Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most common questions we get about our hand-poured soy candles, upcycled bottle candles, fragrances, shipping, and wholesale/custom orders. If you don’t see your question here, contact us and we’ll help you out.
Quick Links
Customer Bottles → Custom Candles
Can I bring you my own wine or liquor bottles to turn into candles?
Yes. We do accept customer-supplied bottles for custom candle orders. Bottles must be clean and suitable for cutting and pouring, and not all bottle types are guaranteed to work.
Availability, pricing, and minimum quantities vary depending on the bottles provided and the size of the order. All custom bulk orders of 24 or more candles require a 25% deposit to begin production.
To get started, use our Custom & Wholesale page and include details about the bottles, quantity, and timeline.
Candles & Materials
What are Turn2Candles made with?
Our candles are hand-poured in small batches using premium soy wax, high-quality fragrance oils, and clean-burning cotton wicks. We focus on an even burn, strong performance, and a candle you can feel good about using in your home.
Are your candles paraffin-free and phthalate-free?
Yes. Our candles are paraffin-free and made with phthalate-free fragrance oils.
Do you offer jar candles and wax melts too?
Yes. While we specialize in upcycled bottle candles, we also offer smaller jar candles and wax melts as additional options.
How long do your candles burn?
Burn time varies based on the candle size and how it’s burned (wick trimming, burn length, drafts, etc.). When available, we include estimated burn time on product pages. As a general rule: larger vessels burn longer, and proper candle care makes a big difference.
Upcycled Bottle Candles
What does “upcycled bottle candle” mean?
It means we take wine and liquor bottles that would otherwise be thrown away and turn them into candle vessels. Each bottle is cleaned, cut, and finished, then poured by hand into a one-of-a-kind candle.
Are upcycled bottle candles safe to burn?
Yes—when used properly. We finish our vessels with care, and we strongly recommend following candle care basics: burn on a stable, heat-safe surface, keep away from drafts and flammable objects, and never leave a candle unattended.
Will every bottle candle look exactly the same?
No. That’s part of the charm. Because bottles vary by brand, shape, thickness, and glass color, each upcycled candle will have small natural differences. You’re getting a unique piece—not a mass-produced item.
Fragrance & Scent Strength
How do I choose a fragrance?
If you’re unsure, start with the vibe you want (fresh/clean, fruity/sweet, earthy/woody, floral/green, seasonal). You can also view our full Fragrance Menu for scent notes and categories.
How strong are your candles?
Scent strength depends on fragrance type, room size, and burn habits. For best throw: trim the wick, allow a full melt pool, and burn in an appropriate-size space. If you want help picking a stronger option, contact us with what you like and the size of the room.
Do you have fragrance notes listed?
Yes—our Fragrance Menu includes descriptions and scent notes so you can shop with confidence.
Do you use fragrance oils or essential oils in your candles?
We primarily use high-quality fragrance oils in our candles. Fragrance oils are specifically designed to perform well in candles, providing consistent scent throw and stability when exposed to heat.
Why don’t you use essential oils in candles?
Many essential oils don’t perform well in candles. They can lose strength, change aroma, or break down when exposed to the high temperatures of burning wax. Essential oils are often better suited for diffusers and other low-heat applications.
Are fragrance oils safe to burn in candles?
Yes. When properly formulated and used within established safety guidelines, fragrance oils are tested specifically for candle use. Safety depends on formulation and responsible usage, not whether an ingredient is labeled “natural.”
Are essential oils more natural than fragrance oils?
Essential oils are plant-derived, but “natural” does not automatically mean safer or better for candles. Both essential oils and fragrance oils must be used appropriately for their intended application.
Which lasts longer in candles—fragrance oils or essential oils?
Fragrance oils typically provide longer-lasting and more consistent scent throw throughout the life of a candle. Many essential oils burn off quickly once the candle is lit.
For more in-depth guidance, you can read our articles on choosing the right candle fragrance for each room and the difference between fragrance oils and essential oils in candles.
Looking for more detailed answers? Visit our guide to soy wax vs paraffin wax candle questions for a deeper explanation.
Candle Care & Burning Tips
How do I get the best burn from my candle?
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Trim the wick to about 1/4" before each burn.
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Let the wax reach the edges on the first burn (prevents tunneling).
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Burn in 2–4 hour sessions (avoid marathon burns).
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Keep away from drafts (fans/vents can cause uneven burning).
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Always use a heat-safe surface and never leave unattended.
What is “tunneling” and how do I fix it?
Tunneling happens when the wax melts only in the center. To fix it, burn long enough to form a full melt pool (edge-to-edge). Prevent it by letting the first burn reach the edges.
Shipping
How much is shipping?
We offer free shipping on orders over $49. All other orders ship with a $5 flat-rate shipping charge. Shipping discounts apply at checkout after your address is entered.
Why don’t I see free shipping until checkout?
Shopify calculates shipping after your delivery address is entered. Once you add your address at checkout, your shipping discount applies automatically if your order qualifies.
Wholesale & Custom Orders
Do you offer wholesale pricing?
Yes. We work with wineries, retailers, and shops on wholesale and bulk orders. Use our Custom & Wholesale page to request a quote.
What is your wholesale minimum?
Our minimum wholesale candle order is 24 candles.
Do bulk/wholesale orders require a deposit?
Yes. All bulk orders require a 25% deposit to begin production.
Do you sell cut bottles for craft shops and makers?
Yes. We also take bulk requests for cut bottles. Use the Custom & Wholesale page and select the option for cut bottles so we can provide availability and pricing.
Troubleshooting
My candle is smoking or the flame is too high—what should I do?
Extinguish the candle, let it cool, trim the wick to about 1/4", and relight. High flames and smoke are usually caused by an untrimmed wick or drafts.
Returns & Policies
How do I contact you?
Use our Contact page for questions, help choosing a fragrance, or order support. For wholesale/custom/bulk requests, please use the Custom & Wholesale page.
Still have questions?
Send us a message through our Contact page and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.