Frequently Asked Questions about ReCandle Co. Refillable Candles
Refillable Candle System & How It Works
What makes ReCandle Co.’s candles refillable?
ReCandle Co.'s candles are refillable because each one uses a reusable ceramic vessel paired with drop-in soy wax refills. Instead of throwing away a candle jar after it’s finished, you keep the same vessel and replace only the wax. The design creates a cleaner, low-waste candle experience with less packaging and fewer jars discarded over time.
How does the drop-in refill system work?
ReCandle Co.’s drop-in refill system uses pre-molded 100% soy wax inserts designed to fit directly into your ceramic vessel. When your candle is finished, remove any remaining wax, place a new refill inside, and light it. There’s no scraping, heating, or complicated cleanup, just a quick swap that lets you reuse the same vessel again and again.
Do the refills fit any candle jar?
With normal candle use, our ceramic vessels are designed to maintain their quality through many burn cycles. Our vessels are made from high-heat stoneware that typically holds up beautifully. If you notice light darkening inside from soot, warm water with mild dish soap or a diluted vinegar rinse will usually clean it off. A soft cloth or gentle scrub pad can restore the interior without affecting the glaze.
Can I use ReCandle refills in other candle jars?
While ReCandle Co. refills may physically fit into other containers, we don't recommend using them outside our ceramic vessels. Our vessels are specifically sized and tested for the refills to ensure proper wax melt, safe burn performance, and easy removal after burning. Using refills in untested containers may affect burn quality and safety.
How long does each refill burn?
Each ReCandle Co. refill burns approximately 40 hours with proper candle care. Actual burn time may vary based on factors like wick trimming, burn duration per session, and environmental conditions.
What do I do with the leftover wax after burning?
Each ReCandle Co. refill leaves a small amount of wax at the bottom so the refill can release cleanly from the vessel. After removing it, you can remove the wick tab and reuse the leftover wax as a wax melt in a warmer, collect pieces to make a small candle yourself, or discard it. Our refills are made primarily from soy wax, a plant-based material, and local composting guidelines in some areas may allow disposal in green waste programs.
What should I do with leftover wax after my refill is finished?
Each ReCandle Co. refill leaves a small amount of wax at the bottom, which helps the refill release cleanly. After removing the spent refill, you can repurpose the leftover wax as wax melts, remove the wick tab and save pieces to make a small DIY candle, or discard it. Since our refills are made from soy wax (a plant-based material), some municipalities may allow disposal in green waste or compost programs—check your local guidelines.
How many times can I reuse the ceramic vessel?
A lot! Our ceramic vessels are made from high-heat stoneware and meant to be reused again and again through many refill cycles. We don’t put a specific limit on reuse, but with normal candle care, they’re extremely durable and designed for the long run.
Do the vessels get damaged or stained over time?
Not with normal candle use. Our ceramic vessels are made from high-heat stoneware, so they hold up beautifully over many burn cycles. If you ever notice a bit of darkening inside the jar from soot, warm water with mild dish soap or a diluted vinegar rinse will clean it right off. A soft cloth or gentle scrub pad restores the interior without affecting the glaze.
How do I remove the finished wax from my vessel?
First, make sure the wax has completely cooled. If you see wax remaining on the sides of the jar, gently press down on the wax and slide up and to the sides—these pieces should break off easily. Then turn your jar upside down and tap on the bottom until the wax pops out. If the wax isn't releasing easily after cooling, you can carefully use a dull utensil like a butter knife or spoon to gently press into the wax until it cracks, then the rest should come out smoothly.
What's the best way to burn my refillable candle?
On your first burn, let your candle burn for at least 3-4 hours to create a full melt pool across the top. This helps the wax fill any gaps in your ceramic vessel and prevents tunneling. Continue burning for 3-4 hours at a time until you're left with about 1/4" of wax. At that point, let it cool completely, remove the wax, and you're ready for your next refill. Always trim your wick to 1/4" before each burn for optimal performance and minimal soot.
Ceramic Vessels & Care
How many times can I reuse the ceramic vessel?
A lot! Our ceramic vessels are made from high-heat stoneware and meant to be reused again and again through many refill cycles. We don't put a specific limit on reuse, but with normal candle care, they're extremely durable and designed for the long run.
Do the vessels get damaged or stained over time?
With normal candle use, our ceramic vessels are designed to maintain their quality through many burn cycles. Our vessels are made from high-heat stoneware that typically holds up beautifully. If you notice light darkening inside from soot, warm water with mild dish soap or a diluted vinegar rinse will usually clean it off. A soft cloth or gentle scrub pad can restore the interior without affecting the glaze.
How do I clean my ceramic candle vessel between refills?
In most cases, your ceramic vessel will be ready for the next refill after removing the spent wax. If you notice any light soot or residue, wash with warm water and mild dish soap using a soft cloth. For stubborn residue, a diluted vinegar solution works well. Avoid abrasive cleaners that could damage the glaze. Make sure the vessel is completely dry before inserting your next refill.
Candle Refills & Ingredients
What scents do you offer?
We currently offer Amber Noir, Blood Orange, Caribbean Teakwood, Lavender, White Eucalyptus, Black Sea, Mediterranean Fig, and Unscented options. We also offer a Rotating Scent option for subscribers who want to try something new each delivery. Seasonal scents like Pumpkin Chai are available for limited times throughout the year.
What are your candle refills made of?
Our candle refills are made from soy wax, phthalate-free fragrance oils, and a cotton wick. Each refill is formulated to burn cleanly, release from the vessel after cooling, and fit perfectly inside our reusable ceramic jars.
Are your candles vegan and cruelty-free?
Yes, all ReCandle Co. products are vegan and cruelty-free. We use 100% soy wax (plant-based), cotton wicks, and fragrance oils that contain no animal-derived ingredients and are never tested on animals.
Are ReCandle Co. candles eco-friendly?
Yes! Our entire system is designed to reduce waste. By reusing the same ceramic vessel and only replacing the wax, you eliminate single-use candle jars from landfills. We use 100% soy wax (renewable and biodegradable), recyclable packaging, and plant one tree with every order through our reforestation partnership in Madagascar.
Are your candles non-toxic and safe for pets?
We use soy wax, cotton wicks, and fragrance oils that are free from parabens, phthalates, and Prop 65-listed ingredients. While we've intentionally chosen cleaner ingredients, every pet and home is different. We recommend burning any candle in a well-ventilated space, never leaving candles unattended, and keeping them safely out of reach of pets and children.
What fragrance oils do you use, and are they clean?
The fragrance oils we use are clean, phthalate-free blends formulated without Prop 65 ingredients. They are designed to be safe for home use, including around pets, and are tested for superior scent quality and clean burn performance.
Why did you choose 100% soy wax?
We chose 100% soy wax because it's renewable, biodegradable, and burns longer and cleaner than paraffin. Soy wax also holds fragrance beautifully and supports our commitment to non-toxic, eco-conscious candle making.
Do your candles produce soot?
Our candles produce minimal soot when burned correctly, as all candles create some level of soot due to combustion. We extensively test our wick size and formulation to ensure the cleanest possible burn, and proper wick trimming greatly reduces soot production.
Subscription, Shipping & Orders
How does the refillable candle subscription work?
Subscribing is the easiest way to always have a candle on hand, plus you get free shipping! When you subscribe to the refillable candle starter kit, your first order includes your reusable ceramic vessel and one candle refill. After that, your subscription automatically continues with just the Candle Refill, delivered every 1, 2, or 3 months based on your preference. You can adjust, skip, or cancel anytime from your account.
Can I change my subscription scent or frequency?
Absolutely! Log into your account, click "Manage my subscriptions," select your subscription, and you can change your scent, adjust delivery frequency (every 1, 2, or 3 months), skip a shipment, or update your billing information anytime.
How do I pause or cancel my subscription?
Log into your account page and click "Manage my subscriptions." From there, you can pause your subscription temporarily, skip upcoming deliveries, or cancel entirely. There are no cancellation fees or commitments—you're in complete control.
Do I have to subscribe, or can I buy one-time?
You can purchase either way! The refillable candle starter kit and individual candle refills are available for one-time purchase without any subscription. However, subscribers get free shipping on every order, so it's the most cost-effective option if you burn candles regularly.
What if I already have a vessel and just need refills?
Perfect! If you already have a ReCandle Co. ceramic vessel, you can skip the Starter Kit and subscribe directly to our candle refills, or purchase them individually. If you purchased a refillable candle starter kit without subscribing originally, you can come back anytime and start a refill-only subscription. Please note: our refills are designed specifically for ReCandle Co. vessels and we don't recommend using them in other candle jars, as they may not fit properly or burn safely.
When will my subscription ship?
Your first order ships within 2-3 business days. After that, subscription shipments go out based on your selected frequency (every 1, 2, or 3 months) from the date of your previous order. You'll receive a shipping notification email each time.
Do you offer gift subscriptions?
Yes! A refillable candle subscription makes a thoughtful, sustainable gift. You can purchase a prepaid subscription for someone else, and they'll receive their ceramic vessel and first refill, followed by regular refill shipments. You can manage their scent preferences and frequency from the account you setup, and if they'd like to manage it themselves they can create a new subscription!
What is your return policy?
We want you to love your ReCandle Co. experience! Due to the handcrafted nature of our ceramic vessels and the custom nature of our products, we don't accept returns. However, if your order arrives damaged or you experience any issues with your purchase, please contact us within 30 days and we'll make it right. Each ceramic vessel is unique, and minor variations in glaze and shape are normal and part of the artisan appeal.
How long does shipping take?
Orders typically ship within 2-3 business days and arrive within 5-7 business days via USPS or UPS. Subscribers get free shipping on every order. One-time purchases have a flat shipping rate calculated at checkout
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