Home Fragrance FAQ: Common Google questions, answered.

Here at Mumenti we don’t just want to spill facts and statistics about certain topics that only chandlers would understand ~ we want to help you understand this from a consumer perspective.
(And by we, I mean I. Hello! 🙋)
As a neuro-inclusive brand, founded by a neurodivergent herself, Mumenti is built on the idea that home fragrance should be a tool for regulation, not a sensory overload. That’s why I take these questions and answers so seriously. 

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions in Google about candles and wax melts, in an easy to read Mega FAQ list for you.

Why is my candle tunnelling?

A: Tunneling happens when you don’t let the wax melt all the way to the edge on the very first burn ~ or when you buy a cheap candle with the wrong wick size and/or fragrance load. At Mumenti, we spend hours testing and documenting different wick sizes to match specific wicks and their diameters to their specific fragrance loads and wax types ~ meaning I can do the technical stuff at home so you just have to enjoy it in yours :) This way we can make sure they align perfectly for you. 

Q: How to fix a tunnel candle?

A: If you have a candle that is hand poured by a reputable small business and still find it is tunneling, there is an easy way to fix it using the “foil method”. Wrap a bit of foil around the top of the jar (mimicking like fur around the top of boots) to trap heat and melt that outer ring whilst still allowing the air to travel out. Once completely melted, remove the foil and extinguish the flame - I recommend using a wick dipper for this.
The next time you burn the candle, let the melt pool reach the edges, and this should reset the memory for any future burns.

Q: How to prevent a tunneling candle?

A: Always make sure your first burn lasts 2-3 hours. This is what sets the candle memory for future burns. 
Also, buy from a small business and support their handmade store. You will have far less chance of this happening, and you're supporting someone's dream!

 

Q: Why do some candles give me a headache?

A: Unfortunately, this is not a “one size fits all” answer. This could be due to a number of things including (but not limited to):

• Too much fragrance in a space that’s too small for it
• Specific scent boosters and chemicals including phthalates and parabens
• Allergies to certain ingredients
• Individuals who experience different Sensory Processing Disorders
• Age
• Pregnancy

and the list goes on. 

This is why I am proud Mumenti is the first to provide you with Softer options as part of your checkout experience. Because you deserve to enjoy your home fragrance as soft or as strong as you like. 

Therefore, we craft our Stronger Candles and Wax Melt products to their maximum allowed fragrance to wax ratio of 8%, and our Softer Candles and Wax Melt products to half that. Giving you the half strength fragrance experience, whilst providing you the full glowing vibe.

 

How often should I trim a candle wick?

A: It’s recommended you trim your wick to 5mm before every light. For self trimming wicks like ours, you usually just need to keep an eye on them and trim where necessary (always ensure the flame is extinguished and has cooled completely in any trimming circumstance). For candles where the wick blooms into a flower shape, usually just underneath that if you have been burning for a correct amount of time. 
Bonus tip: stop burning your candle when there is at least 10mm of wax at the bottom of the jar for the safest burn. This ensures the candle does not overheat and no damage is done.

 

Why do we need to trim candle wicks?

A: If the wick gets too long, the flame can get too big. This can create black soot (not aesthetically pleasing OR good for your air) and can make the candle burn through much faster than it should. This can lead to an overheated jar and cracks or explosions may occur; so please follow all instructions carefully. Candles are beautiful, but they are dangerous when misused.
A quick trim helps prevent any issues, keeping the burn clean, and your beautiful jar burning bright and safe.

 

What is the difference between soy wax and paraffin wax?

A: Soy is derived from soybeans, making it a wax made from plants, and Paraffin is a byproduct made from ultra refined processes - the same as your Vaseline at home.

Are all candles that aren't pure soy wax toxic?

A: First, let me say my integrity won't allow me to say anything is completely non-toxic. From too much water, too much oxygen, too much sun - everything has a point of too much where one then becomes toxic to another.

As for candles? Unfortunately, some waxes can be higher concentrated in toxicity levels, such as mass produced and store bought versions. This isn't just about the wax, but the fragrance mixed with them too. Contrary to popular belief, the non toxic certification of Pure Soy and other vegetable based blends like Coconut Soy (which is what I use) are pretty much on par - and yes, my hyper fixation had me up at 3am on multiple nights deep diving into this world to make sure that when I finally chose a wax, it was not only certified for performance (later confirmed with extensive testing), but for its non-toxic levels too.

In short, I can't guarantee what every other small business does, but I can almost guarantee all the mass-produced candles are not considered certified non-toxic. However, small businesses with heart, no matter what wax they choose, can and should only declare they're certified non-toxic if they've done their research.

Which is why Mumenti can definitely say - yes we are a brand who uses certified non-toxic products, to bring you home fragrance you can enjoy.

Can home fragrance help with sensory regulation? Or does it cause overwhelm?

A: This is a topic I am deeply passionate about. Because truly, it depends on the person. What’s a whisper to one, is a shout to another. What’s a blanket to one, is claustrophobic to another. Individuals with Sensory Processing Disorder (or other conditions that make people sensitive to smells) may not be able to handle fragrance at all. Then there’s others like myself who find fragrance to be a tool that actually helps relax the nervous system. Mumenti Fragrances like Relax can help brighten up my day. Grounded is my favourite fragrance to have burning through a therapy session. And scents like Lavender Haze may be the perfect cozy lavender scent for some, but for others the fresh airy vibes of Ocean Breeze are exactly what the system needs. 
*Feel free to read our Fragrance Library here and find out what fragrances work for you!

With candles that are too strong, are too big for a smaller room, or are mass produced candles and products that contain harsh boosters, these can lead to instant sensory overload and headaches. 

However, when used correctly, they can truly be an important tool in your personal “reset kit”. And this is the heart of Mumenti. By offering Softer strength options and using clean, certified ingredients, I’ve made it possible to use fragrance as a “sensory anchor” to help you feel safe and calm in your space, just as you deserve. Allowing you to create a space as strong or as soft as you like, perfectly suited to your lifestyle and your needs.

Can a candle actually calm you down?

A: For some of us, yes. But it’s not because of trends, it’s actually biology. Speaking with professionalism and years of research, when you inhale a scent the molecules travel directly to your olfactory bulb, which is linked to the part of the brain that processes emotions and memories (the limbic system). This is why a certain smell can instantly “ground” you, or make you feel safe. Just like a certain “whiff” can all of a sudden transport you back to a certain time, place or moment.
But for this fragrance to actually be calming, it needs to be matching your senses. It cannot keep a person on high alert because chemicals (that we don’t use) trigger parts of the brain that give off the “cravings” need. If you like strong scents, a softer fragrance will only nudge the needle on your emotions radar. But if you need the softer strength, you create the perfect “cue” that it’s time to breathe and slow down. Which is why we offer the choice of Softer and Stronger, so you can choose what you need. I have worked hard to provide you with fragrance designed to soothe, not overwhelm; so, it’s less about the candle doing the work, and more about the candle creating the right atmosphere for you and your specific needs, to find your calm in the overwhelm.

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IS this a full comprehensive list on everything I could deep dive with you? No.
But I hope it has answered enough questions for you today.. I need to do a Part 2! And as always if there's ever any questions you have on this, please feel free to send us a DM on Instagram here or email us at mumenti@outlook.com.

At the end of the day, candle making isn't just a job or a hobby for me. It's a science meets art wonderland. So if you have supported this business from the sidelines or have found our products are exactly what you've been needing for your softer lifestyle, then thank you - Mumenti (and I) are so proud and excited to have you here.

Love Sarah xx

 

PS. Can you tell I geek out over this? xx