McCall's Candles are poured at the optimal level of fragrance to ensure an even, long-burning, highly scented candle from beginning to end. We pride ourselves on taking the time to use only the finest fragrances and wax for the best quality candles. Although McCall's wicks are metal cored, they are zinc, not to be confused with lead.

Our Classic Jar Candle is a unique clear glass jar that features a rustic metal lid embossed with the McCall's Country Canning logo. This candle is also unique because of its decorative distressed metal handle, which attaches securely to a distressed metal band around the neck of the jar.

Our Cottage Cup Candles are 4-ounce candles shaped like little flower pots. These charming candles are twice the size of a typical votive. Cottage Cups burn best in our glass flower burn cups, which have the same flower pot shape.

McCall's Classic Candle Burning Instructions

Though all of our candles have standard instructions on the bottom of the candle, the following information will give you a more detailed guide on burning our candles.

Enjoying and Burning your McCall's Candle

When you light your McCall's candle, it is important to allow it to burn all the way across. That is, light it and keep it lit until the wax across the top liquefies all the way to the edge. (Note: this may take a few burning cycles to achieve.) Every time you burn your candle, you will want to follow the same process. That way your candle will burn evenly and you will maximize your burning time. (Note: the shorter the wick, the longer it will take for the candle to burn all the way across.)

Common Questions about Candles

What Causes a Candle to Smoke?

There are four things that can cause a candle to smoke:

1. Cheap wax: Some candles are made with cheap paraffin wax. At McCall's we believe we have developed a finer candle. We use an excellent paraffin wax to minimize smoking.
2. Too much fragrance: Yes, believe it or not your candle can contain too much fragrance. Though it is important to have a highly fragrant candle, wax can only support so much fragrance and the wick can only burn so much wax and fragrance per hour.
3. Wick is too long: This is the most common problem when burning any candle. You want to keep an eye on your wick each and every time you burn your candle. If you flame is over 3/4" long, the wick may begin to smoke. You will see a tail of smoke off the flame. If this occurs, blow out your candle and trim your wick.
4. A simple draft: Placing a candle in a drafty location is not a good idea. Any wind or draft will cause excess smoking of your candle.

A classic helpful hint for snuffing your McCall’s candle: Using the tips/end of scissors (or any similar-type “pinching” instrument), push the wick under the wax pool and hold it under the wax pool for a couple of seconds. Then, pull the wick out again. This will eliminate most smoking, compared to traditional snuffing methods. This method will also make your “re-light” much easier!

Why does my wick get a "mushroom" on the tip?

"Mushrooms" are carbon deposits caused by highly fragrant candles. They usually appear after a long burning cycle. Before lighting your candle, trim the "mushroom" deposits. Make sure that the trimmings do not fall into the wax pool. (This could become unsightly and could possibly become a fire hazard.)

When should I discard my candle?

Discontinue use when all the wax in the bottom of your jar becomes liquefied. At this point you will be able to see the metal tab of the wick through the wax. When burning your candle, make sure there is always at least a bottom layer of solidified/un-melted wax. Never allow the remainder of your candle to become totally liquefied. Doing so could cause your candle to overheat and it could become a fire hazard.

Standard Burning Instructions

• Keep your flame to maximum of 3/4" at all times.
• Keep your wick trimmed on a regular basis.
• The lid is for decorative use only. Do not use your lid to snuff your candle. Simply blow out the candle before placing the lid on.
• Burn your candle evenly each and every time you light your candle.
• Never leave a candle unattended.
• Keep all debris out of the wax pool.
• Never place candles directly above, under, or next to flammable items.
• Most importantly, please use "common sense" when lighting and burning any candles. Candle fires are preventable and are typically caused by a lack of common sense. We don't want something enjoyable to become something damaging.