Welcome to the Chapel & Claw FAQ section, where all your burning questions (pun absolutely intended) will be answered. From candle care to scent secrets to help you make the most of your gothic home fragrance experience.

Why are your scents special?

Every Chapel & Claw scent tells its own dark tale. Inspired by folklore, gothic literature, and the haunting beauty of the natural world, each candle is handcrafted with a custom scent blend and adorned with original, hand-drawn artwork. Our candles are more than fragrances - they are stories you can light.

Who makes your candles?

Chapel & Claw is an independently female-owned, one-woman operation. Each candle is poured, labelled, and packed with care by the founder, Gabriella. So when you purchase a Chapel & Claw product, you’re also supporting an artist and a craftswoman.

Are your candles vegan and cruelty-free?

Yes! Our candles are crafted using 100% soy wax, high-quality vegan-friendly fragrance oils, pre-waxed cotton wicks, and ethically sourced, cosmetic-grade mineral mica powders, which have not been chemically dyed. We do not use any animal-derived ingredients, and none of our materials are tested on animals.

Is your packaging eco-friendly?

Absolutely. We use recyclable cardboard boxes, recyclable and biodegradable packing paper. The artwork has been thermally printed onto labels to avoid the use of harsh ink chemicals. We avoid plastics wherever possible and are continually seeking greener alternatives.

How long does shipping take?

All candles are handmade and packed by hand, so please allow 4–14 business days for dispatch, depending on our current stock levels. UK orders typically take 2–3 working days for delivery via Royal Mail.

You’ll receive a tracking link once your parcel has shipped. If you need your order urgently, please don't hesitate to contact us at chapelandclaw@gmail.com, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

Do you still ship to the US?

Yes, but with a caveat. New tariffs coming into effect at the end of August mean that small overseas goods - including candles - could see customers facing additional customs charges of $80–$120. We know this is frustrating, and we’re currently exploring alternative shipping options, such as UPS, which may involve a slightly higher delivery fee but should help avoid these unexpected tariffs.

We’ll share updates as soon as we have a clear solution, as we’re committed to keeping our candles accessible to our US customers without unpleasant surprises.

What is your returns and refund policy?

We want you to be delighted with your candle, but if your item arrives damaged or defective, please email us via our “Contact Us” page within 7 days of receipt, along with a photo and a description of the issue. We’ll either send a replacement or issue a refund.

We are unable to offer refunds for scent preferences, as fragrance is a deeply personal choice. If you're unsure about a scent, we recommend waiting for our upcoming wax melt samples.

Candles must be unused and in original condition to be eligible for return.

What is the best way to burn my candle?

The first burn is the most important! Burn your candle for at least 2–4 hours the first time (or until the melt pool reaches the edge of the jar) to prevent tunnelling. This ensures an even burn throughout the candle’s life.

What is tunnelling, and how do I prevent it?

Tunnelling happens when a candle burns straight down the centre, leaving wax on the sides. To avoid this, make sure the wax pool melts fully to the edge of the jar during your first burn. If tunnelling has already occurred, you can correct it by carefully heating the sides of the candle (e.g., with a hairdryer) and allowing the wax to level out.

Should I trim the wick?

Yes! You can trim the cotton wick to around 3mm before each burn. This prevents the flame from becoming too large, reduces smoke/soot, and keeps your candle burning cleanly.

How long can I burn my candle?

We recommend burning your candle for no more than 4 hours at a time. Allow the wax to cool and harden between burns.

How strong is the scent throw?

We use the maximum safe fragrance load for each candle (typically 10%) to provide a full-bodied scent without overwhelming the room. For best results, burn in smaller rooms or multiple candles in large spaces.

How long do your candles last?

Each of our 6oz candles burns for approximately 40–45 hours, depending on care and environment.

Are your candles safe?

Our candles are made using high-quality materials and are labelled with CLP-compliant allergen and safety information. Just follow our safety guide (included in each order).

What about pets and candles?

We love animals and use pet-friendly ingredients wherever possible. However, pets — especially birds and small animals — have more sensitive respiratory systems. Always burn candles in a well-ventilated area, never leave a flame unattended around pets, and stop use if you or your pet experiences any discomfort..

Can I use your candles if I’m pregnant or have sensitivities?

All of our fragrance oils are IFRA-compliant and used within safe limits. That said, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have scent-related health concerns, we recommend consulting your GP before using any fragranced product.

Can I reuse the jar?

Absolutely! Once your candle is finished, simply clean out any remaining wax with warm soapy water. Our apothecary jars make excellent homes for dried flowers, pencils, or even tea.

Do you include gifts with purchase?

Yes! Every order includes a complimentary herbal tea sachet and a candle care guide to ensure you get the most out of your candle.

Do you offer samples?

At this time, we do not offer candle samples; however, we hope to introduce free wax melt samples as part of our upcoming expansion in the near future.

Do you sell wax melts or perfumes?

Not yet — but soon! We are currently developing our first range of wax melts and artisan perfume oils. Sign up to our email newsletter to be the first to know when these launch.

Do you take custom orders?

Custom scents and private commissions may be available depending on availability. Drop us a message, and we’ll see if we can conjure something just for you.

Still have questions? Contact us at customercare@chapelandclaw.co.uk or DM us on Instagram @chapelandclaw.