FAQs
What are your candles made of?
Coops candles are hand-poured in Portland, Oregon using a soy-based wax blend made from U.S. grown soybeans and FSC-certified wood wicks. I strive to keep ingredients simple: just clean wax, premium fragrance oils, essential oils, and a cozy crackle you’ll actually hear.
Why wood wicks?
We love wood wicks for the soft crackle and even burn they create. They’re made from responsibly sourced wood and give off that fireplace feel without overpowering your space.
How do I get the best burn?
Trim your wick to about ¼″ before each burn and remove any loose wood. Burn on a heat-safe surface away from drafts, pets, and kids. Let the wax melt all the way to the jar’s edge on the first burn to prevent tunneling. Limit burns to about 4 hours at a time and stop once ½″ of wax remains.
Why did my candle tunnel or burn unevenly?
Tunneling happens when the first burn doesn’t reach the edges. Let your candle burn long enough that the entire surface melts evenly, and always keep it away from strong airflow.
Can I reuse the tin?
Definitely! Once your candle is finished and cooled, place the tin in the freezer for about 30 minutes — the leftover wax will harden and pop out easily. You can also use the remaining wax in a wax warmer to enjoy the last of the scent.
After cleaning, the tins are perfect for small storage like jewelry, hair ties, coins, or travel-sized essentials (just not for food or drinks).
Benefits of soy wax
One of the benefits of soy wax over paraffin is that it doesn’t produce smoke (when lit properly). Soy wax contains no herbicides, pesticides or toxins so they are a much better choice for your family, indoor environment and they are safe for asthmatics too.
In short, soy wax provides a slow, clean burn without harsh chemicals filling your air. PLUS, soy candles tend to burn the longest, because soy wax actually burns at a lower temperature.
Are your scents clean?
Yes. I use high-quality fragrance oils that are specifically tested to perform well with soy-based wax blends. Each scent is a thoughtful mix of natural essential oils and safe synthetic aroma compounds, designed for a clean, consistent burn. All of Coops fragrances are 100% phthalate-free and contain no materials listed on California’s Prop 65. I only source from suppliers that follow IFRA standards for safety and sustainability, so you can feel good about what you’re burning.
Do your candles contain paraffin or dyes?
Nope. Coops candles are paraffin-free, dye-free, and vegan-friendly — made with care, not fillers.
What are 'scent notes'?
Scent notes are the layers that make up a candle’s fragrance. Each candle has top, middle, and base notes that work together to create the full scent experience.
In short, top notes are what you smell first, middle notes form the heart of the scent, and base notes are what linger once the candle’s been burning a while.
TOP NOTES:
- What they are: The first impression of the scent — what you smell immediately after lighting or opening the candle.
- Characteristics: Light, fresh, and volatile — they evaporate quickly.
MIDDLE NOTES:
- What they are: The core of the fragrance that develops after the top notes fade.
- Characteristics: Rounder and more complex — they define the main character of the scent.
BASE NOTES:
- What they are: The foundation that anchors the scent — what lingers after the candle’s been burning a while.
- Characteristics: Deep, rich, and long-lasting — they add warmth and staying power.
How long will my order take to ship?
Orders ship from my Portland, OR based studio within 1–2 business days. Once your candle is on the way, you’ll get tracking info straight to your inbox.
Do you offer local pickup?
Not yet. For now, every order ships directly from my studio to your door and I am not able to arrange local pickup.
Can I place a custom or bulk order?
Absolutely. We love working on gifts, wedding favors, and retail partnerships. Reach out through the contact page to chat details — custom scents, labels, and packaging are all possible.
What if my candle arrives damaged?
I pack every order carefully, but if something arrives dented, please send a photo and your order number within 48 hours. I’ll replace or refund it right away.
Do you accept returns?
Because candles are a consumable product, I am not able to accept used returns. If there’s an issue or you’re not happy with your order, reach out — we always want to make it right.
Who makes your candles?
Every candle is hand-poured, labeled, and packed by our tiny team (aka one human and one very good dog) in Portland, Oregon. Each batch is poured in small quantities to keep quality consistent.
Where can I follow along?
We hang out most on Instagram @coopscandleco, where we share new scent drops, behind-the-scenes looks, and upcoming seasonal launches.