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Frequently Asked Questions

Candles : Questions & Answers

Here are the questions we get asked most often – with our answers and tips to help you make the most of your KARMA SENSES, MiKeRa & KASSEL candles and accessories:

What type of wax does KARMA SENSES, MiKeRa & KASSEL use?

KARMA SENSES, MiKeRa & KASSEL candles use the finest quality highly refined paraffin wax, eco-friendly soy wax and certified sustainable regenerated palm wax.

Does Paraffin wax represent a health risk?

No. In recent years there has been a lot of misinformation about paraffin wax. In truth paraffin wax is considered to be a very safe product. Paraffin wax has been extensively tested around world and in all categories it is classified as non-hazardous, non-toxic and is considered to be non-carcinogenic and stable.

Individual health effects can vary with the type of exposure and individual susceptibility. We always advise that if you burn or melt wax that it is done in a well-ventilated room. This is not specific to paraffin wax. It is the same recommendation we make for bees wax, soy wax, palm wax or any other type of mixed waxes.

Do KARMA SENSES, MiKeRa & KASSEL wicks contain lead?

No, KARMA SENSES, MiKeRa & KASSEL candles are made with lead-free cotton wicks

How do I reduce candle smoking?

All candles should have their wicks trimmed to about 1cm every time before burning (and have all debris removed). Also make sure the candle is not oxygen-starved and never burn candles in a draught.

Is candle soot harmful?

No. The minuscule amount of soot produced by a candle is a natural by-product of incomplete combustion. Candle soot is similar to everyday household sources of soot such as from kitchen toasters and cooking oils and is not considered a health concern.

Why do candles drip?

Primarily it’s down to the quality of manufacture. The best will certainly drip less. However, it’s impossible to guarantee a dripless candle. Palm & Soy waxes become liquefied during normal burning and these candles should always be in a container or on a protective candle plate.

How do I get a more even burn?

Avoid draughts and turn the candle periodically.

What’s the best way to extinguish a candle?

Use a KARMA SENSES, MiKeRa & KASSEL snuffer to avoid wax ‘splash.’

What is a candle’s minimum burn time?

Burn time is affected by wax type; wick size and type; the actual insertion of the wick; dye colouring (a darker candle will not burn the same as a light one) and burn environment (draughts will significantly reduce the burn time).

A good rule of thumb is always to burn your pillar candles for 1 hour per 2.5cm of diameter each time you light them. This allows a wax pool to develop, preventing the candle wall from falling in.

How should I store my candles?

Store candles in a cool, dark and dry place and keep like scents together. Candles have different melting points, so never leave candles in your car on warm days.

How do I avoid wax fade?

Keep candles out of direct sunlight.

What’s a good tip for votives?

Drop a teaspoon or two of water into the votive holder before putting the votive in. This will help the candle to slide out for replacement.

How do I remove spilt wax from benchtops?

Let the wax cool. Use a plastic spatula to scrape off excess and a mild abrasive cleaner to remove the rest.

How do I remove spilt wax from carpets?

Let the wax cool. Place a paper towel over the spill and use a warm iron to heat and absorb wax. Change the towel repeatedly. Turpentine will dissolve paraffin wax – place a small amount on a clean rag and gently rub the area.

Why wouldn’t I be getting any scent?

The candle’s ability to ‘throw’ a scent is affected by: wax type; quality of scent; amount of scent, its manufacture and size of room.

Why would a container candle have air bubbles?

These are known as ‘wet spots’ and are caused by a variety of things, particularly the adhesion between the wax and the jar. Some are controllable, some are not. KARMA SENSES, MiKeRa & KASSEL uses a variety of techniques to minimise the effect, including a special blend of wax.

Candles : Safety

  • Below is some important general safety advice – as well as detailed information about various product types.
  • Never leave a burning candle unattended
  • Always light candles in a draught-free area
  • Keep candles out of reach of children
  • Don’t burn a candle completely. Once your candle has burnt to within 2cm of the base or holder, dispose of it
  • Always remove labels and wrapping before lighting candles
  • Always place candles on a non-flammable, sturdy surface or holder
  • Make sure the holder is at least 30% bigger at the base of the candle to capture the dripping wax and protect your surfaces from heat
  • Always protect the surface under your candle with a tray or stand of some kind
  • Don’t move any candle that is burning, as the wax could spill and cause severe burns
  • Always trim wicks to 6mm before each burn
  • KARMA SENSES, MiKeRa & KASSEL candle label always show the width (or diameter) first and the height second
  • The burn time indicated on labels (if applicable) is shown with an h after the hour number and is approximate. Burn times can vary according to the burning environment. KARMA SENSES, MiKeRa & KASSEL manufactured products have a conservative burn time placed on the product to allow for variations in the burn environment.
  • Burn times are always approximate but can sometimes actually be longer than shown

Wicks

Regularly trim your wicks. We use 100% cotton, lead free wicks. Sometimes you will notice a ‘mushrooming’ of the wick. To provide the cleanest burn possible, we recommend you remove the black ‘mushroom’ before burning and periodically during the burning. Failure to do this may lead to a “Wax Pool Fire” (in Containers and sometimes Votives) where the entire candle may appear to ignite. This is caused when a piece of untrimmed wick drops into the melted wax pool and ignites it. Preventing the “mushroom” effect by regularly trimming the wick and not burning any candle for longer than the maximum recommended burn time will avoid this from occurring.

In the event of a Wax Pool Fire, do not throw water onto it as this will cause the candle to “explode” due to the water suddenly turning to steam on contact with the hot wax. Either blow it out, cover with a fire blanket or use a fire extinguisher. Do not attempt to move the candle while the wax is on fire.

Container Candles

  • The wick must be trimmed regularly
  • The candle must not be allowed to burn for more than 3 hours at a time.
  • Frosted jars are sensitive to marking and can gather soot (or carbon) easily if the wick is not trimmed often enough or the candle is burned in a draught.
  • Carbon marks should be wiped off as they occur with a clean, damp cloth.
  • Containers should always be placed on a heat resistant surface such as KARMA SENSES, MiKeRa & KASSEL plate or tray.
  • During the warmer months, container candles should be stored in an upright position as a hot day could melt the wax and the container will re-solidify in an uneven position.

Use of Aromatherapy products

  • Pregnancy is a special time to care for you and your baby. At KARMA SENSES MiKeRa & KASSEL, we believe in creating a loving and warm atmosphere by using essential oils and candles. However, you should be aware of the following facts when using products that contain essential oils, particularly during pregnancy.
  • Consult a qualified medical practitioner before using essential oils if you are planning a pregnancy, are pregnant, have allergies, high blood pressure or any other medical condition.
  • Use caution when using essential oils when young children or babies are present.
  • Use essential oils only as directed and never directly on your skin or for internal consumption.
  • Ensure protection of your essential oils by keeping them away from direct sunlight and heat.
  • Keep essential oils away from eyes at all times.

Note: The diverse range of essential oil varieties and applications makes it difficult for us to give advice to individuals. Advice should be sought from a qualified medical practitioner. Additionally, there are a number of publications and websites that provide information regarding the use of essential oils, and any risks associated with their use.

  • ensure the oil burner dish is clean and dry.
  • light a tealight candle and place it underneath the dish.
  • do not light the melt directly, it is not a candle as it has no wick.
  • Once the tealight is extinguished the melt will harden.
  • Remember to remove both stickers before placing in the oil burner.
  • You must not add water or oils to the dish when using a melt
  • There is no danger in the dish burning dry when using melts as the wax does not evaporate.
  • When replacing melts – If the melt does not slide easily out of the dish, wait till it has gone completely cold, then place the burner in the fridge for a few minutes till the wax shrinks a little. You can then slide the wax disc out easily.
  • melts leave no residue of water, oil or burn stains on your burner.
  • Always check your oil burner for any cracks before use.

Votives

  • A votive must be burned in a proper votive holder.
  • Votive holders should be placed on a heat resistant surface such as a KARMA SENSES, MiKeRa & KASSEL tray or plate.
  • Placing a teaspoon of water in the holder before putting the candle in helps to remove the remains of the votive.
  • votive candles have an approximate burn time of 15 to 17 hours.

Tealights

Note: KARMA SENSES, MiKeRa & KASSEL does not sell poor quality or low-end tealights. Our range is made to deliver a superior burn and greater overall value.

  • Burn times for the same size tealight can vary by up to 40%
  • Poor quality tealights can constantly “drown” in their own wax and give no burn.
  • Some waxes used to make tealights have very high water content to keep costs down but causes “spluttering”

Pillars

  • Take the label off prior to burning.
  • The wick must be trimmed regularly to 6 mm to help reduce the amount of smoke produced.
  • The candle must be burned 1 hour for every 2.5 cm of diameter the first time it is lit. This will allow the pool of wax to extend to the outside rim and prevent the candle wall falling in.
  • The candle should not be allowed to burn for more than 3 hours otherwise the sides could collapse.
  • Do not burn in draughts.
  • If the candle looks like it is going to burn unevenly, try rotating the candle as it may be affected by slight draughts. This way the candle may eventually re-balance itself.
  • Always burn your candle on a suitable holder so that you do not damage your surface.
  • Remove wick debris before burning, this may catch fire and cause the candle to self-destruct.
  • To avoid candles fading and warping, store them out of direct sunlight in a cool, dry place.
  • KARMA SENSES, MiKeRa & KASSEL test-burns all its candles. We seek out the very best scents and waxes to ensure excellent burn time, good value for money, a nice scent throw and as little smoke as possible
  • KARMA SENSES, MiKeRa & KASSEL’s candle manufacturing is carried out in a strictly controlled environment to deliver a consistent product. Nevertheless, every candle has its own personality, determined by several factors including the very day it was poured
  • Always trim wicks to 6mm before and during burning to reduce smoke and carbon build up
  • Remember to put the candle out carefully. It is better to snuff a candle out which extinguishes the flame rather than blow on it as the liquid wax may be sprayed over surfaces and could damage curtains or furniture
  • A candle flame may generate significant heat so always allow a gap of at least 60cm above and position your candle well away from combustible materials