FAQ

We get asked this question often, Aunt Sadie was actually co-owner Brian’s Schnetzer’s grandmother. They had a special relationship and later in her life (she lived to be 91) she pondered if anyone would remember her as she never had a career and instead spent her life making and doing things for others. As a young boy Brian remembered family gatherings when her nieces and nephews would call her “Aunt Sadie”, they cherished her too, she may have been the best grandma a kid could hope for, but she was also the most wonderful aunt.

Some people might tell you that hand pouring scented candles in a container is a waste of time. We don’t agree. We know we’re different, our candle pouring and packing has been the same from the beginning: Aunt Sadie inspired our core beliefs to use premium ingredients and put some passion, grit and soul into every one of our candles. We don’t mind if you call us “old-fashioned”. We just hope when you light an Aunt Sadie’s candle it feels special, the hands of many artisans have made this especially for you.

In a word, premium. Paraffin (the most efficient wax) can be purchased in different grades and we don’t mind telling you ours is one of the best. There’s been lots of discussion about candle waxes in the last 20 years, unfortunately much of the information is misleading. The most dangerous part of any candle has less to do with the wax and everything to do with the color and the fragrance (which many alternative wax companies never seem to mention). Paraffin accounts for the largest percentage of candles made in the U.S. (and growing every year) and almost all luxury candles are paraffin based. (doesn’t that tell you something?) At Aunt Sadie’s, we’re proud that when we use wax color, it’s non-toxic, and every one our fragrances has been tested and hand-picked by or custom created for us.

A good rule of thumb with any candle is to never burn it for more than 2-3 hours at a time. When you burn candles for more than 4 hours at a time, carbon collects on the wick and it begins to "mushroom" causing it to become unstable, for the flame to get too large, for the candle to smoke, and for soot to be released into the air and around your candle container. (this relates to any brand of candle)

Absolutely, which is why we’re giving you these from the National Candle Association:

• Never leave a candle unattended.
• Never burn a candle on or near anything that can catch fire. Keep burning candles away from furniture, drapes, bedding, carpets, books, paper, flammable decorations, etc.
• Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets. Do not place lighted candles where they can be knocked over by children, pets or anyone else.
• Never touch or move a candle while it is burning or while the wax is liquefied.
• Don’t burn a candle all the way down. For a margin of safety, discontinue burning a candle when 1/2 inch remains in the container.
• Extinguish a candle if the flame becomes too high or flickers repeatedly. Let the candle cool, trim the wick, and check for unwanted drafts before re-lighting.
• Never use a candle as a night light or while you may fall asleep.
• Be very careful if using candles during a power outage. Flashlights and other battery-powered lights are safer sources of light during a power failure. 
• Never use water to extinguish a candle. Water can cause the hot wax to splatter and might break a glass container.
• Make sure the candle is completely out and the wick ember is no longer glowing before leaving the room.
• Don’t touch or move the candle until it has completely cooled.
• Never use a knife or sharp object to remove wax drippings from a glass holder. It might scratch, weaken, or cause the glass to break upon subsequent use.

Keep the wick trimmed to 1/4”, keep the wax pool clear of wick trimmings and recenter the wick if necessary. And always place the candle on a heat resistant surface before lighting and use long matches, or a long-reach lighter. Avoiding drafts can help prevent rapid, uneven burning, and sooting. Be sure to let the candle cool completely before moving or relighting.

Co-owner Gary Briggs will happily assist you with any questions you might have and can be reached by phone at (802) 892-5267 or by email at gbriggs@auntsadiesinc.com.