.

My order arrived damaged. What should I do?

If your order was unfortunately damaged during shipment, please reach out to us using the form on our Returns page. You’ll need your order number and photos of the damaged product. You will not need to send us the damaged candle back.


Candle Burning & Safety

How do I burn my candles safely?

Candles are meant to be enjoyed, but it is important that you follow some common-sense safety rules when burning them. The safety of you and your family is the first priority whenever burning a candle so please visit our candle safety page for a full list of safety measures.

Why should I trim the wick of my candles?

It is helpful to trim the wick to 1/4 inch each time you light your candle after the first burn. When not properly trimmed, the wicks of all candles can “mushroom” at the top, causing excessive flickering and/or smoke. Keeping your wick trimmed keeps this to a minimum and also makes your candle safer.

Trimming also prevents your wick from curling back into the wax – a common problem with non-metal cored wicks. A curled wick can cause your candle to burn unevenly. Because our wicks contain no lead, zinc, or metal of any kind, they are very easily trimmed by just breaking off the top of the wick (the curled part) before lighting. Check out our candle wick trimmers.


Votive candles

How do I burn votives?

Votives are not pillar candles. They are essentially small container candles sold without the container. Votives must be burned in a tight-fitting votive holder, not in a large candle holder or plate. After you are finished burning your votive, simply clean out the holder and remove the metal wick clip from the bottom and you’ll be ready to burn another delectable votive! Check out our votive holders.

How do I clean out the wax in my votive holder?

You can simply pop the votive holder in the freezer until the wax hardens, at which point it becomes brittle enough to pop out with a butter knife.


Soy wax Candles

What is soy wax and what makes it eco-friendly?

Soy wax is a vegetable wax made from the oil of soybeans, most of which are grown right here on American soil. For this reason, soy wax is a renewable and sustainable resource.

What are “tunnels” and how can I prevent them?

“Tunneling” is when a candle burns down the middle of the jar, leaving lots of wax stuck to the side of the jar. Candles often tunnel due to incorrect wick size or type. The Outer Banks Candle Company candles are wicked to burn clear to the edge of the jar.

However, tunneling can also be caused by failure to keep your candle lit long enough before you extinguish it. Each time you burn a candle, try to burn it at least until the melted wax reaches the edge of the container. If you must extinguish your candle early, plan to burn it a little longer the next time. This should prevent your candle from tunneling.

Why are soy candles in containers?

Soy wax is a soft wax with a low melt point. These qualities allow the wax to hold a lot of fragrance and burn slowly and beautifully, but it is typically too soft to be formed into a pillar candle.

Can I reuse my glass jars?

Yes! Get creative and repurpose those adorable, vintage-style jars! Clean-up is easy, as soy wax is water-soluble. Do not dump soy wax down your sink as it can clog your pipes.

To clean: scoop out any remaining wax with a spoon or hold the outside of the container under hot water until the wax inside starts to get soft, then dump the warm wax into a plastic cup. Clean out your container with a paper towel, then wash it with warm water and soap or run it through the dishwasher. Now you’re ready to reuse your glass jar as a great vase for small flower arrangements, decorate your desk with a new pen and paperclip holders, or re-gift it as a candy jar filled with goodies!

If you have a question that you don’t see answered here, drop us a line here.

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